Why should you choose electrolysis?
Hair removal is a bit of a mine field these days, there are so many options available from waxing to depilatory creams, shaving, electrolysis and laser hair removal. If you are looking for a more permanent solution it can be difficult to decide between laser hair removal and electrolysis, these being your only real options.
Electrolysis has been used for many years now and is still the only method of permanent hair removal for all hair colours. Whilst we would still recommend laser hair removal if you have darker hair, for many of us, electrolysis may be the only solution if the hair is lighter in colour. We are often asked, how long does the treatment take, will it work ? These can be difficult questions to answer as hormonal fluctuations and certain medications can cause hair growth so the number of treatments will vary from person to person. The bottom line is that excessive hair can be a distressing and embracing problem to live with and if you opt for this method of hair removal its important to have the correct expectations and to be consistent with your treatments. This should all be discussed with you at your initial consultation.
So what is electrolysis?
Electrology is the permanent hair removal for men and women, helping to cut down on the time spent shaving and waxing unwanted hair.
The definition of electrology is using electric to remove hair from the root on the face and body through the use of electrolysis.
The skin is initially sterilised with antiseptic before treatment commences. A small thin needle is inserted into the hair follicle down to the papilla, which is the tissue below the hair root. The intensity and timing of the electric current is sent down through the needle destroying the part of the follicle, and so stops hair re-growing in that follicle. We use individual sealed and sterilised sterex disposable needles.
This was my preferred form of treatment when I had excess hair on my chin and neck due to hormonal changes in my body. Would I say the treatment was painful? It depends on your sensitivity and pain threshold, but I would say its not as painful as waxing and because the allocated time is quite short, anywhere between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, means the treatment is over quite quickly. Some clients have referred the pain to a slight stinging but is over very quickly. An anaesthetic cream can be bought from the chemist and a thick layer put on before treatment.
Most areas can be treated using this method of hair removal but the most common are the upper lip, chin, the neck, sides of face and beard area. Electrolysis can be done in pregnancy although we would usually avoid the breast and abdominal areas as the skin here is already stretched and under duress.If you are pregnant discuss with your electrologist, some electrologists may decide not to treat you.
Following treatment you may notice redness, or localised swelling,some clients may also notice small brown pinprick size scabs. These usually drop off within a few days to a week, it is important not to pick at the skin. Use aloe vera to soothe the skin. your reaction following treatment will help the electrologist decide on the frequency of your treatments as the skin will need to settle before you have another treatment. If you wish, you can cut or shave the hair between treatments as long as the hair is long enough to be lifted by tweezers when you attend your next treatment. Ask for details if you are unsure.
It may be worth having a chat with your GP to determine there is no underlying hormonal issue such as polycystic ovary Syndrome, this is often accompanied by weight gain, irregular periods and acne. Even if you do have PCOS, electrolysis can be used as a management system and can help keep the hair growth under control
Permanent hair removal is very private and personal . Hilary our trained and qualified electrolysist consultant will discuss your needs and ensure you are comfortable and taken care of in her very experienced caring hands.