What is electrolysis? A guide to permanent hair removal.

“Electrolysis? What is that, like laser hair removal?” This is the most common question I have gotten since starting Cats Paw Electrology. And it’s completely understandable! Electrolysis is making a major comeback but it still hasn’t quite reclaimed its spot in conversational zeitgeist.

So, what is electrolysis? Lets get into it! Electrolysis is the only FDA approved method for permanent hair removal. Electrolysis works by placing a very small needle (or probe) into the opening of the hair follicle and using heat and electric current to create enough damage so the hair will not regrow.

There are multiple methods of electrolysis. The classic method of electrolysis uses direct current (DC) to create a chemical reaction. This reaction is caused when the direct current electrons flow through a saltwater solution, the water and salt become chemically altered to form a new substance- lye. This tiny amount of lye is formed in the follicle and destroys the hair producing cells. This method has been used for over 100 years

Another method goes by a few names- High frequency, short wave, radio frequency, and thermolysis. This method uses radio waves to create heat until destruction of the desired tissue occurs.

A third method basically combines the two methods above and is so aptly named the blend method. Think Reese’s peanut butter cup, two great things that are even better together. And just like Reese’s, there’s no wrong way when it comes to all the methods of electrolysis. Some providers have their own preferences and techniques and may be partial to one method or another and some choose to use all the methods as they see fit.

Because with all methods each individual hair must be treated separately, it is a meticulous process and can be time consuming. Slow and steady wins the race! The length of each individual session depends on several factors - the amount of hair growing in the treatment area, the size of the treatment area, and how long can tolerate sitting for an appointment. Appointment lengths can range from thirty minutes to a couple hours. If you are starting a larger area or any area with denser hair growth longer sessions can be beneficial to see more progress faster. How long it can take to completely finish an area also depends on these factors. For any new area it would be typical to treat regularly for 12 months or more. Infrequent treatments will extend the necessary length for an area to be completed. It is important to be consistent and above all patient when achieving permanent results. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

So now you now the science behind electrolysis, what do you actually need to know if you're interested in booking an appointment? Preparing for your appointment correctly will make your treatments more effective. Your pre care instructions should be discussed with your provider as their may be some nuance with everyone’s preferences. At Cats Paw Electrology a pre care check list is listed on my website for easy access and goes as follows:

“Stop shaving 3-4 days before your appointment. In order to treat the hair it must be long enough to see and remove with tweezers. Anything longer will negatively impact treatment outcome. (Hair that is too long can become distorted by friction, making it harder to determine the correct direction of the hair growth. Hair that is too long can also reduce the visibility and access, making it difficult to isolate and treat individual hairs)

Hydrate. The more hydrated you are, the more effective your treatment will be. Make sure to start hydrating 24-48 hours before your appointment as well as start using hydrating skin products if you are not already. The more dehydrated your skin is the less effective the currents will be. All methods of electrolysis rely on the water content of the skin to work correctly so it will literally not work as well if your skin isn’t hydrated.

Using a physically exfoliating product such as a facial/body scrub, brush, or cloth 3-4 days before your treatment will help your skin be in the best condition for best results. Stop use of any chemical exfoliating products a week before treatment. This includes but is not limited to acids, retinol, and chemical peels.

I can not treat damaged skin so make sure your skin is fully healed from any sun damage, rash, dermatitis, or other cosmetic treatments.”

Following the pre care instructions will dramatically impact how well your treatment will work. In addition to getting the best results, following the pre care also takes your skins health into account. Now that you’re prepared for your appointment, lets go over what a typical first appointment might look like. If it is your first appointment with a provider you might have a stand alone consolation or a consultation combined with an appointment. Make sure to discuss what exactly your booking so you know what to expect. A typical consultation will include filling out a medical history form (if not already done online beforehand). It may feel unnecessary and a little annoying to fill out a long tedious form with all your personal information, however it is so important for your provider to have all the information that could impact your treatment. You may be surprised how important seemingly little details can be to the safety of your treatment, so make sure to thoroughly fill out these forms and include all the “boring” details. There is no such thing as too much information. Also make sure to keep your provider updated on all medical updates each time you see them.

So now you’ve filled out all your paper work your provider will most likely explain how electrolysis works and the things you should expect (like the information discussed above) and this is the time for you to get any questions you may have answered. If you have scheduled a treatment with your consultation then your provider will get started with getting everything set up. They will talk you through the process and the steps they are taking.

After your treatment is finished, your provider should discuss aftercare instructions with you. Here is an example of the post care instructions on my website-

“Don’t touch. Touching, scratching, shaving, scrubbing, rubbing, or picking can cause irritation, inflammation, breakouts and potential scarring.

No heat. Your skin might be warm for several hours after your appointment and we don’t want to add any additional heat. No working out, avoid the sun, no hot tubs or saunas.

No exfoliation. No scrubbing for a week after treatment. No use of chemical exfoliants or treatments.

No makeup. For the first 24 hours after your appointment your skin is going to be more susceptible to break outs and sensitivity so avoiding unnecessary contact and products will be ideal.

Do feel free to use soothing products such as witch hazel and aloe vera to provide some comfort for your skin and start using spf the next day.”

Following post care instructions is very important for your skins health and safety.

Now you’re all ready to start your journey to permanent hair removal!

Sources:

Real World Electrology, The Blend Method by Michael Bono

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-electrolysis

https://www.ohsu.edu/cosmetic-plastics-services/electrolysis-faqs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrology