Electrolysis is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent removal of unwanted hair, regardless of the cause - hereditary, metabolic, or hormonal.  Its effectiveness is well documented in the medical literature.  

There are no other method of hair removal being as safe, effective and permanent as electrolysis. 

Laser Hair Removal is ideal for people with fair skin and dark hair, if you meet that criteria LHR offers greater treatment efficiency (shorter and fewer treatment sessions), less pain, greater tolerability, and lower total cost.

Laser hair removal is a long-term method of hair reduction that lasts for about 2 years. You can expect about 45-90% of hair growth reduction.

Still remains the very real possibility of triggering paradoxical hypertrichosis, a condition in which laser stimulates hair growth.

The following statement has not changed since it was originally made:

The FDA Consumer Health Information Bulletin of June 27th, 2007 states:

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes electrology as providing permanent hair removal. The FDA identification in Title 21, CFR, Sec. 878.5350 for needle-type epilators is: “a device intended to remove the hair by destroying the dermal papilla of a hair”. As no other device for hair removal has the unique identification of “destroying the dermal papilla of a hair”, only electrologists are allowed to claim permanent hair removal in their advertising”.

There are three recognized modalities (methods) of electrolysis: 

Galvanic Electrolysis - the hair root is destroyed by chemical action. 

Thermolysis Electrolysis - the hair root is destroyed by heat production. 

Blend Electrolysis - a combination of the above two modalities where the hair root is destroyed by both heat and chemical action at the same time. 

As a general rule, an electrologist must only work on healthy skin.

General Contraindications:

Puberty, Hemophilia, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Pregnancy, Cancer, Multiple sclerosis, Cochlear implants, Pacemakers, current ongoing Accutane therapy, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy treatments.

Local Contraindications:

Localized infections and dermatitis.

Peripheral nervous disorders (neuralgia, neurosis, partial paralysis).

Any peripheral venous problem including, phlebitis, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, and varicose veins

Any hair located on or near the following cutaneous affections: wart, crust, keratosis pilaris, pigmentary naevus, verrucous, senile, follicular scar, solar lanugo, and actinic keratosis.

Ingrown eyelashes

The hair inside the nostrils or ears

Any area affected by erythema

Any local painful condition or bruise

Herpes

Hairy nevus

Local Contraindications with galvanic current:

Region of thyroid gland.

Metal Implants.

Contact lenses.

Orthodontic treatments.

Saline water prosthesis: breast implants, etc.

Physico-chemical decomposition produced by passing a direct current in an electrolyte.

Electrolyte: Substance whose aqueous solution (water and salt) allows the passage of current.

Reaction: Elements of the solution (water and salt), decompose and regroup to form a new substance, caustic soda which is corrosive, this property is required for the destruction of the hair follicle, the amount of caustic soda required to successfully treat a hair is measure in units of lye.

Local Contraindications with galvanic current:

• Region of thyroid gland.

• Metal Implants.

• Contact lenses.

• Orthodontic treatments.

• Saline water prosthesis: breast implants, etc.

Please also refer to General Contraindications for Electrolysis.

Thermolysis works by emitting a high-frequency current, this is an alternating current that constantly changes polarity (negative/positive charge). The result produces a constant attraction and repulsion of atoms within tissues.

The push and pull movements create friction in the anatomical structure of the surrounding tissues. This results in heat capable of reaching 50 degrees Celsius, causing the destruction of the cells responsible for hair growth.

The Blend method works by using a high-frequency current to heat up the tissue, this heating action transforms the intercellular substance (where tissue cells are embedded) into a porous mass.

This porosity enhances the penetration of caustic soda, which is the result of Galvanic current

(See: How does Galvanic works?)

Cataphoresis (also known as electrophoresis), is a hair removal aftercare method that utilizes Galvanic current.

Cataphoresis is purifying, soothing, and reduces the appearance of redness.

It tightens the ostia, which are natural small openings in your skin, and contracts the openings of the sebaceous glands (better known as sweat glands) as well as helps restore the pH balance of your skin.

A side benefit is that it has the ability to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles.

Please see contraindications for Galvanic current under: "What are the contraindications".

• All equipment is sanitized between each client

• Probes are single use sterilized and individually packed.

• Tools are always sterilized.

• Using proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as gloves, scrubs and long sleeve under-scrubs to minimize skin to skin contact.

• Treatment area is always disinfected before beginning.

• Cataphoresis on equipment is performed after every session. This disinfects the skin and prevents infection.

• We strictly adhere to to the Infection Prevention Standards for the Practice of Electrolysis, by the American Electrology Association.

We use Pro-Tec pre-sterilized single use probes.

This insulated probe is made of stainless steel covered with heat resistant Teflon.

Insulated probes offer a few different advantages:

• The energy concentration at the tip improves the efficiency of treatment and enables the electrologist to lower the parameters (intensity and time). Subsequently this improves the comfort of the client.

