What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a hair removal technique that works by targeting the hair follicles with electrical currents. The process involves inserting a very fine probe into each individual hair follicle. Once inserted, a small amount of electrical current is applied, which destroys the hair follicle's ability to produce new hair. Beauty Lab uses the Blend method which is a mixture of High frequency and Direct current. High frequency uses an alternating current to generate heat, which damages the hair follicle and Direct current where the electric current creates a chemical reaction with the body's fluids, that damages the hair follicle's growth cells. This has been found to be the most effective method.
Who is suitable for Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is suitable for all skin and hair types, making it a versatile option for hair removal. White hair, Grey hair, Blonde hair, Red hair, Brown hair and Black hair, fine and thick hair too. It can be done on various areas of the body. Unlike other hair removal methods, electrolysis provides permanent results, as the treated hair follicles are permanently destroyed.
Electrolysis cannot be performed whilst pregnant.
People that scar easily or have pigmentation will require a test patch prior.
How many sessions are recommended and how long will it last?
The amount of Electrolysis sessions required to achieve optimal results will vary from person to person. With each session, fewer and finer hairs will grow back. Once the hair has been destroyed it is permanent and will not grow back. Its important to remember hormones and age can produce new hair follicles resulting in new hairs popping up later in life.
Clients with very few hairs to treat will likely only need 2-3 sessions.
Clients with more hair growth will likely need 3-5 sessions.
When treated correctly, the follicle should be destroyed enough to not produce that hair again. However to destroy a hair follicle correctly is dependent on a few things;
-The hair growth stage that hair being treated is young-mid age of its cycle. (Older hairs at the end of their lifecycle will need to be treated again when they replace with a young new hair).
-Each follicle can produce 3 hairs, meaning the follicle may need to be treated 3 times to destroy all 3 hairs. Most people generally grow 1-2 hairs per follicle.
-Pain tolerance, the higher intensity you can endure, the more successful the treatment is.
-Hairs treated previously with Laser or IPL are more resistant to destroy.
Is Electrolysis painful?
There is a level of pain associated with Electrolysis, this level of pain is up to you. The higher the intensity, the faster the treatment and less sessions you will need. The lower the intensity, the treatment can become quite slow and you may require more sessions.
The probe entering the hair follicle should not be uncomfortable, if it is, it has punctured your skin and is in the wrong place and will not be successful. The heated sensation within the hair follicle while it is being treated can have a level of discomfort but you get use to it!
The hair being removed from the follicle once treated should not be felt, if a plucking sensation is felt, it has not been treated correctly.
Pre Electrolysis Session
-Consultation recommended.
-Drink lots of water! The more hydrated your body is, the more lye will be created in your hair follicle for the chemical reaction that destroys the hair.
-Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds at least 2 weeks prior. UV exposed skin can be more sensitive during the treatment.
-Avoid waxing or plucking at least four weeks before your session.
-Avoid shaving at least 1 week before your session.
-Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of your session as they can increase skin sensitivity.
Post Electrolysis Session
-Expect some redness, minor follicle swelling and temporary skin irritation up to 24hour post treatment. Some clients may experience a tiny scab over the follicle, these will drop off in a few days.
-Apply Aloe Vera on the treated area to reduce redness, inflammation, and discomfort. Avoid products containing alcohol or fragrance, as they may irritate the skin.
-Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds and excessive heat for at least 48 hours after your session. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the treated area when necessary.
-Avoid touching, scrubbing or exfoliating the treated area for a few days. Let the skin heal naturally to prevent irritation or infection.
-Avoid makeup and any other products on the treated area for at least 24 hours. Gentle oils and mineral powder ( applied with a clean brush) are okay.
-Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and promote faster healing.