Are You Considering Electrolysis?
This information from the Association of Idaho Electroligists and Estheticians, Inc. should be helpful.
How Hair Grows
Galvanic current and high frequency current (Thermolysis) are the only approved electrology methods recommended by the American Medical Association for the permanent removal of unwanted hair.
Temporary Hair Removal Methods
Cutting and shaving are the most commonly used methods - safe, short-term and simple. Disadvantages are: the inconvenience of a daily shaving routine, skin irritation, and notice-ability ( five o'clock shadow). By cutting the tip of the hair off (hair which was above the skin's surface), the hair feels courser when it grows above the skin surface again, resulting in the feel of stubble.
Pulling the hair out forcibly from the follicle by tweezing or waxing is a violent assault on the hair follicle. The only real advantage of tweezing is temporary removal of hair. The hair may return to grow deeper and coarser in an attempt to prevent future attempts of removal. Tweezing hair is an injury to the body. When the body is injured the blood rushes to the area bringing white blood cells and nourishment. Therefore, we say tweezing always stimulates hair growth. Tweezing is the very least desirable method of temporary removal. Waxing is multiple tweezing.
Eliminating hair with a depilatory cream is similar to shaving. It is accomplished with chemical action rather than with a razor or scissors. It removes hair without leaving noticeable stubble. Hair regrowth is delayed. Disadvantages include the ongoing cost of the depilatory product and chemical reactions to the skin. A dry weeping type of dermatitis may occur.
The electronic tweezers method is considered temporary hair removal by some professionals. Pending lawsuits may settle this controversy.
Permanent Hair Removal Modalities
A licensed Electrologist can permanently remove unwanted hair using any of the three modalities available.
Galvanic current (electrolysis) was discovered in 1875 and for many years was the only modality available. It is very effective but slow, causing a reputation of being expensive. Galvanic current reacts with the moisture in the skin, creating a strong alkaline solution called sodium hydroxide.
Thermolysis employs a high-frequency current. Thermolysis is faster than galvanic current but has some delayed regrowth. If regrowth occurs from a treated follicle, it is usually weaker and easier to destroy the next time. Staying committed to the series of treatments is important. Thermolysis is a heat treatment. Super sensitive clients usually prefer this modality.
The Blend is a combination of Galvanic current and Thermolysis. The Blend offers the assurance of the Galvanic current and the speed of Thermolysis.
All three methods cauterize the papilla and destroy the ability of the follicle to produce a new hair.
Galvanic current and Thermolysis are the only approved methods recommended by the American Medical Association for the permanent removal of unwanted hair.
Sensation
When the treatment is being administered in a hair follicle there is some sensation. The sensation is hardly noticeable to some people and attention-getting to others. Some say it feels similar to a mosquito bite. For most, the initial sensation will diminish within minutes after treatment is begun. There is a sensation of heat. Everyone has a different level of pain tolerance. Some clients find it easy to fall asleep, others do not. There are things we can do to help the sensitive individual.
Permanence and Regrowth
Depending on the modality used, in most instances approximately 70 percent of the hair removed during the electrolysis treatment will never return, leaving about 30 percent regrowth. The regrowth hair has been weakened and will be noticeably finer than it's forerunner. The hair growth cycle makes it essential to establish a series of treatments - fine hairs may grow to become strong hair.
It takes a series of treatments, approximately nine months for some, for others a year and a half or more for other dormant hairs to appear for treatment. Each person is unique, therefore, at best, we can only estimate how long it will take to be cleared of unwanted hair.
Understanding the hair growth cycle and the hair removal treatment will help prevent discouragement halfway through the series of treatments. Heredity, hormones, stress, medications, life style and the endocrine system can effect hair growth. Any of these can have an impact on how long it will take to clear the hair. It is impossible to accurately estimate the length of time required to clear an area because everyone's system is unique to themselves. We are all Different.
Before Your Appointment...
Take whatever you normally take for pain, 20 to 30 minutes before treatment. It will help reduce uncomfortable sensations. Some people avoid the use of caffeine beverages (coffee, tea and pop) because this helps reduce their sensitivity to pain.
After Your Treatment...
Avoid touching or picking at the treated area. Hands may carry germs which can irritate and contaminate. Do not use soap on the area for three days. If necessary, a clean ice pack, ice cube or cotton ball wet with antiseptic may be gently applied to keep the area clean and cool. We recommend using a water-soluble skin cleanser.
Avoid makeup, tight-fitting garments (bikini area) and sunbathing of the treated area for at least 48 hours. Each of these can irritate the skin and/or encourage contamination.
If honey-colored crusts (lymph) appear, do not disturb them. They will disappear within a few days. A gentle shower may soften and soothe them.
What To Expect...
Depending on the location of treatment and your circulation in the area, small red spots may be present immediately after treatment. Most of these will probably disappear within a short time. Some clients develop tiny honey-colored lymph crusts which will disappear within a few days. This is the body's way of healing itself. After the hair is permanently removed the skin typically takes on an even, smoother appearance, similar to skin in an area which is not hampered by unwanted hair.