When lasers won’t work – electrolysis will!

Electrolysis is the only method that is been given the term “Permanent Hair Removal” by the FDA and Health Canada.   Electrolysis the old work horse that give results when lasers will not!   Lasers are limited by color where electrolysis is colorblind.   White, grey, blond, fine hair and dark skin make no difference to electrolysis. A medically trained electrologist/laser technician who is experienced, understands the art, science and methodology behind both systems of permanent hair removal will be able to treat most people with success.

Excessive hair growth is caused either by hormones or heredity.   Medications, stress, illness and even temporary methods of hair removal such as waxing and tweezing can cause hair to grow and become thicker. This excessive hair can become problematic when it is on the wrong part of your body.

Dr. Charles M. Michel, an American ophthalmologist in St. Louis Missouri, developed the first electrolysis treatment in 1875. Dr. Michel reported that his use of galvanic electrolysis had successfully treated the ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis). His paper stated, “In 1869, I devised and had made a delicate electro-cautery, with which I proposed destroying the follicle and the hair papilla.” Dr. Michel’s electro-cautery machine worked and the treatment of permanent hair removal was born.

Jumping ahead to today, electrolysis has been pushed aside for the quick and easy treatments of laser hair removal. Electrolysis is no longer the treatment of choice for many, but the best technician is experienced in both modalities and designs treatments that will be most advantages for her client.    Laser hair treatments for the dark coarse hair and electrolysis treatments for the white, grey, blond, fine hair and eyebrows.

Electrolysis should be used for artfully sculpting eyebrows, shaping hairlines and for thinning the fine vellus hair on the face and neck. Electrolysis is the only modality that will permanently remove white and lighter hairs from any part of the body and face.

For darker skin tones that are not recommended for laser hair removal, electrolysis is effective on all skin types and hair colors.

Based on the same principle as laser, the goal of electrolysis is to generate enough heat in an active follicle to destroy the germ cells and papilla without damaging the outer surface of the hair. This is done with either chemical or heat energy. A very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a tingling will be felt. The hair is then removed with tweezers.  Electrolysis is a much slower process as the hair follicles are treated individually and treatments are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.   The total number of sessions will vary from person to person. The length of the treatment is from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area.

Preparation for electrolysis treatment is simple.   No shaving, waxing, tweezing or threading can be done in between appointments.   Shaving can be done as often is necessary but at least 2 days of growth is necessary for the treatment.

Possible side effects from electrolysis may include but are not limited to temporary pinkness or reddening of the skin, pin point scabbing and bruising.

Electrolysis works well with laser to treat areas that are inappropriate for laser hair removal. Electrolysis treatments are a viable option for people who wanted permanent hair removal when laser hair removal is not possible.