Frequently Asked Questions
★ What causes unwanted hair?
Heredity and hormonal changes are important factors which contribute to hair growth. People who have ancestry from areas around the Mediterranean and the Middle East have a greater tendency toward excessive hair growth than those of Oriental or American Indian descent. Androgen hormones are directly responsible for hair growth in both men and women. Normal changes in the hormonal system occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause which may increase the level of androgens resulting in new hair growth on the body or face. Certain medications can also disrupt the delicate endocrine balance and produce unwanted hair. Stress can stimulate the adrenal glands to initiate a hormonal reaction that can cause finer hairs to become more coarse and noticeable.
Excess hair growth can also be a symptom of disease such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Ovarian & Adrenal Tumors, Cushing’s Syndrome, Adrenal Hyperplasia and Hyperthyroidism.
★ What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the removal of unwanted hair through the use of a tiny sterile probe which is gently inserted to the base of the hair follicle down to the papilla. A small amount of current or heat is discharged which destroys the hair follicle preventing it from producing another hair. When this is accomplished regenerative cells of the hair follicle are permanently eliminated.
★ Electrolysis vs. Laser?
Electrolysis IS THE ONLY FDA APPROVED METHOD FOR REMOVING HAIR PERMANENTLY. Countless laser hair removal services have opened in the past several years promising great results at unbeatable prices. However, these services rarely mention that laser hair removal is severely limited in its ability to remove hair and is simply not an option for many people. The device commonly used in laser hair removal treatments works by targeting a dark colored hair pigment. Electrolysis will destroy hair regardless of its color, phase or size. Laser treatment is radiation, can cause pigmentation problems and is NOT a permanent solution to remove ALL unwanted hair. The Mayo Clinic estimates that laser treatment generally reduces hair counts by only 40% – 80%, whereas electrolysis has been proven to completely remove ALL hair.
★ Why should I choose electrolysis over other hair removal methods?
Waxing, threading and tweezing are alike. They may cause an increase in hair growth activity. Electrolysis works on most areas of the body to give you a smooth, healthy looking skin. No other solution claims such universal acceptability and success.
★ Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment or is re-growth to be expected?
Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair germinative 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 re-growth hairs. Hairs that have been tweezed, waxed or that are curly often have a good chance of coming back as a finer hair. These finer hairs can then be epilated for good because all of the germinative cells have been treated.
★ How many treatments are required?
Completion times vary for each individual depending on the coarseness of the hair, the number of hairs to be removed, and if temporary methods, such as waxing or shaving, were previously used. Other factors that influence the length of treatment are individual hair growth cycles, as well as hereditary and hormonal function. If a client adheres to a recommended schedule the goal should be reached between 12-18 months.
★ Is electrolysis safe?
Yes. Electrolysis has a 140-year history of safety and effectiveness. There has never been a reported case of disease transmission in electrolysis. We use only sterile disposable probes and a new probe is provided for each treatment. The tweezers and probe cap are also sterilized before each treatment.
★ Is electrolysis painful?
Generally electrolysis does not cause much discomfort. Modern electrolysis equipment and methods have reduced discomfort of electrolysis treatments in the past to a mere tingling sensation for most clients. The degree to which a client will notice treatment sensations has a great deal to do with their personal tolerance levels. A topical anesthetic may be used in extreme cases but it’s important to know that adjustments can be made to my equipment to make each treatment comfortable. We encourage client feedback. Please contact us for details on topical anesthetics.
★ Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body?
Hair can be removed from almost any part of the body. Some common areas for women include the hairline, eyebrows, top of the nose, cheeks, sideburn area, upper and lower lip, chin, throat, neck, shoulders, back, chest, breasts, abdomen, arms, underarms, legs, bikini line, hands, feet, toes, fingers. Hairy moles may be treated with written permission from a physician. Men often have hair removed from the hairline, beard line, shoulders, back, neck, chest, ears, and nose. Electrolysis is very helpful for treating ingrown hairs which frequently cause irritation in the beard area.
★ Does electrolysis have any side effects on the skin?
It is normal to see some slight redness, welting and/or mild swelling associated with electrolysis treatment. Normally this will disappear in half an hour to several hours.
★ Are there any situations when electrolysis should not be performed?
Yes. A consultation will be given and relevant medical questions will be asked to determine if you are a suitable candidate. A few situations require a doctor’s note of permission before commencing your treatment.
★ At what age can electrolysis be started?
Electrolysis can be performed at any age but parental or guardian consent must be obtained for anyone under 18 years. Most individuals are not good candidates prior to puberty.
★ How much does it cost?
Electrolysis is billed by the hour – usually broken down into 1 hour, 45 minute, 30 minute and 15 minute sessions. Cash Perferred, Zelle and Personal Check
15 minutes – $50
30 minutes – $80
45 minutes – $110
60 minutes – $130-$140
Intimate Area - Call for Pricing
Longer Treatments Available Prices Vary By Location Cash, Zelle or Check GCS Clients Call for Pricing
★ Pre-Treatment Care
Eliminate as much stress as possible on the day of your treatment.
Avoid stimulants like caffeine, chocolate or sugar on the day of your appointment.
Avoid sun exposure 48 hours prior to your treatment to avoid dilation of the blood vessels.
Female clients may find that they are more sensitive during or right before their menstrual cycle.
Drink plenty of water the day before, the day of and the day after treatment. Dehydrated follicles are more difficult to treat. Hydration will also help your skin heal more quickly.
Eating a small meal just before treatment helps reduce discomfort.
For very sensitive clients I suggest taking a preferred pain reliever 30 minutes prior to the appointment. It can make the treatment more comfortable.
There are many topical creams that are available either with or without a prescription. EMLA (by prescription) and LMX (non-prescription) are the most popular. EMLA should be applied an hour before treatment. You should apply generously and cover with a piece of saran wrap. Use medical tape to keep in place. Hose or bike shorts over the bikini area will help keep saran in place and warm the area. Heat will activate the numbing cream even more. Some clients have made arrangements for injected anesthesia prior to treatment.
Do not allow uncertainty to keep you from freeing yourself of unwanted hair.
★ Post-Treatment Care
NOTE: It is normal following electrolysis for the treated area to be red and slightly swollen. Both of these conditions usually disappear within an hour or two but could last longer depending on the client.
For the first 24 hours after treatment keep the area clean with aloe vera, Neosporin, vitamin A, hydrogen peroxide, soap and water or other suitable antiseptics. Do not use harsh soap. Use only soaps that have no aroma and are marked for sensitive skin.
To accelerate the healing process, apply ice to the treated area. This will reduce any possible swelling.
Keep your hands off the area. If any scabs appear following treatment, tell me about them before or at your next appointment. Do not pick them off.
Do not use any abrasive scrubbing action on the treated areas.
Do not visit a tanning salon and limit sun exposure on the treated areas for at least two days.
Use only fresh make-up purchased within the last 90 days to minimize infection
Please contact me if any unusual reaction occurs which appears related to my treatment.