A short history of Electrolysis.
An American ophthalmologist from St. Louis, Dr Charles Michel, first used Electrolysis successfully in 1875 to remove ingrown eyelashes. He discovered that once the hair follicles had been successfully treated with electrolysis, the hair follicle no longer produced hair. His system used a battery-powered needle epilator and was later superceded by innovations in the field when Paul Kree in 1916 used AC electricity. This was first reported through medical literature in 1924 by Dr Henri Bordier following more than a decade of experimentation by numerous researchers. The later method was called Diathermy or Thermolysis.

What causes superfluous hair?
Male hormones-androgens, produced in fewer quantities in females, cause hair growth in men and women. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause may increase the level of androgens and/or decrease the level of the female hormone oestrogen, which may result in new unwanted hair growth. Steroids, birth-control medication or surgical removal of ovaries could stimulate abnormal hair growth. Inherited glandular defects may stimulate superfluous hair. Irregular menstruation and signs of new hair growth suggest an underlying hormonal irregularity.

The procedure.
After thorough consultation, a fine needle is inserted down the hair follicle (known as probing) An electrical current is applied through the needle to the base of the follicle which creates a chemical reaction, heat & vibration which shocks the follicle into releasing the unwanted hair. This hair is removed at the time of treatment using tweezers. According to the strength of the follicle & hair, the follicle may produce another hair but this will be weakened. When this electrolysis process is repeated on the same hair, the regrowth will be weakened again until the follicle eventually stops producing hair. The amount of time required for each treatment will depend on the size of the area to be treated, the number and strength of the hairs and the client’s ability to withstand treatment. The treatment should not be painful however most clients will feel some sensation notably the heat from the needle when the current is applied. If follicles are very tight and probing is difficult, the point of the needle may be felt, added to this are personal pain thresholds which will affect individual sensitivity. With your GP’s approval you may find taking an oral painkiller a half hour before treatment helps to reduce sensitivity.  

Consultation.
A consultation will consider the client’s medical history and any prior treatment of the superfluous hair (i.e. shaving plucking etc)  It may be pertinent to visit your GP before a consultation, for their consideration of your suitability for electrolysis treatment. Anyone with medical conditions including-but not limited to: hypertension (high blood pressure) epilepsy, diabetes, cancer or receiving medication will need a GP’s letter of approval as will anyone with hairs growing from moles. During the consultation a few hairs may be treated so the customer can make a fully informed decision to undertake treatment.

 Who can benefit from Electrolysis?
Anyone who has unwanted hair will benefit from Electrolysis. We treat men and ladies.

Aftercare.
Electrolysis hair removal is essentially an invasive process designed to obliterate hair follicles. Therefore the skin will normally be reddened after Electrolysis, for those who are more sensitive other side effects may include swelling, blisters, scabs, dryness, and ingrown hairs-but this is quite rare. The treated area needs to be treated very gently so as to not irritate it and cause any long lasting problems. The area needs to be kept hygienically clean, with no makeup, perfumed moisturizers, swimming, sunbathing, massage or heat treatments to be used or applied for 48 hours or until the redness has disappeared. We will recommend an aftercare gel for use at home in-between treatments.

Electrolysis or Laser?
To date, Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal. Look carefully at the advertising for Laser. You will often find it states ‘permanent hair reduction’ Even then, laser is not effective on all hair types e.g. red, white or blonde hair or those who have a combination of light and dark hair. Laser hair removal doesn’t always remove the hair at the time of treatment and it is usually much more expensive at the point of treatment. Electrolysis is not in-expensive but is often carried out in much smaller areas and the cost is therefore spread out over a longer period of time. Having said that, larger areas such as legs can be treated by Electrolysis.  

Further information.
We trust the information above is helpfull, however you may have further questions. If so, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tues-Thurs         10.00-8.00
Fri                    9.00-5.30
Sat                   8.30-4.30
Sun & Mon - Closed

01895 233616  or  01895 461059 both lines have answer-phones incase we are busy in the salon. Do leave your name & number with the best time to call and we return your all asap.

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