The Only Permanent Way
Electrology is the only method of permanent hair removal approved by the FDA. It is important for you to know why electrology may take several treatments and why some of the treated follicles will regrow hair.
For permanent hair removal, it is necessary for the tip of the probe to reach the bottom of the follicle where the current destroys the hair root. Curved or distorted follicles may prevent accurate insertions and hair regrowth should be expected. Re-treatment of these follicles will eventually succeed in reaching and destroying the hair root.
Also, very large, deep-rooted hairs might take several treatments to avoid the possibility of destroying too much skin tissue at one time.
Finally, many hairs that appear to be regrowth are actually from follicles that have not been treated before! Each follicle has a unique growth cycle. A hair begins to grow, reaches its maximum size, then, after a period of time, it sheds and will eventually be replaced by another hair. Because of this growth cycle, a percentage of follicles will be empty. These temporarily dormant follicles will soon produce hairs. These new hairs are not regrowth of treated follicles.
As you can see, many factors influence hair growth. Continuous and frequent treatments are necessary for permanent results. The number of sessions will vary for each person, but the unwanted hair will be gone forever when the treatments are completed.
A Current By Any Other Name
Over a hundred years ago, Charles E. Michel, M.D. discovered a highly effective way to permanently remove unwanted hair by using a needle attached to a dry cell battery. Since its discovery in 1875, modifications and refinements have been made to what we now call electrology.
There are three modalities that can be used to permanently remove hair. The type technician's use depends on their education, background and philosophy.
Thermolysis (short wave, high frequency or flash) - creates a friction, causing heat which destroys the hair growth cells.
Galvanic (electrolysis) - creates a chemical reaction within the follicle and destroys the follicles chemically.
Blend - This is the method I prefer because it is the most effective method. It uses both the thermolysis and galvanic currents simultaneously.
As long as the electrologist is using a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved machine that employs a probe, the hair can be permanently removed. A current by any other name is still electrology.
How Electrology Works
I use specialized equipment and skill to remove unwanted hair. An extremely fine probe is inserted into the follicle alongside the hair and a slight amount of electric current and heat destroys the hair root. The skin is not punctured or harmed in any way. A treated hair will slide out with no sensation of being tweezed. You will feel a slight heat or tingling sensation.
After treatment, there may be some redness and/or swelling, but this disappears within an hour or so. Tiny, pinpoint eschars (scabs) may appear in a day or two. This is your body's natural healing process and should be of no concern.
For 24 hours after an electrology treatment, you should keep the area clean by using an antiseptic to prevent irritation or infection. It is also recommended that you avoid the sun while receiving electrolysis treatments. It is always important to follow your electrologist's after-care instructions.
You Are Not Alone
Believe it or not, excessive hair is a problem that affects about 90% of all women. You are not alone!
Superfluous or embarrassing hair usually isn't abnormal. The major factor of unwanted hair is heredity. Also, certain drugs like birth control pills may cause superfluous hair to grow. Normal hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause may al so be contributing factors.
Another element in the stimulation of unwanted hair growth is stress! Any stressful situation may set off the adrenal gland that can create a hormonal reaction causing fine, soft hair to become coarser and darker.
Today, the professional electrologist is in demand more and more as men and women face stress in their lives. The important thing to remember is this: no matter what the cause, unwanted hair can be permanently removed.
What About Electronic Gizmos?
Although operators of electronic tweezers advertise their method as "permanent" and "like electrolysis," this is what the FDA has to say:
...We have not seen any scientifically valid data which establishes differences between energized tweezers and plain tweezers... Any label representations or suggestion that the device will accomplish permanent hair removal misbrands the device and may place it in violation of Federal law.
Don't be Fooled by the Laser Method!
Pricing for Electrolysis:
15 Minutes: $45.00
30 Minutes: $65.00
45 Minutes: $80.00
60 Minutes: $90.00
(Please provide at least 24-hours notice if you need to cancel to avoid being charged for the appointment)
Electrolysis and Skincare by Gigi • 714.308.9790 • info@skincarebygigi.com