FAQ

 

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal approved by the FDA. For a more comprehensive overview on Electrolysis and how it works, please visit the 'Electrolysis' page.

 

How does electrolysis work?

A trained electrologist inserts a small metal probe inside the hair follicle alongside the hair to be removed. Then a small electric current is delivered to the probe. This electric current destroys the root of the hair either by heat or chemical means (and in some instances both combined), depending on the tecnique used. Once the root has been destroyed the hair is then effortlessly removed.

 

Are there other methods of hair removal as effective as electrolysis?

No. There is no conclusive evidence that shows any other method of hair removal being as safe, effective, and permanent as electrolysis.

 

How long does it take?

Actual treatment time varies greatly from client to client. There are many factors that can affect the time required such as hair thickness/density, skin moisture, ethnic background, etc...

The majority of those who stick to a treatment plan generally clear an area within 12 to 18 months. The first few months will require more attention and commitment, but after a while you'll start to see results and will need to come in less and less until the area is permanently cleared.

What about regrowth?

The short answer is yes - you may experience regrowth. This occurs when a hair is zapped when it is in a dormant stage, or if the follicle has not been sufficently treated, as is the case when a hair is extremely deep and course. Even then, when the new growth comes in it will be noticably reduced when it emerges and we treat it again while it is still in this vulnerable stage.

It's also important to keep in mind that hair grows in cycles. When we clear an area we can only treat the hair that is visible above the surface of the skin, but there will be hair under the skin that has yet to emerge. But once a follicle has been sufficently treated it is permanently destroyed and will be unable to grow any new hair.

 

Are there any side effects?

Most people experience temporary side effects following a session, most often including redness and swelling. Occasionaly, especially when work is done on the body, scabbing may occur. These symptoms can last anywhere from an hour to a couple weeks and is considered normal. As long as you take care of your skin following treatment and DO NOT pick or irritate the area they should heal up fine and you'll be back to normal (but with less hair).

Your aftercare, if done properly, can prevent any of these side effects from becoming serious. If the aftercare instructions are not sufficiently followed, scarring and/or hyper-pigmentation could result.

During your initial session we cover all of these risks and factors in detail and make sure you have all the information you'll need to keep your skin looking beautiful!

 

Are there different types of electrolysis?

Yes - there are three different modalites (methods) of electrolysis:

Galvanic - a direct current is utilized to destroy the hair by chemical action.

Thermolysis - a high-frequency current is used to create heat sufficient enough to destroy the hair root.

Blend - both types of currents are used and the hair root is destroyed through both heat and chemical action produced.

All of them are effective, and as technology advances different types of variations of the modalities are constantly being tweaked and improved, making the experience better for both the operator and the client.

 

Is electrolysis safe?

Yes! Electrolysis has had a history of safe and effective hair removal for over 120 years. During that time there has never been a reported case of disease transmission in electroylsis. Our equipment is sterilized before each treatment, and we use a brand new sterilized probe for each individual session so there is never any chance of cross contamination.

 

Is electrolysis painful?

Whether you experience discomfort or not is quite variable from person to person. Several different factors will affect the level of comfort, which include your own tolerance level, the settings used to effectively destroy the hair, the modality (or method) used, etc... Most people describe it as a 'slight heat', 'tingling', or 'stinging' sensation. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as completely painless electrolysis. This is because the tissue being targeted for destruction will contain it's own network of nerve endings.

 

At what age can electrolysis be started?

Electrolysis can safely be performed at any age, but it is our policy not to work any any individuals under the age of 18 without the consent of a parent or legal guardian. It is highly recommended to wait until after puberty to begin treatment in most cases, due to the rapid changes taking place in the young person's endocrine system during that time.

 

Do you work with the Transgender Community

Absolutely! In fact, it's our specialty! And you would have a difficult time finding a place that is more trans-friendly and supportive than us. We're even conveniently located inside of Carla's Salon and Boutique, which offers a wide variety of services specifically for the Trans Community.