Hair Removal by Electrolysis

Want a permanent hair removal solution? Electrolysis can help!

Photo of Electrolysis hair removal being performed on chin of a young lady.

about electrolysis

Electrolysis has been around since 1875 and is the only FDA-recommended and approved permanent hair removal procedure. Medical electrolysis devices destroy hair growth with a shortwave radio frequency after a thin probe is placed into the hair follicle itself. 

quick facts…

1 Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal solution: While both laser and electrolysis are extremely efficient methods for getting rid of unwanted hair, electrolysis is the only FDA-approved and recommended method, as each and every hair follicle is completely eradicated. It’s a 100% guarantee that it'll never grow again.

2 It requires time and patience: If you’re looking for permanent results, only electrolysis can achieve this. It does; however, it isn’t quick. Depending on circumstances, it can even take a year or more, but we'll estimate this for you during your free consultation. If you’re searching for a quick solution, laser is a better option.

3 It’s great for most areas: Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, including the eyebrows, face, abdomen, thighs, breasts, and legs. There are generally no permanent side effects either; however, a temporary, slight reddening of the skin may occur.

got questions?

we have answers

HOW DOES ELECTROLYSIS WORK?

Today’s medical electrolysis devices destroy the hair follicle with chemical or heat energy, or even combination of both. After a very fine and sterile probe is inserted into the hair follicle, small electric currents will generate heat and terminate it. The hair is then removed with tweezers. Unlike laser treatments, electrolysis attacks the hair follicle from the inside, destroying the hair growth cells in and surrounding the follicle. As a result, the follicle’s ability to regenerate the hair is permanently eliminated.

WHAT CAUSES UNWANTED HAIR GROWTH?

Hair growth is the result of heredity and hormone levels. Some medications, stress, temporary methods of hair removal, and certain conditions (PCOS, thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal gland disorders) can stimulate hair growth. Electrolysis may be an option when hair growth is in an undesired area of the body, such as on a woman’s upper lip, chin, or bikini line. Electrolysis does not treat or cure the causes of excess hair growth, but it effectively and safely treats the resulting excess hair.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO REMOVE HAIR?

Electrolysis is most effective when hair is treated when it first emerges. Regularly scheduled appointments will ensure that the emerging hair is treated at proper intervals. Initially, appointments are weekly or bi-weekly, and may last fifteen minutes to an hour or longer. As progress is made, appointments become less frequent. Towards the end of the treatments, you should expect to come just once every two to three months to complete the area.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

Many factors influence hair growth and its cycles, so most people will need to return for several visits. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. Most clients return once a week or every other week as needed. However, the unwanted hair will be gone forever once the series of treatments is complete. Each treatment lasts between 15 minutes and one hour. During your free consultation, Sali and Emiliya will design a specific treatment plan just for you.

WILL THE REMOVED HAIR COME BACK?

Electrolysis is permanent. Once the hair follicle is eradicated, no new hair can grow out of it. After a few years after treating an area fully, some new hair follicles may wake up. However, a maintenance visit — even fifteen-thirty minutes once every three to four months — will keep the new growth at bay.

IS ELECTROLYIS SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?

While AEA (American Electrology Association) only has specific guidelines that no electrolysis be performed on the abdomen or breasts during pregnancy, you should probably wait until the little one is born. That excess hair is most likely caused by higher levels of hormones during pregnancy and it usually goes away on its own after you have the baby.

If in doubt, ask your doctor and your dermatologist. We will need a letter from them before proceeding.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?

We use the versatile and comfortable Clearblend Elegance line of epilator machines, surgical loupes, gold disposable probes, and clean, sterilized necessary instruments as per the Ohio Medical Board guidelines.

IS ELECTROLYSIS EXPENSIVE?

Not anymore. Specialization and development of new equipment has brought the cost of this one-time “luxury” down to almost anyone’s means. Electrolysis is perhaps the least expensive cosmetic service you will ever have done. And, of course, our prices are the best.

IS ELECTROLYSIS PAINFUL?

Depending on your pain tolerance, electrolysis may or may not cause discomfort. Modern electrolysis methods have reduced the discomfort to a mere tingling. A topical anesthetic cream may be used in some cases.

need more info?

book a free consultation!

before your treatment

1 Don’t try to remove any hair before and in-between your appointments. That means no tweezing or waxing!

2 While shaving is acceptable, do note that your hair must be in the “new growth” stage for electrolysis to be applied. It needs to be at least 1/16″ or longer in order to be treated.

3 Avoid any sun exposure prior to your appointment for at least two days.

4 If your doctor allows, you may take ibuprofen before an appointment. It will help with any inflammation that may occur from the treatment.

5 Avoid caffeine and drink plenty of water before your treatment. Caffeine causes dehydration and may make you more tense. Being extra hydrated will help in the treatment since well-hydrated skin has plenty of moisture and is a lot more conductive.

6 Try to be as relaxed and stress-free as possible, you’re in safe hands.

after your treatment

1 While the treated area will be sanitized to prevent infection to the open follicles, please avoid touching the area as much as possible as the follicles can take 24-48 hours to close.

2 Slight redness and minor swelling are quite normal. You may apply ice or chilled 100% aloe vera gel to the area to help calm the skin.

3 Fresh makeup can be applied 24 hours post treatment, but use extra caution and a clean applicator to minimize chance of infection.

4 Stay out of the sun and heat. Avoid excessive sweating for at least two days following your treatment.

5 Do not use deodorant for at least 24 hours on an electrolysis-treated underarm area.

6 Remember: you should not tweeze, wax, or use a depilatory once your electrolysis treatments have begun.

skincare routine suggestions

Personal skin care plays a very important role in our lives, especially after cosmetic therapy treatments.

For at least three days after any treatment, you should be cleaning the affected area with a mild cleanser.

1 Apply an antiseptic (we prefer 100% natural witch hazel, but you may also use hydrogen peroxide, etc.).

2 Follow with a gentle moisturizer like aloe vera, CeraVe, Aquaphor, or Vaseline. Applying ointments to the area moisturizes the skin and helps prevent scabs from forming.

3 Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Dehydrated skin lacks moisture and is less conductive. Dry skin lacks oil, which means it will take longer to heal and will be more prone to scabbing.

common side effects

1 Pinpoint scabs: Occasionally, small scabs may form two to three days after an appointment. This is perfectly normal, especially on the lower areas of the body. It is, however, very important not to pick them. They will fall off naturally and help the skin heal in a natural way.

2 Redness or swelling: Depending on the intensity of the current needed to remove your individual texture of hair and your body’s reaction to your treatment, some redness/swelling is expected and normal. It is temporary and will usually disappear a short time after your treatment. Applying ice or a cold compress to the affected area will reduce the swelling faster.

3 Bruising: If a small capillary gets punctured by a probe during the treatment, a small bruise may appear. It will go away as fast as any other small bruise would.

call, text or email our office if you have any questions or concerns.