FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Electrolysis is the only safe, medically-approved, permanent method of hair removal. During an electrolysis treatment, the electrologist inserts a fine wire filament (also called a probe or needle) into the hair follicle (which is a natural opening in the skin). An electrical current is passed down this wire filament in order to destroy the hair bulb and bulge. In doing so, the blood supply that nourishes the hair is sealed off (dermal papilla) and germinative cells that produce new hairs (matrix cells and stem cells) are destroyed. Once this occurs, the hair will not be able to grow back. With effective electrolysis, the hair is loosened after the electric current is applied, and the electrologist can gently slide the hair out of the follicle using tweezers (no plucking sensation should be felt). At Pristine Electrolysis, we often use a 2-pulse method that is recommended by Dectro International. This technique delivers the electrical current to the hair bulb in the first pulse (targeting the dermal papilla and matrix cells), and to the hair bulge in the second pulse (targeting the stem cells). Targeting both of these areas results in more effective electrolysis treatments.

Both laser hair removal and electrolysis can offer long-lasting results, however laser hair removal is often referred to as semi-permanent. Studies suggest that instead of resulting in permanent hair removal, laser only delays hair growth for an extended period of time, leading to a need for touch-ups once treatment is finished. Additionally, since laser works by detecting pigment in the hair, laser treatments are often not effective on individuals with darker skin tones, or light hair (white, gray, red, or blonde hair). Laser hair removal can still be a great option as it allows larger areas to be treated quickly, and often produces faster results with fewer treatment sessions. In contrast, electrolysis can effectively target all hair types and hair colours. It can also produce outstanding results regardless of the client’s skin tone. Effective and consistent electrolysis sessions will result in permanent hair removal, rather than simply delaying hair growth. Touch-up appointments for electrolysis may only be needed if the client has a hormonal imbalance or hereditary factors that can cause previously inactive hair follicles to activate and produce hair (the follicles that were treated successfully will no longer produce hair). Some clients notice paradoxical hypertrichosis (an increase in hair density or coarseness) after getting laser hair removal (especially on the face) and therefore may opt to get electrolysis for this reason. Unlike laser, electrolysis does not come with the risk of this side effect.

There are three principal methods of performing electrolysis: galvanic electrolysis, thermolysis and the blend method. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, thus the electrologist will be able to assess your skin and hair type to choose the best modality for you. At Pristine Electrolysis, we offer thermolysis and the blend method. Galvanic electrolysis is very effective as it uses a direct current to produce a chemical reaction in the hair follicle. This chemical reaction results in the production of sodium hydroxide (also called lye) which is caustic and can destroy the hair root and bulge. Although this modality is effective, it is also the slowest, thus it is the least popular method of electrolysis today. Thermolysis is the most common method of electrolysis due to its speed. It uses a high-frequency, alternating current to produce heat in the tissue which destroys the hair root and bulge. Thermolysis can be used on fine or coarse hair and is often the top choice for most clients. Blend combines a galvanic current and a thermolysis current to destroy the germinative cells in the follicle, meaning that both a chemical reaction and the production of heat occurs in the tissues. Blend is slower and sometimes more painful than thermolysis, but it works well for individuals with very coarse hair and distorted/curved follicles.

Although electrolysis is very effective, it takes more than one pass or clearance to permanently remove the hair in an area of the face or body. This can be attributed to several factors including the hair growth cycle, the coarseness of the hair, the presence of curved or distorted follicles, and regrowth after effective treatment. All hair cycles through three different phases (anagen, catagen and telogen). Electrolysis is most effective when performed on anagen hairs (hairs in the growing phase), however in some parts of the body, only 20-30% of the hair may be in that phase at any given time. Therefore, multiple treatments will be required to target the hair effectively. Additionally, some hair may not be visible when you come in for your appointment (as it may be just below the surface of the skin), therefore the electrologist will not be able to treat this hair and further sessions will be needed to target it. Coarse hair, and curved or distorted follicles are more difficult to treat and may require multiple treatments to permanently remove the hair. Lastly, even with expertly performed electrolysis there is a regrowth rate of 20-40%. Hair that regrows can be treated again, and it will be less likely to regrow after that subsequent treatment. Eventually, permanent hair removal of the entire area can be achieved as long as there are no unresolved hormonal issues. In individuals with hormonal problems, new hair follicle growth may be activated thus, necessitating more treatment sessions. Electrolysis is a slow process, but it produces excellent results. It is difficult to estimate the number of sessions needed to permanently remove the hair from an area, but the electrologist may be able to give you an approximate length of time after your progress is assessed following several sessions.

This can be a hard question to answer since the sensation felt during electrolysis can vary based on the individual’s personal tolerance and the area being treated. Some people report feeling a slight heat sensation when the current is flowing while others experience higher levels of discomfort. The electrologist will work with you to find treatment settings that allow for effective electrolysis while minimizing your discomfort. In order to help in making electrolysis a more relaxing and comfortable experience, clients may choose to use strategies to reduce discomfort (such as taking Tylenol or Advil 1 hour before their appointment time, distracting themselves with music during the treatment, or applying a numbing cream to the treatment area). Clients can also expect to experience acclimatization. Generally, as clients undergo more treatments, their personal tolerance will improve. This phenomenon is also seen when it comes to skin side effects. The highest risk of skin side effects exists during your first few sessions, and the skin will acclimatize to the procedure over time.

Normal side effects include redness, swelling, small welting, pinpoint crusts/scabs, sensitivity or tenderness in the treated area, and occasional bruising. These are temporary reactions that will fade in hours to days. Uncommon side effects include hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and infection of the treated area. Changes in pigmentation often resolve months after electrolysis treatments are stopped. Clients can minimize the risk of infection by keeping the treated area clean and avoiding touching the area. It is important to receive electrolysis from a trained professional as use of excessive current intensities can lead to permanent scarring (however this is very rare). Infectious disease transmission is another risk of electrolysis as equipment such as probes and tweezers may come into contact with bodily fluids. The good news is that since electrolysis was first performed in 1875, there has never been a report of infectious disease transmission related to the procedure. At Pristine Electrolysis, we meticulously follow all Peel public health guidelines. A new, pre-sterilized, individually packaged disposable probe is used for each electrolysis treatment, and all equipment that comes into contact with the skin (such as tweezers and the plastic cap of the needleholder) is cleaned using a high-level disinfectant.

If you’re questioning whether your electrologist is performing the procedure correctly, pay attention to whether you consistently feel a plucking sensation when the electrologist removes the hair. This plucking sensation indicates that the probe insertion or treatment settings need to be adjusted to effectively destroy the growing cells in the hair follicle and achieve permanent hair removal. The hair should slide out easily once the current is applied. Some good work habits that indicate a competent electrologist include stretching the skin (in order to provide easier access into the follicular opening), applying an antiseptic before treatment and a soothing gel after treatment (to minimize risk of infection and promote healing), and use of treatment settings that don’t lead to excessive side effects.