Electrolysis is an umbrella term for this precise technique of permanent hair removal. It is approved by the FDA as the only 100% permanent method of hair removal!

There are 3 modalities of Electrolysis:

Electrolysis: Creates a chemical reaction within the follicle. The Galvanic current reacts with the moisture in the follicle to create lye. This reaction is what leads to permanently destroying the papilla.

Blend: Uses a combination of galvanic and high frequency current.

Thermolysis: which uses a high frequency alternating current that creates vibrations that generate heat in the follicle. This small amount of heat is produced to destroy the papilla and surrounding tissues of the follicle.

In my practice, I primarily use the Thermolysis method. The process of Thermolysis begins by carefully placing a thin metal filament into the natural opening of the hair follicle. This delicate probe generates a small amount of heat (electric current). The heat is concentrated at the tip of the probe, so it does not affect the integrity of the top layer of skin. Once the current is released, it targets 2 main areas. The bulge, which hold stem cells that are responsible for hair growth and the papilla, which is the root of the follicle that is attached to the blood capillaries that feed nutrients to the hair.

As a new hair grows, and with each proceeding treatment the hair follicle weakens. Over time this effectively & permanently destroys hair growth.

Laser hair removal involves using wavelengths of light that target the pigment melanin of the hair. It works best with fair and light skin tones with dark pigmented hair. Laser is great in reducing hair density, that could make growth finer and sparse. While Electrolysis uses a sterile probe that releases an electric current one follicle at a time to remove hair, and works on all hair and skin tones.

Electrolysis works on all hair types and pigments. Unlike laser, permanent hair removal is effective even on white and red hair. It can also be done anywhere on the face and body! except the inside of the nose.

Since electrolysis works one hair at a time, it can be a bit of a slower process making it ideal for people who want to target hair in dense smaller areas, like chin, neck, sides of face, underarms, bikini line or if you have stragglers on any other part of your face or body that you want permanently gone!

Electrolysis takes time, with each session lasting 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the area. Consistency is essential, as treatments are typically needed for about a year, possible longer for issues like PCOS or hormonal imbalances. Small areas may be finsihed in a few months, while larger areas can take up yo 12-24 months with regular visits every 1-2 weeks. The process is slow but results in permanent hair removal!

There is no set number of treatments needed for effective permanent hair removal. Many factors play a role in this like hair phase,hair density, sensitivity, hormonal imbalances etc. So this varies greatly among individuals.

Also, Electrolysis is most effective when the hair is in its first phase of growing, which is called the Anagen phase. In this phase, the bulb is well hydrated and attached to the papilla. We Ideally want to treat hairs in this phase, but it is still effective treating hair in other phases of growth.

Consultations are required when starting your electrolysis journey. This in person consultation will cover more about what Electrolysis is in depth, perform a skin analysis, health questionnaire and creating a tailored treatment plan. Afterwards, a treatment of a few hairs will be performed to help you gain a better understanding of what a typical session would be like and to observe skin reactivity. If you decide to move forward with treatments, the consultation price will be deducted from your first session.

Electrolysis is an investment that will save you a great deal compared to years worth of temporary methods like threading, waxing, depilatory creams and shaving. Consistency and patience will pay off!