FAQ

Electrolysis is the process of permanent hair removal by which each hair follicle in a client's desired treatment area is individually treated using an electrical current. This electrical current damages the hair follicles growth cells to a point where their regenerative ability is permanently eliminated. The only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal!

A hair-sized, single-use, sterile probe is inserted into the natural opening of the hair follicle. Then a small amount of electrical current is applied to the base of each hair follicle. This process destroys the hair growth tissue. Therefore, the regenerative ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated. After the hair follicle has been treated with current, the hair is then gently pulled out of the follicle, and then it's on to the next hair and then the next hair growth cycle until there's nothing left to work on.

Yes, there are three different kinds, also known as modalities, that can be used during a treatment. Depending on each situation, the electrologist can choose from electrolysis, thermolysis, or blend, which is electrolysis and thermolysis combined.

• Electrolysis: In 1875, electrolysis was first used to permanently remove ingrown eyelashes and is still used to this day. This method creates a chemical reaction inside the hair follicle that converts water and salt into hydrogen gas, chlorine gas, and lye. Lye, being a very caustic chemical, destroys the cells that support hair growth. However, the creation of lye doesn't happen instantly, and in the case of hair removal, it can take several seconds per follicle to create enough lye for proper destruction.

• Thermolysis: This is the most commonly used method because it takes milliseconds to treat a single follicle, making it many electrologists' favorite for its speed. Thermolysis uses alternating current and the follicle's moisture content to create heat. The small bursts of heat that are created are enough to permanently prevent hair growth over time.

• Blend: The blend method is a simultaneous combination of electrolysis and thermolysis, utilizing the thoroughness of electrolysis and the swiftness of thermolysis. Electrolysis produces lye, while thermolysis heats it up. As it heats, the caustic strength of the lye increases making blend a very good option for many situations.

The processes of growth, rest, and replacement are known as the hair growth cycle.

The hair growth cycle consists of three stages.

The first stage of the hair cycle is the active growth phase (anagen); the second stage is the transitional stage of arrested growth (catagen); and in the third stage, no more new hair cells are formed and the hair is ready to be shed (telogen).

Since every individual hair is in a different phase of the cycle at any given time, multiple treatments are needed to remove unwanted hair.

The process of electrolysis basically works through every hair growth cycle until there's no hair left to work on in the client's desired treatment area.

Yes and no, during an electrolysis treatment the electrologist will clear all the hairs that are currently visible. This would be considered a hair growth cycle. But because every hair is in a different phase of the growth cycle, not every hair will be visible at any given time, so each cycle of hair needs to be treated. This is what makes electrolysis a process. You and the electrologist will work through the hair cycles until there's no hair left to work on.

Many factors influence hair growth, and because there are three different hair growth cycles, not every hair is growing and present at any given time, so you will need to return for multiple electrolysis visits.

The total number of treatments needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary for each person and their goals. Most people return once a week or every other week as needed. The unwanted hair will be gone forever once the series of treatments is completed. Each treatment can last from 15 minutes to multiple hours.

Depending on what modality is being used, will either feel like a small burst of heat with thermolysis or a short period of heat with electrolysis or the blend. It will not be painful, but it certainly isn't painless. If you think about it, other than shaving, trimming, and depilatory creams, there is no "painless" form of hair removal.

Each person's pain tolerance is different, so we will check in throughout each treatment to make sure you're as comfortable as possible while still achieving good results!

Electrolysis can be performed on everyone, anywhere, on every type of hair and skin.

It most definitely is; however, it's a process that takes time, patience, commitment, and dedication. But it’s worth the effort, as the results are truly permanent. Electrolysis is, to date, the only method approved by the FDA for the 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 permanent elimination.

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal and can be performed on everyone, anywhere, on every type of hair and skin. Once the hair is gone, it's gone.

If you're not sure about what to do before or after a treatment, check out our Before and After Care page for more details!

Yes, please allow at least 2-3 days' worth of hair growth for each treatment. We need enough length to perform electrolysis properly.

Please allow at least 2–3 days' worth of hair growth for each treatment.

Unfortunately, yes, you do. The electrologist needs at least 2–3 days' worth of hair growth in order to have a successful treatment.

Yes, it will! Ingrown hairs can be successfully eliminated just like any other hair.

It sure does! Unlike laser treatments, electrolysis does not focus on pigments. Electrolysis uses electrical currents and your skin's moisture to permanently treat each follicle and their regenerative ability.

A person as young as 14–15 years of age can have treatments as long as it's truly what they want and they understand that electrolysis is permanent.

We ask that anyone under the age of 18 be accompanied by an adult to each appointment.

If someone can’t handle electrolysis, laser hair removal might be the next best option. Laser hair removal isn’t permanent, but it does offer long-lasting results.

Yes, in fact, you should! Shaving is the best option in between electrolysis appointments and the only way you should deal with the unwanted hair! It doesn’t disrupt the hair growth cycles; it simply cuts the visible hairs down to the surface of the skin, keeping everything in the follicle intact and ready for the next appointment.

Please don’t use any methods of hair removal that pull the hair out of the follicle. Doing so will disrupt the growth cycles and prolong the electrolysis process.

You'll likely notice some slight redness and perhaps some swelling or slight welting. All of these will eventually go away with proper aftercare.

Yes, they can. Electrolysis can be performed literally from head to toe!

Unwanted hair can be caused by hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy. Electrolysis can be performed during pregnancy. We do suggest that you seek medical advice from your physician before we begin treating your hair.

You can make an appointment whenever you please, although it's better to avoid treatments during menstruation because some women find they are more sensitive.

If you’re dealing with a health condition and aren’t sure if you’d be able to get electrolysis, it’s advised that you get advice from a physician before starting treatment. Electrologists are not doctors; we are prohibited from diagnosing or giving any kind of medical advice.

In some situations, it is required. Before starting electrolysis treatments, electrologists must first obtain written authorization from a licensed physician when any of the following situations apply: the client requests hair removal from moles or the removal of eyelashes; the client has a pacemaker, implantable neuromodulators, or other implantable electronic devices.