How it Works

How does electrolysis work?

Abby, a professional licensed electrologist, inserts a very fine sterile probe into the natural opening of the hair follicle alongside the hair shaft.  A micro-pulse of controlled energy is then applied destroying the dermal papilla, the matrix, and an area called "the bulge", all of which cause hair to grow and regenerate. The hair shaft is released by the process and permanently removed. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the AMA (American Medical Association) recognize only electrolysis as a permanent method of hair removal.

How was electrolysis invented?

Electrolysis was invented in 1875 by an opthamologist looking for a way to permanently remove ingrown eyelashes.  Charles E. Michel discovered that hair follicles did not regrow hair when subjected to the heat generated by electric currents. The method was soon accepted by the medical community and then adapted for treatment of excess hair on other parts of the body.

What are modalities?

Medical electrolysis devices can destroy the hair growth cells with chemical energy, heat energy, or both. The method chosen by the electrologist is the modality. All are effective. There are three modalities in current use:  Galvanic electrolysis is a chemical process. The current produces a chemical reaction in the hair follicle eliminating the hair growth cell. Thermolysis (also called short-wave) produces heat. This modality heats and destroys the hair growth cells in the follicle. A higher intensity current can be applied for less time in the follicle, or current can be used at lower intensity with longer timing. The Blend method combines galvanic current with thermolysis current. Thermolysis heats up the chemical reaction in the follicle destroying hair growth cells. Abby will work together with you to determine the most effective modality for your specific needs.

What does electrolysis feel like?

You'll probably feel a momentary heat sensation or pinch. Discomfort is minimal for most people, but individual tolerances vary greatly. Keep in mind that some areas of the body are much less sensitive than others. Many people read, listen to music or even take a nap while being treated.

How long will my
electrolysis treatment take?

Depending on the area you want cleared, it could be a few minutes for an appointment to an hour for a larger area. The process of growth, rest, and replacement are known as the hair growth cycle. Hairs have differing cycles of growth, many of which are not visible on the surface of the skin at the same time. Since individual hairs are in different phases of the cycle at any given time, multiple treatments may be required to remove unwanted hair.  Most people who follow the recommended treatment plan can expect to be completed or nearly completed within 12 to 18 months. Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, certain medications and stress influence the treatment program for each individual. Based on a personal and confidential consultation, Abby will design a treatment plan that addresses your specific hair removal needs.

Who is Electrolysis for?

Women

Almost all areas of the body can be subject to unwelcome hair growth. For women, the unwanted hair on commonly visible areas, like the face, usually takes priority. The most commonly treated areas for women are, chin, jawline, upper lip, sides of face, eyebrows, chest, abdomen, breast, bikini lines, underarms, hairline, fingers and toes. Electrolysis is the only permanent solution to get the hair free look you deserve.

Men

Men face many unwanted hair issues, too. Some common areas for men are: back hair, ear hair, unwanted unibrow, underarms, arms and legs, and hands. “Manscaping” can also include beard and eyebrow sculpting, or the elimination of hair on the cheeks, neckline hair or other areas that require frequent grooming. Electrolysis can also
treat ingrown hairs. Electrolysis provides permanent and time saving results for men.

Athletes

Athletes turn to hair removal for improved athletic performance. For those athletes who would like the convenience of a permanent solution, electrolysis is the only effective option. Other hair removal methods to increase athletic performance may reduce the amount of hair, but only electrolysis gives a permanent hair removal solution.

Teenagers

Self-esteem and body images are important to all, however teens with unwanted hair can have a negative body image and thus effecting their self-esteem. For teenage girls and boys with unwanted hair, there is a permanent solution for hair removal that is safe and convenient.

Coarse Hair

Coarse, curly or wavy hair can become stuck underneath the skin. Attempting to manage these problems by temporary methods such as waxing, shaving, or tweezing can just make them worse.  In fact these methods can causing scarring or discolored areas. Only electrolysis can provide a solution without the negative effects of scarring and discolored areas.

Dark Skin

Electrolysis works on all skin colors and skin types. Unlike alternatives such as laser hair removal, electrolysis is safe and effective for all skin tones and hair types because it treats hair at its source, deep within the hair follicle. It is not necessary to have a significant difference in between the color of the hair and the color of your skin to perform effective electrolysis.  If you've heard that your skin tone means that you are not a candidate for hair removal treatments, then you need to speak to an electrolgist.

Hormones

Hormonal changes and conditions account for many problems with unwanted hair. Many causes such as:  puberty, menopause, pregnancy, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), an underlying medical condition,  your genetic makeup, increased stress and even some medications can cause unwanted hair growth. For permanent removal of the hair, the only approved FDA and AMA solution is electrolysis.