• Since the superior part is insulated, it can help prevent skin reactions, such as redness, crust, and risks of hyperpigmentation.

The MicroGard tip has been rounded and micro-polished in order to make insertions smoother and prevent the probe from piercing the bottom of the follicle.

Pro-Tec IsoGard is exclusively recommended for thermolysis treatments.

Pro-Tec IsoBlend is recommended for Blend Treatments (combined currents), it is also successful for using thermolysis.

GOLD PLATED PROBES are available if you are allergic to stainless steel, please advise when booking your consultation, surcharges apply.

Electrolysis has a 125-year history of safety and effectiveness.

There is no such thing as painless electrolysis.

Discomfort during electrolysis is quite variable depending on patient’s tolerance, epilator settings, modality used, as well as other varying factors.

Ethereal Electrolysis utilizes the latest technology that allows the electrologist to adjust comfort settings.

If your pain tolerance is low consider using numbing creams.

Because electrolysis destroys the dermal papilla of a hair (hair root), it is normal to see some slight redness, and mild swelling associated with the electrolysis treatment.

In most individuals, this will disappear in half an hour to several hours. As electrolysis has a short healing time.

In some circumstances, electrolysis may cause tiny scabs to form over the treated follicle. These dots are a perfectly normal part of the healing process and will not leave any permanent damage as long as you don't pick or scratch at them.

Picking or scratching may cause the wound to become infected.

An occasional bruise, localized swelling, tenderness may occur. Additionally, hyper pigmentation (excess pigmentation) may occur in individuals with darker skin.  

Generally we recommend following these steps prior to treatment with us:

• Allow hair growth.

• Exfoliate

• Moisturize

• Stay hydrated and minimize caffeine intake.

• Pain management such as numbing cream.

• Do not use Retinol or Glycolic acid treatments.

We will set you up for success by utilizing one or a combination of the following:

Action de Gala collection products, developed explicitly for Electrolysis aftercare by Dectro International :

Hydraplus - Soothing Moisturizing Balm gel Face and Body. This calms and moisturizes the skin. It has a decongestive, astringent and anti-inflammatory effects and is ideal to soothe irritated or sensitive skin, minor burns and puffy eyes.

Formulated with:

• Allantoin, witch hazel, aloe vera, cucumber, etc.

• Recommended after microexfoliation and electro epilation.

May be used on all skin types, especially sensitive, irritated, inflamed, or congested skin.

Yi-Zhybaume - Regenerating Creme- Balm Face and body - may be used for all skin types.

Speeds healing (yi-zhi means healing in Chinese). Ultra-refreshing, calming and antiseptic effect. Excellent to soothe skin inflammation or to treat acne-prone skin.

Formulated with:

• Camphor, menthol, tea tree, aloe vera, rosemary, juniper, lavender, etc.

• Especially recommended after electroepilation.

  .

Contraindicated for pregnant or nursing women.

Toniq A - Cool Restoring Lotion

• Refreshes the skin, soothes redness and helps to restore the skin’s natural pH level. Soothing, astringent and purifying effect.

• Formulated with allantoin, zinc, chamomile, cucumber, and calendula.

• Highly recommended for use in aesthetic, microdermabrasion and electro epilation treatments.

• Skin Type
  All skin types.

• Face and body.

We will also apply cataphoresis unless you have contraindications for Galvanic current.

• Do not touch or scratch the area

• Keep skin clean

• Alcohol and perfume-free products only

• Do not wear make up for the next 48 hours post treatment.

• Do not visit saunas, steam rooms, take hot baths or bath in a swimming pools.

• Do not exposed epilated area to sun and always use sun screen.

• Avoid tight clothing on the epilated area.

• Apply soothing products to promote healing: Yi-Zhi Baume, Hydraplus, Bacitracin.

• Cold compress if necessary

To understand electrolysis, it's important to understand hair growth cycles.

Hairs grow and rest in cycles so the hair that you currently have is not all the hair you have in total.

When a hair has completed its growth cycle the follicle releases the hair and goes into a dormant cycle. This cycle allows the follicle to rejuvenate while another hair is formed.

This cycle can last from six weeks to two months before the hair grows again. The active growth cycle is the only time that a hair should be treated with electrolysis.

When the hair first starts to grow it is at it’s weakest which is why it is important to stay on a strict schedule so the hairs can be treated most effectively and die faster.

Total treatment can vary greatly from one individual to another. This dependent on number of factors that include:

• The size of the area being treated.

• Previous use of temporary hair removal methods, i.e. previous epilated hair with laser will most likely have distorted hair follicles and slows treatment.

• Hair growth cycles.

• The density, texture, and existence of curved or distorted hair follicles.

• Heredity, normal physiological changes and hormone function.

• Certain medications and medical history, including the client’s age and tolerance. Availability and budget all influence the treatment program for each individual.