Electrolysis FAQs

What is Electrology?

Electrology is the science of permanent hair removal. A solid fine sterile probe is painlessly inserted into the hair follicle. A small amount of heat is discharged to weaken or destroy the papilla (which makes hair grow). When this is completely and skillfully accomplished, the regenerative ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated.

What causes excessive hair growth?

Every 5-7 years hormones change as we age. Ongoing stress is one overlooked, underlying cause of excess hair growth. Hair growth is affected by sleeplessness, depression, birth control, problems with menstrual cycles, abnormal metabolism, eating disorders and rapid fluctuations in weight.

What is the treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

If you develop unwanted hair, electrolysis will get rid of the unwanted hair permanently. I have measurable success with clients who have PCOS.

To address medical issues, sometimes medications are prescribed by your physician.

"I went to see the endocrinologist and she said all my tests came back normal. How can that be with all this hair on my face?"

Dr. Jeffrey Redmond, a NY endocrinologist, has told the Electrology profession that some people's bodies are more sensitive to circulating hormones. So, just because your blood levels have come back "normal," it does not mean that they are normal for YOU! As hard as it may seem, go back and have another conversation with your endocrinologist. We must each be an active advocate for our own health.

What medications cause hair growth?

Many medications can cause hair growth or hair loss. Talk with your pharmacist about each medication you are on and also how your medications interact.

Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment?

It depends on the size... thick hairs need more treatment than thin hairs. It also depends on previous methods of hair removal. If there is a lot of hair in a small section, depending on how the skin reacts, the hairs may not all be removed within the treatment time (first treatment). Hairs might grow or be stimulated from the naturally occurring hormonal aging process, but not from treatment.

Is electrolysis uncomfortable?

The Orgel Method uses a mind-body approach along with physical distraction techniques. Thousands of my past clients endorse this gentle technique. I have extensive experience using the IB Probe (insulated probe), which minimizes sensations felt normally with traditional electrolysis. In order to render the hair inactive, some sensation is normal. This sensation is infrequently felt with the Orgel Method, even though some parts of the body are more sensitive than others. I specialize in difficult cases and have developed my own techniques to achieve the best results. Immediately following treatment, there may be slight redness, which disappears within 10 to 15 minutes. You should never feel lumps on the skin or whitened or lighter areas. This can lead to scarring and scabbing.

Does electrolysis damage the skin?

I use an advanced system with an insulated bulbous (IB) Probe which vastly eliminates undesirable consequences. With this effective hair removal method, there is no possibility for skin damage. There's also very little risk of skin reactions.

Can women begin or continue electrolysis treatments during pregnancy?

It is suggested that you obtain advice from your physician. However, it has never proven to be harmful to pregnant women, but it is not advised to treat the abdomen or breast area.

Is Electrology the only method of permanent hair removal?

Yes, electrology is the only scientifically proven method of permanent hair removal. Temporary methods such as shaving, tweezing, depilatories, waxing and stringing are time consuming and need frequent maintenance. These methods prove costly over time, can increase hair growth & often cause skin irritations, ingrown hairs, discoloration and scarring. Laser does not work for many skin types or hair colors and can cause scarring and hyper-pigmentation.

Do electrologists follow appropriate infection control precautions?

Yes. Various regulatory electrolysis associations provide information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They have developed national Infection Control Standards, which include sterilization of all Electrology instruments.

How many treatments are required?

The number of treatments necessary varies with each patient. I use an IB probe, which speeds up the process and lessens the number of treatments. Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and thickness of the hair, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal biological changes of aging, certain medications and stress, all have an impact on your results. It is very important to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule to achieve optimum results in the shortest time frame to save time and money. Improvements can be observed within the first few visits.

Is regrowth to be expected?

Deep, coarse hairs cannot be eliminated in one treatment. The papilla needs to be weakened and additional sessions are required. Hairs removed through tweezing or waxing cause a distorted hair follicle, therefore, hairs take longer to weaken and regrow. Hairs can be terminated unless you have a medical condition. During the course of treatment, hairs emerging from a dormant phase will be treated. Many things influence hair growth and can play a part in faster or slower elimination.

Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body?

Yes. The most common areas include: the hairline, the bridge of nose, eyebrows, upper and lower lips, cheeks, sideburns, chin, neckline for short hair cuts or below the chin area, shoulders, arms, underarms, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, legs, back and chest. The only exceptions are the inside of the ears and nose. However, the outer ear area can be treated.

Can women have electrology treatments during pregnancy?

Most doctors provide written approval and believe it's fine for the facial area.

Can hairs be removed from moles?

To protect the health of the patient, a doctor's approval letter is needed.

Can electrolysis help with ingrown hairs?

By weakening the strength of the hair, electrolysis also straightens the root, so the hair will grow straight through a skin pore, instead of curling under the skin.

How can I prepare for my session? What can I expect during the healing process? What should I do for aftercare?

The night before your treatment, make sure you get plenty of sleep and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. Before your treatment, and for the remainder of the day after your treatment, do not workout hard, sweat, or put any type of topical creme, lotion, cologne, makeup, or any other beauty products on the treated area.

Do not use any over-the-counter exfoliating products on your skin two days prior to, or four days after your treatment. Your skin will be hypersensitive. Because prescription products are stronger, do not use them for a week after electrolysis.

For the next three days, do not shave with razors, and when you do shave, do not pull your skin taut as this will cause a rash.

Advanced Electrolysis