WHAT IS ELECTROLYSIS?
Electrolysis is the only method of hair removal recognized as permanent by the FDA and AMA.
Electrolysis is a permanent, safe, and effective method for hair removal. It works on everybody, regardless of the specific problem area, age, gender, hair or skin type, or hair and skin color.
Electrolysis, sometimes called electroepilation or needle electrolysis, is effective, regardless of the reason for the hair growth. Hirsutism, or excess hair growth, can be caused by heredity, stress, hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, pregnancy, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), an underlying medical condition, and certain medications.
ELECTROLYSIS HAS BEEN AROUND FOR NEARLY 150 YEARS!
The first person to use electrolysis for hair removal was an ophthalmologist, Dr. Charles E. Michel. He was looking for a solution to remove ingrown eyelashes and discovered they didn’t grow back. His groundbreaking work continues to impact hair removal practices today. However, equipment and technology advancements have modernized today’s electrolysis procedures.
ELECTROLYSIS IS…
For men and women of all ages, including teenagers.
Equally effective in black, brown, red, blond, gray, and white hair.
For all types of hair, including coarse, wavy, and curly hair, even hair that is prone to get ingrown.
Effective on all skin tones. It can safely treat dark skin and tattooed skin.
For all body areas, including face, underarms, bikini, back, chest, legs, etc.
Safe for breasts, eyebrows, and other sensitive areas.
The solution for transgender people wanting to eliminate facial and excess body hair as part of gender reassignment.
Nicki’s testimonial:
“I have been seeing Ximena since mid-2021 for electrolysis on facial hair. Electrolysis is a slow process, but incredibly effective - as an AMAB individual who came out as trans at the ripe age of 42, I was already showing lots of gray hair, so I was not a great candidate for IPL or Laser hair removal. Ximena spent a good bit of time explaining the process, suggesting a plan of treatment, and has been gentle and responsive for the entirety of the time I’ve been seeing her.
After a couple years of weekly visits, I’m down to occasional maintenance visits for touch-ups only. I’ve gone from shaving daily to not having to do a full-face shave, touching on a couple of spots when darker hairs might appear (which ultimately get eliminated at my next appointment!)
Take your time to understand the hair-growth cycle and how it will affect your treatment plan. Follow Ximena’s suggestions on both prep and after-care, and you’ll be as happy about your experience as I am.”
How does Electrolysis work?
Electrolysis uses an electric current to remove unwanted hair permanently. A thin, insulated probe is gently inserted into the follicle, and then the electrologist sends a tiny electrical current to the base of the follicle. The current then destroys the root of the hair, preventing future hair growth.
There are three modalities in electrolysis. All are effective and deliver permanent results. During your confidential consultation, we will determine which modality is best suited for your hair removal needs.
Galvanic Electrolysis: It uses direct electrical current to produce a chemical reaction inside the hair follicle, destroying the hair growth cells.
Thermolysis (Short-Wave): It uses alternating current to heat and destroy the hair growth cells in the follicle. The intensity and timing of the current can be adjusted for effectiveness and comfort.
The Blend: The blend is a combination of galvanic current and thermolysis. Thermolysis heats up the chemical reaction created by the galvanic current, destroying the hair growth cells.
PREPARING FOR YOUR ELECTROLYSIS SESSION
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Dry follicles are more challenging to treat, and your session will be more tolerable and effective with hydrated follicles! Drink plenty of water the day before, the day of, and the day after your appointment.
2. Clean and moisturize your skin. The day before treatment, you could also use a gentle exfoliant to prepare the skin and release any trapped hair.
3. Hygiene. Clean skin reduces risks of infection and irritation. Please arrive free of makeup, lotion, oil, or deodorant in the treatment area. Shower before you arrive for a body treatment.
4. Let the hair grow. We can only treat the hair that we can see; the longer the hair, the easier and faster we can work. This could mean two days or a week’s growth, according to how fast your hair grows. You would know it’s long enough if you can grasp the hairs with tweezers. This can be hard do in the beginning, but the results will be worth it in the end!
5. Pain refief. To make treatments more comfortable, you can take a pain reliever 30-45 minutes before your treatment. You can also apply topical numbing creams before your appointment. Some female clients are more sensitive before or during their menstrual cycle, so plan your appointments accordingly.
6. Things to avoid:
• Stimulants like caffeine, sugar, soda, and chocolate may affect sensitivity.
• Excessive sun exposure can dilate blood vessels, and we cannot treat sunburned skin.
• Retinol and other skin treatments can cause increased skin irritation. Discontinue use for a few days before your electrolysis session.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT
Immediately after an electrolysis treatment, temporary redness and swelling are usual. You may also see scabbing, bumps, and temporary pigmentation. These usually diminish within a couple of hours and disappear in 1 or 2 days, depending on your skin and the session length.
