Electrolysis FAQ's

How long does it take to achieve permanency? 
 
An electrolysis treatment program must be tailored to meet an individual client's needs. 

Certain factors determine the number and length of treatments, such as number of hairs
in the area, the area to be treated, and previous methods of hair removal like tweezing,

helping you free yourself of your unwanted hair - forever!


How many treatments are needed?

Treatments will be more frequent in the beginning and then taper off.  In time, the hair
ceases to grow.  It is hard to answer this until we actually see the client and can then
give a more informative estimate of what it will take to see these hairs eliminated. 
We will talk about what to do in between sessions during the consultation visit.


What should I do for skin care after the treatment?

It is pretty normal to have some swelling or redness in the treated area, for a few minutes
to an hour or so, and some individuals may even take slightly longer.  An ice pack or cold
compress can reduce these side effects.  Occasionally some small scabs may appear a few
days after a treatment.  It is important that you do not pick at them!  Doing this can cause such
problems as infection or hyper-pigment.  Though the temptation may exist for the "pickers"
out there, you must resist.  Your electrologist will recommend the application of an antibiotic
cream or medicated cosmetic lotion to enhance the healing process. 
Being careful with sun exposure is always recommended.  Avoid direct sunlight and apply
a sun block every few hours for maximum results. 
It is unwise to work on sunburned skin.  Avoid the sun after a treatment.


What causes unwanted hair?

Many factors can contribute to the growth of excess hair.

* Heredity.

* Normal physiological changes, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. 
  Hormones can become unbalanced during these times.

* Malfunctions of the endocrine system. 
Some diseases of the thyroid gland, ovaries, pituitary gland and adrenal glands
are known to stimulate hair growth.  Thyroid conditions and Poly-cystic Ovarian
Syndrome are just a couple of these.   Pathological disorders such as these must
be treated by a physician in order for electrolysis to be effective.

* Medication. 
Some common ones include birth control pills, cortisone, some
seizure drugs and high blood pressure medications as well.
 

* Topical influences. 
This can play a part in increased hair growth.  These are external influences
on the body that cause an increase in the blood supply to the skin and hair 
follicles.  This category includes sunburns, scars from injuries, as well as
prolonged tweezing and waxing.

* Stress. 
Both physical and emotional can stimulate the adrenal glands to initiate a hormonal
reaction that can cause fine, soft body hair to become more coarse and noticeable.