| Electrolysis
is a way of removing individual hairs from the face or body. Today's
medical electrolysis devices, called epilators, destroy the growth
center of the hair with a short-wave radio frequency. A very fine
probe is inserted into the hair follicle at the surface of the
skin. The hair is then removed harmlessly with forceps.
What causes unwanted hair growth?
Hair growth is the result of heredity and hormonal levels. Also,
some drugs, temporary methods of hair removal, and some illnesses
can stimulate hair growth. Usually, hair growth is desirable.
But when the hair is the wrong part of your body -- a woman's
upper lip or chin, the hands or arms -- you may be considering
electrolysis.
How many treatments will I need?
Since many factors influence hair growth, you will need to return
for several visits. The total number of sessions needed to remove
hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person
to person. Most clients return once a week or every other week,
as necessary. But the unwanted hair will be gone forever once
the series of treatments have been completed. Each treatment lasts
between 15 minutes and one hour.
Myths About Electrolysis
Electrolysis is painful. The truth is, electrolysis usually does
not cause any discomfort. Modern electrolysis methods have reduced
any discomfort to a mere tingling. A topical anesthetic may be
used in some cases.
The electric tweezer method is permanent. The truth is, the Food
and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association recognize
only electrolysis as a permanent method of removing hair. In fact,
some states prohibit those who use the electric tweezer -- which
can also be purchased for consumer use --from claiming it provides
permanent hair removal.
Temporary methods of hair removal are better. The truth is, chemical
depilatories (liquids or creams) are often used to remove leg
hair. These products may work well for the legs but cannot be
used on the face. Depilatories contain irritating chemicals, and
they also can be time-consuming and messy. Likewise, bleaches
contain harsh chemicals and do little to disguise dark hair. They
may also discolor the skin. Waxing is another temporary method
of hair removal and is usually done in salons. A hot wax is applied
to the skin and removed once it has dried over the hair. The hair
is stripped off when the wax is removed. Waxing can be painful
and costly. Home waxing kits are available, but they can be difficult
to use and messy. There are electrical electrolysis devices available
for home use that try to copy the devices used by professionals.
These devices are often unsafe for use by anyone who is not trained
in electrolysis.
Facts About Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a time-tested method that was invented more than
100 years ago to remove irritating, in-grown eyelash hairs. Most
areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, including
the eyebrows, face, thighs, abdomen, breasts, and legs.
There are no permanent side effects. Sometimes, a slight reddening
of the skin occurs during or immediately after treatment, but
this will only last for a short time. Electrolysis is very safe
and, unlike depilatories or bleaches, no harsh chemicals are used.
How Do I Choose an Electrologist?
Electrologists are people who have undergone training to professionally
administer the electrolysis procedure. If you are considering
undergoing electrolysis, it is very important that you do your
research before committing to an appointment. The wrong decision
can mean extra sessions and cost and unnecessary discomfort. By
following the guidelines listed below, you can take comfort in
knowing that you will be making an educated and informed decision
when choosing an electrologist.
Know their qualifications. Many states require that electrologists
be licensed or certified within the state in order to practice
electrolysis. If you live in those states (*see the list below),
be sure the practitioner's certificate is current and fully on
display. For states that do not regulate electrolysis, look for
electrologists who have a certification from an accredited electrology
school.
Ask around. One of the best ways to find any good service is to
ask friends and family for recommendation. If you know anybody
who has undergone electrolysis, ask for his or her input.
Get a consultation. Many places will give you a free consultation.
During the consultation, be sure that any and all of your questions
about the procedure are answered. Some of the questions you can
ask include: how the procedure will feel; an estimate on the number
of visits you will likely need; the cost of each visit (this will
very from place to place, and it is best to call around); the
length of each session; how long they have been in business; and
the number of clients they have treated.
Make sure they use the right technique. Make sure the practitioner
uses needle electrolysis, which is the only permanent form of
hair removal. Some places may advertise electrolysis, but in reality
they use electronic tweezers or photoepilators. These are not
permanent hair removal procedures.
Use common sense. When you go to your consultation, look around.
Does the place look clean? Do the workers look clean? Do they
use disposable gloves or probes? Ask to meet to person who will
be performing the electrolysis for you. Does he or she strike
you as professional? If you are not personally comfortable with
somebody, do not go to him or her. Personal comfort is essential
to knowing you have made the right decision in choosing an electrologist.
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