- For a more comfortable treatment avoid caffeine for a few hours before your appointment.
- Gently exfoliating your skin before your treatment opens up the follicles and lets the unwanted hair slide out more easily.
- If your electrologist can’t see the hairs, they can’t zap the hairs. Plucking, waxing, threading, or tweezing before your hair removal appointment reduces the number of hairs your electrologist can remove.
- Rest assured that electrology is the only hair removal method recognized as permanent by the FDA.
- Ask your electrologist for aftercare advice. We can recommend the product that is right for your skin and treatment program
- Talk to your electrologist about any questions or concerns. We want your experience to be as comfortable and effective as possible.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drinking plenty of water helps unwanted hair slide out more easily.
- Clean skin releases unwanted hair more easily. Remove your makeup before your appointment, so the hair follicles are clean and accessible.
- It’s okay to shave between treatments, but never, ever tweeze!
- The hair you see is not all the hair you have. Hair grows in cycles. That’s why it takes more than one appointment to permanently clear an area.
This FAQ is based on common questions clients ask of electrology practitioners. The information below is not intended to provide a diagnosis or define a treatment. Please consult your electrologist before selecting a course of hair removal treatment. We are happy to answer any further questions you might have.
The information is provided courtesy of American Electrology Association.
+ What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent removal of unwanted hair. Regardless of the cause – heredity, metabolic, or hormonal conditions – electrolysis will permanently remove unwanted hair to reveal a glowing, confident you. A small electric current is transmitted by a fine, sterile probe (or needle) directly into the natural opening of the hair follicle, destroying the dermal papilla, the matrix, and an area called “the bulge”, all of which cause hair to grow and regenerate. 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: 1. Galvanic electrolysis is a chemical process. The current produces a chemical reaction in the hair follicle eliminating the hair growth cells. 2. 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. 3. The Blend method combines galvanic current with thermolysis current. Thermolysis heats up the chemical reaction in the follicle destroying hair growth cells.
+ Why do people get electrolysis hair removal?
Maybe it’s just an unwelcome maintenance routine that takes a lot of time, but often, unwanted hair creates self-consciousness serious enough to impair relationships with other people. If unwanted hair gets in the way of your confidence, social life, work, sports, schedules, or even self-expression, this is your opportunity to act.
+ Why should I choose electrolysis over other hair removal methods?
Electrolysis is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent removal of unwanted hair. As the hair is treated, regrowth is prevented rather than just removed temporarily. Only electrolysis provides both hair removal and hair elimination. Also, Electrolysis is effective for all skin types, hair types, skin colors, hair colors, and areas of the body.
+ What’s the difference between electrolysis and laser treatments?
Laser therapy and electrolysis both produce longer-lasting effects compared to shaving, waxing, or depilatories. But electrolysis seems to work the best. The results are more permanent. Electrolysis also carries fewer risks and side effects, and you don’t need the maintenance treatments required for laser hair removal. Most importantly, only electrolysis is approved by the FDA for the permanent removal of hair. For more information, this HealthLine article provides a more thorough explanation and comparison.
+ Do electrologists follow appropriate infection control procedures?
The American Electrology Association has written Standards for Infection Control that follow the most recent recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Association for Practitioners in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
+ How many treatments are required?
Depending on the area you want cleared, it could be a few minutes for a followup appointment to an hour for a larger area. Most people who follow the recommended treatment plan can expect to be completed or nearly completed within 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.
+ Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment or is regrowth to be expected?
Excessive hair growth, also known as hirsutism, can range from fine, vellus hair to dark, coarse hair on the face and body. Breaking down the hair growth cells on deep, coarse hairs may require more than one treatment. Based on a personal and confidential consultation, your electrologist will design a treatment plan that addresses your specific hair removal needs.
+ Does electrolysis have any side effects on the skin?
Immediately following treatment, there may be a temporary redness or tenderness, which varies with each individual. The latest technology has made electrolysis more comfortable and effective than ever before. Your electrologist will provide you with post treatment instructions and any personal attention you may need. At Precision Hair Removal and Skin Care, you are assured of the best care from a skilled electrologist (hair removal professional).
+ Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body?
Electrolysis can be applied to most facial and body parts, including eyebrows, chin, upper and lower lip, jaw line and sides of the face, breast, underarms, abdomen, bikini line, feet, legs, and back. Based on a personal and confidential consultation, your electrologist will design a treatment plan that addresses your specific hair removal needs.
+ Can hairs be removed from moles?
Electrolysis can be performed on most moles where licensing regulations allow it. Your electrologist may require written approval from your physician.
+ My grandmother used to get electrolysis treatments. Has the technology changed much?
Permanent hair removal using electrolysis has come a long way since its beginnings in 1875. Today’s computer technology enables the electrologist to work with more speed and comfort. Epilators are much quicker–with electrical current timings of thousandths of a second–than the longer electrical current applications of the past. Plus, intensity settings can now be modulated to varying proportions. The instruments and equipment used in a contemporary electrologist’s office are just part of the changes that have occurred in the electrolysis industry.
+ 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.
+ I heard electrolysis is painful. Is that true?
Electrolysis treatments are all about timing and intensity. Electrologists can choose between three different methods of treatment, each with its own variation of comfort levels but with the same effectiveness and permanency. The electrologist will consider your specific needs, then design a treatment plan. Another factor of comfort is the type of probe used. There are now a variety of probes to choose from: insulated, non-insulated, one-piece, two-piece, stainless steel, and gold-plated. The electrologist will determine the best option for your type of hair growth and skin, providing you with comfortable, quality treatments.
+ Can women begin or have electrolysis treatments during pregnancy?
Unwanted hair can be caused by hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy. Electrolysis can be performed on any normal skin. This includes pregnant women. However, we suggest that you seek the advice of your physician before beginning treatment.
For our transgender clients, we highly recommend a facial prior to your electrolysis treatment, as it will boost the hydration level of the skin. This is important because the electricity requires water to work, so well-hydrated skin makes the electrolysis treatment more successful. It also helps the skin to recover more quickly.
Physical transformation often begins with hormonal therapy. As a result, most transsexuals notice significant changes in the quality of their skin. For transsexual women these changes include softening, thinning, less oil production, itchiness, and sometimes the appearance of pigmentation (which may become permanent).
If you are doing laser or electrolysis hair removal treatment, you are affecting the oil glands. Lack of oil on the skin leads to the loss of its protective barrier, and the loss of water. This may cause skin sensitivity.
For Transmen, testosterone creates an oilier canvas, which can lead to acne. If you have noticed acne flares. that is an indication of an increase in oil production as a result of testosterone intake. Controlling the oil production and inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria will be the main concern of skin care.
Most changes in skin quality occur over a 1-3 year period, but it is vital to follow the right skin regimen in order to improve the skin health during your transition.
We are fully aware of skin problems as a result of all hormonal changes.
So for our Transgender Facials we provide customized skin care treatments that are right for you and your skin issues.
We will address the exfoliation and extractions on clogged pores and /or ingrown hairs caused by folliculitis barbae.
High frequency treatment
hydrating massage
Calming or purifying mask
Afterwards, we discuss the next treatment and skin care regimen that will optimize the end result.
