ELECTROLYSIS

Electrolysis hair removal is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. Also known as epilation, it does require multiple sessions to achieve best possible results. An electric current is applied with a very fine needle-shaped electrode, or metal probe into each hair follicle to destroy the root.

There are three types of electrolysis: galvanic, thermolysis and blend. Hair grows in different stages: growing, resting and shedding. Because all of the hair isn’t on the same stage at any given time, multiple sessions are needed to get the hair in the growth phase for electrolysis hair removal to be most effective.

Single-use electrolysis probe is used during the procedure that is discarded after each treatment.

How to prepare for Electrolysis?

• Avoid sun exposure 48 hours prior to your treatment.

• Drink plenty of water the day before, the day of and the day after the treatment. Dehydrated follicles are more difficult to treat. Hydration will also help your skin to heal better.

• You can take over the counter pain reliever 30 minutes before the appointment to relieve discomfort.

• Avoid shaving for 4 days and waxing for 4 weeks prior to your treatment so your hair is long enough to pull out.

• Avoid any other harsh skin treatments, such as chemical peels 1-2 weeks before your appointment. 

• Don’t apply any oils or lotions on the day of your appointment.

Electrolysis AFTER-CARE

• Following your treatment, do not touch or scratch the treated area. This can cause breakouts and infection.

• Do not wash or wear make-up over the treated area for 24 hours. Washing with soap can cause irritation.

• Avoid perfume or alcohol-based products, they will dry out your skin. You can wipe the treated area with witch hazel, if needed.

• Apply Polysporin, Neosporin or another antibacterial ointment or cream to the treated area the night after your treatment. This will help your skin heal faster, especially facial areas. Apply with Q-tips or clean hands. If your skin is still irritated on the second day, apply a Hydrocortisone cream (anything with 1% hydrocortisone or hydrocortisone acetate). It is anti inflammatory and will help to reduce redness and swelling.

• Avoid excessive sweating. Sweat can cause bacteria to enter into the open follicles and cause minor infection. Exercise before your electrolysis appointment instead of afterward. 

• Avoid the sun for the next 72 hours to avoid the formation of brown pigment spots. Your skin defends against UV rays by producing pigment, which will deflect some of the harmful rays. If your skin is injured or traumatized it can over-produce pigment in those areas. This can result in hyperpigmentation. Always wear sunscreen.

• Do not swim in chlorinated pool for 48 hours following treatment

• If small scabs appear, do not scratch them away. This can cause scarring. Allow them to fall off naturally. This is nature’s way of healing the follicle that we have treated. Keeping the area moisturized will often curtail the formation of scabs. 

• If you are prevented from coming in as soon as you would like for your next treatment, do not tweeze! The offending hair can be clipped of with small scissors, shaved, bleached or you can use a depilatory such as Nair.

Remember: Some re-growth is to be expected. If you will return when the first re-growth occurs, the roots are shorter and weaker and therefore can be treated more effectively.