For 24 hours after treatment, reduce activities that could irritate hair follicles, such as sweating, tanning, and prolonged sun exposure. Remember that each treated follicle is now open and more susceptible to bacteria. Keep your hands off the treated area and avoid wearing makeup and other skincare products. Cleanliness is essential to ensure that there are no skin complications following treatment!
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Removing all hair in the treatment area permanently takes a series of electrolysis sessions. Electrolysis is not a quick fix, but your effort will pay off. Sticking to your personalized treatment plan will help you achieve the best permanent hair removal results.
Mindi’s testimonial:
“I went to Ximena last year to deal with unwanted hair and scarring from ingrown hairs. She told me if I’d dedicate a year of regular treatments, I’d see changes and decreased hair growth. I didn’t believe her at first, but I’m so glad I listened! Nearly a year later, almost all of the hair is gone; the scarring has diminished, and I am much more confident.”
ELECTROLYSIS BLEMISH REMOVAL
At Bella Electrolysis and Skincare, we can also safely remove some benign skin blemishes using electrolysis. Common blemishes we can treat are:
Telangiectasia: Highly visible superficial dilated capillaries also known as ‘broken capillaries’, ‘thread veins’ or ‘spider veins’ commonly found around the nose, chin, and cheeks.
Cherry angiomas: Small bright red dome-shaped bumps on the skin, also known as ‘blood spots’ commonly seen on the torso, upper arms, face and neck.
Skin Tags: Harmless skin growths, having a loose appearance. These can be very small but can increase in size. Commonly found on the neck, underarms, midriff, groin, and other areas of friction.
Milia: Small, white, firm, raised, pearl-like lumps or cysts containing keratin. Also known as ‘milk spots’, commonly seen around the cheekbones, eyes, and cheeks.
Seborrheic Keratoses: Harmless skin growths with defined edges, and cracked, rough, or waxy texture. Often called the “barnacles of aging”. These blemishes vary in size and color.
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra: Small, smooth, domed, and hyperpigmented areas of skin. Commonly seen around the cheeks, temples, forehead, and neck in darker skin people.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Creamy or yellow plaque of trapped sebum, with a central pore area, creating a bulge that gives it a ‘doughnut or cauliflower’ effect. Commonly seen on the forehead, cheeks, and chest.
We will only treat blemishes after a skin evaluation. If we are uncertain about the nature of any blemish, we will recommend you consult with a dermatologist for further examination.
FAQ about electrolysis
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During treatment, you may experience a brief heat sensation or pinch. Most clients report minimal discomfort, but individual tolerances vary greatly according to the modality, machine settings, and the type of probe used. Your electrologist will know the best option for your hair and skin type and can make adjustments to maximize your comfort.
You can do certain things before your sessions to help you minimize discomfort, like drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine. Consider applying an over-the-counter numbing cream. Read the Before & After care Instructions here.
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Removing all hair in the treatment area permanently takes a series of electrolysis sessions. The number of treatments necessary varies with each client.
Remember that hair is in a constant process of growth, transition, and rest. A hair follicle produces hair and discards it through shedding. Multiple treatments allow us to catch the hairs at the right point in the cycle to destroy them.
One of the most critical elements in successfully destroying the hair follicle is the continuity of treatments. Permanent results are best achieved by the client's consistent participation in a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
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Electrolysis hair removal is the only method the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes as permanent, and it is approved by the American Medical Association (AMA). Its permanency is further supported by hundreds of scientific articles published in medical literature. Millions of satisfied customers can attest to its permanency and benefits.
Lasers and Intense pulse Light (IPL) are two popular but limited methods and the FDA only recognizes them as permanent hair reduction. The results are fast and long-lasting but not permanent. Not everyone is a candidate for laser since it is not effective on white, gray, blond, or red hair. It is less effective on darker skin, cannot be used on eyebrows or tattooed skin and is risky on the face. In addition, one possible side effect of laser hair removal is Paradoxical Hypertrichosis.
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When administered by skilled professionals, electrolysis has minimal risk of permanent side effects. At Bella Electrolysis and Skincare, we follow the Infection Prevention Standards For The Practice Of Electrolysis developed by the AEA (American Electrology Association) and The Standard Precautions For All Patient Care as recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Don’t hesitate to ask your electrologist about the stringent methods she uses to ensure your safety.
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Electrolysis is not recommended if you have the following conditions:
Epilepsy, hemophilia, cancer, keloid scarring, skin diseases, a pacemaker, or a cochlear implant.
Electrolysis is safe during pregnancy, but we recommend you consult your physician. The thermolysis modality is not harmful because the current does not travel through the body; however, if blend or galvanic is necessary, it can safely be performed above the neck after the first trimester of pregnancy.
Please note that we will not treat an area with recent scar tissue, active rosacea, a herpes outbreak, or sunburn. Also, let us know if you have metal implants or used Accutane within six months of treatment.
Consult your physician if you have diabetes, a heart condition, or any disease or medication that may cause slow healing or fragile skin.