Electrolysis

Electrolysis has the longest known track record together with the most effective results for permanent hair removal. Dr Charles Michel first used it successfully in 1875 to remove ingrown eyelashes. He discovered that once the follicle had been treated with electrolysis the hair was permanently destroyed.

For over 100 years, electrolysis has been recognised as a safe, reliable method of treating all skin and hair types. Many new treatments for hair reduction or non-permanent hair removal have emerged over the years; electrolysis has remained the only proven permanent method that provides complete removal of unwanted hair.

There are 3 methods of electrolysis to choose from in order to tailor your treatment to your skin type and reaction, and all 3 are capable of permanently removing hair.  They are:

  1. Galvanic

  2. Thermolysis
    (Is also called Short Wave Diathermy or RF diathermy in some countries).

  3. Blend

HOW DOES ELECTROLYSIS WORK?

Insertion of a very fine, disposable, sterile probe (the same diameter as the hair) into the hair follicle, which is a natural opening in the skin. A tiny amount of energy (electrical current) is then discharged into the hair follicle. The only sensation felt is the heat at the tip of the probe. The follicle is destroyed by heat (with thermolysis) or a chemical reaction (with galvanic) or both blended together (with the blend).

How many electrolysis sessions will I need to clear the hair completely?

The number of treatments required will vary from person to person, there is no estimation given. The process is dependent on your commitment to attend regularly.

What part of the body can be treated with electrolysis?

Electrolysis can be used on any part of your body where there may be unwanted hair, areas include all facial areas, legs, bikini line, chest, nipples, back, abdomen, underarms, fingers, toes and eyebrows.

You will be amazed when you start to see your hair growth becoming softer, finer and lighter in colour. You will see and feel the difference as your  treatment progresses.

After each and every treatment you will be given aftercare instructions, it is important to follow the guidance to support the process.

RESTRICTIONS

Are there any skin conditions that stop me from being able to have electrolysis?

Electrolysis can only be performed on healthy skin. If there is any sign of a skin disorder or disease in the area to be treated, then the treatment cannot go ahead. Some conditions may prevent treatment until the skin has healed e.g. cold sores, eczema or active acne etc. Some conditions may prevent treatment such as vitiligo. During the consultation we will look at the area to be treated.  In some cases we may require written consent from your Doctor prior to us being able to do the treatment.

What if I am pregnant?

It is still possible to have electrolysis during pregnancy as the tiny amounts of current used will not affect the pregnancy. We as a salon will choose to use SWD (short wave diathermy) as this is the safest as the current remains at the tip of the needle.

What if I have a pacemaker, can I still have electrolysis?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer to clients with a pacemaker. This is for the safety of the client. Electrolysis uses an electrical current to treat the hair and this could affect the pacemaker. Some pacemakers are insulated, and it is possible to offer the treatment. Firstly, it is advisable to obtain a letter of consent from both the G.P. and the pacemaker manufacturer.

Can someone with dental fillings or braces still have electrolysis?

Yes you can, we will ensure to use SWD (short wave diathermy) where possible to minimise the taste of metal which can be experienced in the mouth.

I regularly go swimming and to the gym. How long after treatment can I resume my fitness regime?

We usually recommend that swimming (if in a public pool) gets a night off while the skin calms down to ensure no minor infection can happen. If the skin has returned to normal and is not hot or warm, sore, pink or red and no sign of any swelling then there should be no problem.

I’m going abroad in 2 weeks’ time. Can I have electrolysis before I go?

This depends on where you are going, the area that you are having treated and the density of the hair growth in this area. Holidays, even sunbathing beach holidays, should be fine, as long as the skin has fully recovered from treatment and there’s no sign of sensitivity. For example, if you are a heavy smoker or a diabetic you may heal slower and this must be taken into account.

YOUR TREATMENT

Does Electrolysis Hurt?

