What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal. An electrologist will insert a thin probe into a pore and deliver a small amount of electricity in order to kill the hair follicle and prevent future hair growth. There are three methods of electrolysis used today: galvanic, thermolysis and blend. Consult your electrologist in order to figure out which method will be right for you. Electrolysis has been safely used for over 100 years and is the only permanent method of hair removal approved by the FDA. It can be used on any skin type, area of the body and type of hair.
What are other methods of hair removal?
Shaving, waxing, tweezing, threading, and depilation are all types of temporary hair removal. All they do is remove the actual hair, leaving the hair follicle intact and able to regrow. The problem with temporary hair removal is that the hair grows back quickly. Also, tweezing, threading and waxing can actually increase hair growth and thickness.
What about laser hair removal?
Laser is a method of hair removal that uses a beam of light to damage the hair follicle and reduce hair growth. The laser is able to zone in on the unwanted hair by targeting melanin (the pigment that gives our skin and hair color). The laser then causes localized damage to the follicle by selectively heating the targeted area. The laser is only able to target dark matter, which is why laser hair removal is only effective on black or brown hair and not blonde or red hair. Laser CANNOT be used on every skin type.
Laser hair removal has been around for around 40 years and has only been approved as a method of "permanent hair REDUCTION" by the FDA - not "permanent hair REMOVAL." Laser is able to reduce the amount of unwanted hair, but cannot eliminate all of it permanently. Laser can cause a number of serious side effects and possible complications. Contrary to popular belief, laser is not painless.
How much does electrolysis cost?
15 minutes - $25
30 minutes - $45
45 minutes - $60
60 minutes - $70
How long does electrolysis take?
Electrolysis requires time and committment. Repeated treatments are necessary in order to permanently remove hair. The number and duration of treatments necessary to properly remove hair depends on the amount, thickness and type of hair being removed along with your skin type, heredity, ability to heal, medical condition and any drugs you may be taking.
To get a better idea about the number and duration of treatments, please schedule a consultation with Jenna.
Does electrolysis hurt?
Whether electrolysis hurts or not will depend on your unique level of pain tolerance and the area of the body being treated. Some people find electrolysis painless while others feel it is a somewhat uncomfortable procedure. If you are having electrolysis done to an area such as the underarm, it will be more sensitive than an area such as the arm. The only way to find out how electrolysis will feel for you is to undergo a treatment.
If you find electrolysis uncomfortable, you can choose to have your skin numbed with a topical analgesic cream or ice before the procedure.
What areas of my body can I do electrolysis on?
You can do electrolysis on any area of the body that has unwanted hair. The most popular areas for women include the chin, jawline, upper lip, throat, sides of face, eyebrows, chest, abdomen, breasts, bikini line, underarms, hairline, fingers, toes, legs and arms. The most popular areas for men include the back, shoulders, ears, brows, neckline, beard, cheeks and hands.
Does my electrologist need to be licensed?
In the state of Colorado, electrologists do not need to be licensed or certified. This is a problem because you have no idea if your electrologist has been properly trained or not. A badly trained electrologist can scar or damage your skin, or mess up the procedure.
When looking for an electrologist, try to find someone who has been licensed and certified through another state or electrolysis association in order to get the most professional and safe treatment possible.