| What is electrolysis? | | | | Upper Lip 4-10 hours |
| Electrolysis refers to the destruction of hair roots | | | | Chin 2-12 hours |
| with an electric current. Three types of electrolysis | | | | Sideburns 4-8 hours |
| are: 1) Galvanic, 2) Thermolysis and 3) Blend. | | | | Eyebrows 3-8 hours |
| 1) Galvanic Electrolysis | | | | Underarms 4-12 |
| A DC current passing through the needle causes a | | | | Arms 5-10 hours |
| chemical reaction in the hair follicle which produces | | | | Bikini Line 8-16 hours |
| sodium hydroxide, also know as lye, which destroys | | | | These estimates are based on averages taken in the |
| the hair follicle. | | | | U.S.A. and Canada at clinics performing electrolysis |
| 2) Thermolysis Electrolysis | | | | treatment. They will vary from person to person and |
| An AC current passing through the needle causes | | | | should only be taken as a rough guide. |
| vibration in the water molecules surrounding the hair | | | | Note: For 44 years Fino Gior has researched the |
| follicle which produces heat. (Similar to the principle | | | | Permanent Hair Removal Industry. During that time |
| behind a microwave oven.) The heat damages the | | | | he has become a Consumer Advocate fighting for |
| hair follicle. This method is much faster but less | | | | the welfare of the inquiring patient. His professional |
| reliable than galvanic electrolysis. Thermolysis is also | | | | ability as a full time electrologist is well established all |
| known as 'short-wave radio frequency diathermy'. | | | | over the world. He received the highest and most |
| 3) Blend Electrolysis | | | | prestigious honor in the profession, November 1985, |
| This method tries to combine the benefits of the | | | | the Charles E. Michel, M.D., Award, by the |
| galvanic and thermolysis methods by passing an AC | | | | International Guild of Professional Electrologists. (Web |
| and a DC current through the needle at the same | | | | site: electrolysisinformation.com) |
| time. It is much quicker than the galvanic method. | | | | What is the effect of electrolysis on the skin? |
| How does electrolysis work? | | | | If the electrolysis procedure is performed by a fully |
| Very fine metal probes are inserted into the hair | | | | qualified electrologist, the tissue surrounding the hair |
| follicle. A small electric current is then applied which | | | | follicle should not be damaged. Electrolysis should |
| destroys the hair root. Each hair has to be treated | | | | therefore be safe when performed at a reputable |
| individually. (See item above for description of various | | | | clinic by trained personnel. |
| electrolysis methods.) | | | | Obvious precautions to note when going for |
| How much does electrolysis cost? | | | | electrolysis: The electrologist should wear gloves and |
| Usually there is a rate per hour. Get an estimate of | | | | use disposable, pre-sterilized needles to minimize the |
| how many hours are required for your particular | | | | risk of infection. |
| problem and then multiply it by the rate per hour. A | | | | Temporary side effects from electrolysis may include |
| cheap hourly rate does not necessarily mean lower | | | | some redness and swelling, dryness and scabs. |
| cost if the electrolysis procedure takes longer than it | | | | If the electrolysis procedure is not carried out by |
| should! | | | | professionals, there is the risk of permanent skin |
| Quotations for electrolysis can vary from $25 to | | | | damage resulting in a scarring or pitting of the skin. |
| $100 per hour. | | | | How long do electrolysis results last? |
| Is electrolysis painful? | | | | Electrolysis is often viewed as a permanent hair |
| This depends on the individual's level of sensitivity. | | | | removal method. Once the hair root is destroyed, the |
| Some describe the discomfort from electrolysis as | | | | hair will not grow back. |
| being similar to using tweezers. Others complain of | | | | There are exceptions however. In some cases hair |
| excessive pain during electrolysis treatment. A | | | | does regrow in places after electrolysis treatment |
| qualified electrologist will be able to suggest methods | | | | and clients need to return once or twice a year for a |
| for minimizing the discomfort. | | | | cleanup. |
| How long does electrolysis treatment take? | | | | Hair can continue to grow in the underarms, pubic |
| The time needed for electrolysis treatment varies | | | | area and around the nipples during a woman's |
| greatly from person to person. Factors such as the | | | | reproductive years. |
| size of the area to be treated, the curvature of the | | | | As level of expertise varies in different countries and |
| hair follicle, the level of skin sensitivity, hormonal | | | | even in some states in the U.S.A., it's important to |
| balance and heredity all have an effect. | | | | check the credentials of the individual performing the |
| Electrologist Fino Gior, author of Modern Electrology, | | | | electrolysis. |
| gives these estimates: | | | | |