1505 Don Roser Dr.
Suite B
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(505) 523-5456
cindylou@zianet.com
What causes superfluous hair?

What can be done for superfluous hair?

Isn't laser hair removal faster than electrolysis?

How long does electrolysis take?

Does electrolysis hurt?

How does electrolysis work?

How safe is electrolysis?

Is any special after-care required?

What about those home electrolysis kits?

What areas of the body can be treated?

How much does electrolysis cost?

What causes superfluous hair? Return to Top

The genetic blueprint you inherited from your ancestors determines the amount, location, and timing of the hair growth you will experience during your lifetime. People who have come from areas around the Mediterranean and the Middle East have a greater tendency toward hirsutism than do those from Northern Europe and the Orient. The male hormones called androgens, produced to a lesser degree in females, are directly responsible for hair growth in both men and women. Normal changes in the hormonal system occurring during puberty, pregnancy and menopause may increase the level of androgens or decrease the level of the female hormone estrogen, resulting in sudden new hair growth on the body and face. There are occasions, though rare, when a tumor or an inherited glandular defect may stimulate the growth of superfluous hair. Menstrual irregularity, abdominal pain, and signs of virilization in combination with new hair growth signal a need for immediate medical evaluation. Medications such as steroids and birth control pills, or the surgical removal of sex glands may stimulate abnormal hair growth. Even simple stress can be a contributing factor.

What can be done for superfluous hair? Return to Top

The method you choose for dealing with unwanted hair will depend on the number and location of hairs and how great a problem you perceive them to be.

Temporary Hair Removal:

Shaving is the fastest and most popular method and works best on areas such as the legs and underarms, or for a man's beard, since the stubble will not usually detract from your appearance. The razor or electric shaver cuts the hair above the skin, so that the hair is eliminated for only a short time. Regrowth will be determined by your individual hair growth pattern.

Tweezing is most popular for removing hairs from around the eyebrows. The procedure may cause ingrown hairs. If you decide to tweeze, do it after a hot washing, and clean the tweezer thoroughly after each use.

Depilatories are creams containing powerful alkaline agents that break down the structure of the hair. They are most effective when used on the legs and leave the skin feeling smooth. A few individuals may react to the harsh chemicals, so it is advisable to test a small area of your skin before treating the entire region.

Waxing pulls out a number of hairs at one time. Liquid wax is applied, a cloth is laid on the skin and once set, is ripped off, removing the hair with it. Waxing must be repeated every three to eight weeks.

Lasers are being used for hair removal when vast amounts of hair can be removed in a relatively short time. The process is the most expensive method of temporary hair removal. That's right, it is NOT PERMANENT REMOVAL. The US FDA has not permitted laser manufacturers and salons to use the claim "Permanent Hair Removal" in their advertisements; however, that restriction is often ignored. Let the consumer beware.

Permanent Hair Removal:

Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal first developed in the United States in 1875 and later modified in France. It involves the insertion of a thin sterilized stainless steel probe into the hair follicle. In the generally-used method, a small electric current is used in conduction with the skin to produce a base solution that destroys the papilla and most of the follicle so that each hair can then be easily and permanently removed. Despite the initial investment of time and money, there are numerous benefits to professional electrolysis. You will save time and expense of temporary methods because electrolysis removes hair permanently.

Isn't laser hair removal faster than electrolysis? Return to Top

Faster for the first pass: YES. Permanent: NO. There is still no statistically significant evidence that laser epilation is much better than waxing, despite what is advertised. Depending on the equipment parameters and your skin characteristics, it can even cause skin discoloring and scarring.

How long does electrolysis take? Return to Top

The time investment in electrolysis depends on many factors including the location on your body, how large the area is, your skin type, and the density, shape and persistence of the hair follicles. It usually takes at least three complete clearing passes over a given area to catch all the follicles in their active phase (at any given time, about a third of them are in the resting phase, preparing to grow a new hair). Sometimes a treated follicle will produce another hair, but it will be finer and lighter, and more susceptible to the next treatment. Curved follicles are harder to treat; they are primarily a genetic factor. After a few sessions, the electrologist can assess these factors according to your unique characteristics and epilation goals and provide an estimate of the overall treatment time.

Does electrolysis hurt? Return to Top

There is some sensation, but most people find electrolysis to be a comfortable treatment. Topical anesthetic is available for the treatment. Some people prefer to take an oral pain-killer before a long (multi-hour) session. It also helps to be well-hydrated, and to avoid caffeine and other stimulants on the day of the appointment. Some find that the time of day is important - morning is easier for some, afternoon for others. Everyone perceives and handles sensation a little differently; communicate openly with your electrologist so you can find the most comfortable combination of factors.

How does electrolysis work? Return to Top

The most effective type of electrolysis for facial work sends a blend of two currents into the papilla (the point at the base of the follicle which nourishes the hair) through a tiny probe: alternating radio frequency current, which heats up and immediately cauterizes the papilla and a direct current which creates a small amount of base (sodium hydroxide) in the follicle which finishes the process over the next few hours after the treatment.

For large areas of the body, a multi-probe system is used which uses true galvanic electrolysis. This modality is ideal for treating any large area where rapid clearing is desired. Sixteen individual probes work quickly and comfortably to provide faster results.

How safe is electrolysis? Return to Top

Only a very small amount of current is required; it works so well because it is focused in a single follicle at a time. The electrologist should employ single-use, pre-sterilized, disposable probes, gloves, and heat sterilize their tweezers after every session. Electrolysis is completely safe for most clients.

Is any special after-care required? Return to Top

Alcohol should be applied with a cotton ball three times a day for 2 days following the treatment. For those with sensitive skin, ice helps if applied during the first hour following treatment; hydrogen peroxide and aloe gel can be applied once a day for the subsequent few days. Keep the treated area out of the sun, do not shave, do not scratch or rub, and avoid makeup, strong soap, and astringents for about a week.

What about those home electrolysis kits? Return to Top

The kits providing electrified tweezers cannot send sufficient current through the hair to reliably kill the hair root (hair is not a good conductor; that is why electrologists use a stainless steel probe to reach the base of the follicle). Kits which have their own probes can cause scarring and unsatisfactory epilation if the probe is not wielded by a professional who has been schooled in exactly which angle and depth to use on each follicle, and which settings are best for the client's skin type.

What areas of the body can be treated? Return to Top

The most common sites for electrolysis are:
Chin
Upper lip
Eyebrows
Sides of the face
Neck
Hairline Shaping
Chest 		Nipple area
Back
Legs
Bikini Line
Feet and Toes
Hands and Fingers

How much does electrolysis cost? Return to Top
It depends directly on how long it takes, which varies with your characteristics and epilation goals. Please call our office at (505)523-5456, or email us at cindylou@zianet.com.

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