Electrolysis
The only permanent hair removal method.

Recognized by the medical profession as being the only safe way to permanently remove hair, electrolysis has become a truly accepted profession allied with many other health professions.
 
Causes of Hair Growth
All hair growth, normal and abnormal, is regulated by hormones. It is the oversecretion of male hormones that causes excessive hair growth. Research has established that most excess hair is due to the combination of too much androgen, and an enzyme in the follicle that is very sensitive to the increase. Excessive hair growth may be encouraged by many different variables such as puberty, pregnancy, aging, drugs, glandular disorders, stress, and eating disorders.

Electrolysis and How It Works

To explain, hair grows through a tube-like opening in the skin known as the hair follicle. At the base of the follicle is a bulb, which contains a gelatin-like substance, called the papilla. This is the hair's source of nourishment. A tiny sterile wire filament is inserted into the follicle. In the use of shortwave or thermolysis, the tip of the wire filament transmits a small heat pattern down into the papilla. This thermal action cauterizes and disables the papilla without damaging the outer layer of the skin. With galvanic or blend modalities, a chemical breakdown occurs which destroys the papilla. Without the papilla, the hair cannot regenerate.
 
Hair Growth Cycle
Electrolysis is not a once-only treatment remedy. One treatment will usually eliminate all visible hairs, but because hair growth is not synchronized, there are many hair follicles under the skin which contain hairs in the beginning growth stage or the dormant state. All hairs go through a growth and replacement cycle, and by successive treatments the hairs will be treated as they emerge during the cycle. Hair on various parts of the body has different growth cycles. The first stage of the cycle is the anagen or growing stage. This is the optimum time for a successful treatment because it is before the hair follicle reaches its maximum depth and the hair bulb is attached to and nourished by the papilla. Therefore, treatment of the hair in the early stage of its appearance is very important to destroy the papilla.
 
Comfort and Sensitivity
In removing unwanted hair, the degree of discomfort varies with each individual's tolerance, but most patients find it no worse than tweezing. With patience, expertise and skill, the well-trained electrologist is able to help many persons overcome their feeling of inferiority or other psychological problems stemming from unwanted and bothersome hair growths.

Questions & Answers

The following information is intended to provide a better understanding of electrology and to offer encouragement to those who are contemplating treatment. It is important to realize that time, commitment, and patience are needed in order to overcome a problem which did not develop overnight.

2. How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments necessary varies with each patient/client. Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal physiologic changes, certain medications, and stress influence the treatment program for each individual.

3. Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment or is regrowth to be expected?
Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair germ cells may require additional treatments. During the course of treatment and due to the cyclic nature of hair growth, new hairs as well as hairs emerging from a dormant phase will also be treated and may be visible the same time as finer regrowth hairs.

4. Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body?
The most common areas include hairline, bridge of nose, eyebrows, upper and lower lip, cheeks, sideburns, chin, neck, shoulders, arms, underarms, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, legs, back, and chest.

5. How should I choose an electrologist?
Specific standards for the profession, including national board certification credentials, have been established. These voluntary credentials require the practitioner to fulfill continuing education to maintain national board status. Many people find an electrologist through the Yellow Pages of local directories which contain valuable information regarding professional credentials. Also, one can ask a physician who is familiar with electrology for a referral.