Electrolysis can be a little uncomfortable for many people but others can fall asleep during treatment. A small burst of energy is released and a sensation will be experienced like a tingle, heat or a minor sting. Everyone has their own individual pain threshold which can be affected by a number of factors:

1) Individual pain thresholds – this can be affected by health, stress, time of menstruation etc

2) Area to be treated

3) Strength and size of hair

4) Skin sensitivity

5) Type of current used

One thing that you can depend on is electrolysis works so any minor discomfort is well worth the results.

How Will My Skin Look After An Electrolysis Treatment?

Immediately after an electrolysis treatment it is normal for the skin to be sensitised with a pink appearance. This reaction is temporary and should return to normal within 24 hours. If you are having an advanced cosmetic procedure your blemish is likely to take on a different appearance that will heal over time. Following your treatment an aftercare product will be applied to calm and soothe the area protecting it from an unwanted reaction. We strongly recommend you purchase aftercare products to continue the good work at home.

ELECTROLYSIS FOR HAIR REMOVAL

Why Do I Need A Course Of Treatments?

Each hair requires more than one treatment because each individual hair has its own growing cycle and blood supply. Electrolysis works by weakening the hair and eventually destroying it. Courses of treatment are therefore imperative. Results take a little more time, similar to dieting. It's not the crash diet but the healthy eating plan that works in the long run.

I’ve Had Laser/ IPL But Still Have Some Unwanted Hair. Can Electrolysis Help?

Electrolysis, laser and IPL can work hand in hand for the very best results.Unlike laser or IPL, nearly all areas of the body and types of hair can be successfully treated with electrolysis.. Laser/IPL can quickly treat large areas of hair, but you will need electrolysis to complete these treatments where laser/IPL is unable to finish the job. Electrolysis can also remove white hairs that laser and IPL are unable to treat.

What Do I Do About My Hairs Between Treatments?

There may be some hair growth between treatments. To manage these you should cut the hair as this will temporarily remove them without interfering with the root of the hair and affecting results. Tweezing, threading and waxing must be avoided during a course of electrolysis.

ELECTROLYSIS FOR BLEMISH REMOVAL

What Blemishes Can Be Removed With Advanced Electrolysis?

A wide range of skin blemishes can be treated:

Facial Thread Veins – commonly found around the nose and on the cheeks.

Blood Spots – bright red vascular blemishes frequently found on the torso, back or front.

Spider Naevus – a central dilated capillary with smaller capillaries like the legs of a spider.

Skin Tags – Commonly found on the neck, underarm and areas of friction.

Milia – Tiny white hard lumps containing keratin.

Contraindications to Treatment for Electrolysis and Advanced Electrolysis

DEFINITIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Blood Thinning Medication

  • Cochlear implants

  • Dermographia

  • Haemophilia

  • Keloid Scarring

  • Pacemaker

  • Pregnancy (1st Trimester) – Then not below neck with Galvanic or Blend*

  • Recent Scar Tissue (in treatment area)

  • Rosacea [active] (in treatment area)

  • Skin Diseases/Disorders

  • Sunburn (in treatment area)

 

RESTRICTIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Asthma/Respiratory Disorders

  • Auditory Devices apart from Cochlear implants

  • Circulatory Problems i.e. Phlebitis/Thrombosis (in treatment area)

  • Dermabrasion (medical) within 6-12 months (in treatment area)

  • Micro Dermabrasion within 4-6 weeks (in treatment area)

  • Diabetes with GP permission

  • Epilepsy with GP permission

  • ‘General medication’-client must inform me before treatment

  • Heart Conditions with GP permission

  • Blood borne viruses with GP permission

  • High Blood Pressure with GP permission

  • Laser/IPL (recent treatment in area to be treated)

  • Local Bruising/Swelling

  • Loss of Tactile Sensation (in treatment area)

  • History of Cancer – GP advice

  • Lupus – GP permission

  • Minors - parent must be present for treatment and sign disclaimer/parental consent

  • Metal plates/pins for galvanic & blend techniques – if on/near DC return path

  • Nervous Client

  • Skin Diseases/Disorders

  • Steroids

  • Swelling/Oedema

  • Tattoo (in treatment area)

  • Pigment disorders