Electrolysis for Effective Hair Removal

Electrolysis is still recognised as the only method of truly permanent hair removal.  In the hands of a well trained electrologist it is a perfectly safe and highly effective treatment.   One of the 3 different methods of electrolysis will work on (and is suitable for) all hair types and colours and all skin types and colours.

For successful and effective results, each individual hair requires repeated treatments.  This is because each individual hair has its' own growing cycle called Anagen, Catagen and Telogen.   This is not unlike the ‘cycle of life' with Anagen being the ‘alive' and growing stage, Catagen the ‘collapsing' stage where the hair collapses away from its source of food and nourishment (the dermal papilla) and the Telogen stage where the hair is ‘tired' and dying and disconnected completely from its dermal papilla.   Successful treatment for electrolysis (and incidentally also laser and ipl) has to target the hair in Anagen to achieve optimum results as it is the destruction of the dermal papilla which is required. Therefore results are not immediate and take a little time, but electrolysis does work and it is permanent.

Unwanted hair causes enormous distress, as anyone who has suffered with it will understand, and often brings with it a sense of isolation, low self worth and poor-self esteem.  Unwanted hair can be genetic or inherited or one of the symptoms for disorders such as polycystic ovary system.  There are also many medications and drugs that cause or stimulate unwanted hair growth as well as hormonal changes within the body such as during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.    It is often in the case that electrologists are privileged to witness a dramatic transformation in their clients, from a self conscious, deeply demoralised individual at the beginning of a course of treatments, to confident and happy individual once treatment is under way and making progress. Many women and indeed many men have benefited from this tried and trusted treatment.

How long does a typical treatment last?

In electrolysis there is really no ‘typical' treatment as all clients are individuals and a treatment plan is created to suit the individual's needs and requirements. Treatments can take anything from 10 minutes once a month to up to 2 hours once a week.  Electrolysis treatment will initially take longer and be frequent eventually tailing off to shorter less frequent treatments as the hair becomes less dense, finer, lighter and less noticeable.   Treatment can be performed in one area or in many different areas in any given treatment session.   With the transgender community appointments can be in excess of 4 hours in any one session and are usually initially concentrated on facial hair growth.
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Who do I go to for treatments?

Always ensure that the electrologist holds a current valid and recognised qualification in electrolysis.  Professional electrologists specialise and excel often in just electrolysis and advanced techniques but many beauty therapists have a basic electrolysis qualification as part of their beauty certification and whilst many of these are good practitioners, additional qualifications and CPD Continued Professional Development certificates are always welcome and usually give an indication of experience.

How much does an electrolysis treatment cost?

Nationwide the cost of hair removal electrolysis varies depending on location, experience and client base.  However the average cost to the client of a hair removal electrolysis treatment is usually £1.00 – £2.00 per minute of treatment.  ‘Offers' are occasionally given for courses booked and paid for up front and for longer appointment times.   Experience and skill does make a huge difference to the success and result of the treatment as well as the cost.  Fast is not always best as accuracy is key to success.   The equipment and needles that each electrologist uses may also play a part in the cost of the treatment as 24 carat gold needles are more expensive than stainless steel.

What are the different electrolysis methods?

1. Short wave diathermy or thermolysis uses an alternating current at a high frequency and low voltage. This causes the water molecules around the follicle to vibrate resulting in the production of heat, stopping the blood supply to the root, which weakens and eventually destroys the hair.

2. The galvanic DC (Direct Current) method causes a chemical reaction in the salt and water in the follicle. This reaction creates a chemical called Sodium Hydroxide or Lye, the Lye stops the nourishment to the cells that cause hair growth.

3. The Blend is the most recent method combines Galvanic (DC) and Thermolysis (AC). This is the most effective method because the lye is more efficient at weakening the hair when heated. This is said to be the quickest and most comfortable method especially good for curly or distorted hair follicles.  

What happens after an electrolysis treatment?

An aftercare product will be applied to the treated area to cool and protect.  You might be given, or asked to buy, a product to continue to use at home and you should be given advice on how to care for your skin e.g. no scratching or picking the area and no sunbathing or other heat treatments following a procedure.  The most usual products offered are by electrolysis brand leader Sterex electrolysis that has a range of aftercare products specially formulated for their antiseptic and soothing properties which can be applied after electrolysis as well as waxing, IPL, or laser treatments or sunbeds/sunbathing including:

1. Aloe Vera Gel: A cool soothing gel with a refreshing lemon grass fragrance contains 95% liquid extract of Aloe Vera.

2. Witch Hazel Gel: Renowned for its antiseptic properties containing 80% liquid extract of Witch Hazel.

3. Après Cosmetic Creams: The mildly medicated Apres creams help calm skin sensitivity and offer light camouflage coverage.

Is a course of treatment recommended for optimum results?

Definitely as each hair requires more than one treatment because each individual hair has its own growing cycle and blood supply. Electrolysis works by weakening the hair and eventually destroying it.  Courses of treatment are therefore imperative and results take a little time.   A fine probe (resembling the size of an eyelash) is inserted into the hair follicle where a tiny burst of energy is targeted at the root of the hair. This prevents nutrients feeding the hair and the hair becomes weaker and finer. After a course of treatments the hair is no longer able to grow and complete hair free results are obtained.

Electrolysis for hair removal

Electrolysis is a modern, affordable, effective, successful and safe treatment when performed well and with improvements in technology it has developed into a more comfortable and gentle treatment than ever before.  Its reputation continues to grow and it is recently experiencing resurgence in popularity.  It retains the legal affirmation of being THE only permanent method of hair removal and is a brilliant stand alone treatment, however it also complements LASER/IPL treatments and together they make the perfect combination offering speed of treatment with the added benefit of permanency.