More Information on Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the ONLY PERMANENT METHOD of hair removal.
Electrolysis performed with precision by a conscientious Electrologist will permanently remove unwanted hairs. The procedure involves inserting a fine probe into the natural opening of the hair follicle, alongside the unwanted hair. A current is released, destroying the growth cells of the hair and preventing the follicle from producing another hair. After treatment the hair is removed gently with forceps.
Electrolysis was invented in 1875 by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Charles Michel, of St. Louis, Missouri. Some of his patients were suffering from painful ingrown eyelashes. He discovered that inserting a probe into the hair follicle and releasing an electrical charge destroyed the growth cells in the hair follicle preventing the reproduction of hair from that treated follicle.
Dr. Michel realized that his technique could be used on most areas of the body where women and men had unwanted hair.
Many years of research and technical improvements have brought us to where electrolysis is today.
Today ELECTROLYSIS is the only process for PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL to be ACCEPTED by the U.S.A. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.).
There are three different modalities of electrolysis practiced today. The three modalities referred to as electrolysis are Electrolysis, Thermolysis and The Blend. Today the latter two modalities are the most commonly used.
Electrolysis: Electrolysis is the original form of electrolysis and the source from which the other modalities continue to use
its name. The Galvanic Current (direct current) creates lye in the follicle. The lye destroys the target area by chemical decomposition. The chemical actions occur when the galvanic current comes in contact with the body fluids found in the follicle.
Thermolysis: Thermolysis uses the Short Wave Current (also known as alternating current or high frequency current).
Heat is created in the follicle and coagulation destroys the target area.
The Blend: The Blend combines the use of both electrolysis (direct) and thermolysis (alternating) currents simultaneously
or sequentially, to destroy the target area, by coagulation and chemical reaction.
All three modalities are equally effective and will produce permanent results when treatments are obtained by a qualified and conscientious electrologist.
What is the electrolysis procedure?
An electrologist gently slides a fine disposable and sterilized probe approximately the diameter of the hair into the natural opening of the hair follicle alongside the unwanted hair. Once the probe is in place at the target area of the hair follicle, a current is released. The current, a minute pulse of electrical energy, is released through the probe destroying the growth cells and preventing that follicle from producing another hair.
Top of Page.Is Electrolysis really permanent?
For more than 125 years electrolysis has been proven to be the only safe, permanent method of hair removal. In addition, it is the only method recommended by the FDA as being PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL.
Laser has been approved by the FDA as having permanent hair REDUCTION status. In order to receive this status a particular laser must only achieve a 20% reduction in hair growth or texture.
Consumers should be leery when an advertisement sounds too good to be true. Many products advertise to give you the impression that they are permanent. Some use misleading terms such as "the most effective method of hair removal" or "like electrolysis without the needle". Other advertisements actually use the word "permanent" and will continue to do so until they are reported. If you see a misleading advertisement you may contact the Director of Investigation and Research.
Send Info. to:
The Information Centre Competition Bureau Industry Canada
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Hull, Quebec, K1A 0C9
Toll free: 1-800-348-5358 1-800-348-5358
Fax: 1-819-997-0324
E-mail: compbureau@ic.gc.ca (click on publication, then enforcement guidelines, then misleading advertising guidelines.)
The insertion of the probe into the natural opening of the hair follicle will be painless. Once the probe is in place the current will be released. Your tolerance level and the sensitivity of the area being treated will determine the sensation. A FREE sample treatment will be performed during your FREE consultation so you will know what to expect in future treatments. Clients with low pain thresholds have options to make the treatments more comfortable.
The probe is gently positioned into the natural opening of the unwanted hair follicle. When the probe is in place at the target area the current is released, destroying the hair growth cells and preventing that follicle from producing another hair. The current is a minute burst of electricity causing a warm sensation. The current will be adjusted to the texture of the hair, the area being treated and the comfort level of the client. Each individual has different levels of pain tolerance and certainly some areas are more sensitive then others. If a client finds the treatment sensitive there are options to make the treatments virtually painless.
The first option is used primarily on the upper lip area. Your dentist or a dentist located nearby will freeze your upper lip, for a small fee, prior to your electrolysis treatment. We usually recommend that you extend your treatment time for electrolysis since you will be frozen for at least one hour. Many clients who find electrolysis sensitive or who are nervous find this solution wonderful because they can relax during the electrolysis treatment and get the area cleared up faster.
The second option is applying Emla prior to the electrolysis treatment. Emla is purchased by the client from the pharmacy. No prescription is required. The client applies the Emla on the area to be treated one hour prior to the treatment time, covers and seals the area with an occlusive dressing or plastic wrap and tape. The electrologist will remove the dressing once starting the treatment. Emla reduces the sensation between 50% and 100% if applied properly.
Top of Page.How many treatments will I need?
The length of appointment and the number of treatments necessary will vary with each client. Many factors will determine how many treatments you will need, for example, ethnic background, hair texture, density, the area being treated and temporary methods previously used.
An approximate time of treatment will be given at the initial consultation.
The number of treatments and the length of treatment times will vary with each person and area to be treated. The larger the area and the more dense the hair growth, the longer the treatments should be. The time the client has available, the tolerance level and financial resources are all taken into consideration.
The experience and skill of the electrologist and the technology used may also determine the number of treatments needed. The gender, ethnic origin and age of the client, as well as the coarseness of the hair and whether the hair is straight or curly are all deciding factors. Previous methods of temporary hair removal used and the cause of hair growth will also affect the number of treatments required.
How expensive is electrolysis?
The size and density of the area to be treated will determine the cost. Most clients are pleasantly surprised at the affordability of electrolysis. Remember that electrolysis is a lifetime investment and is the ONLY permanent method of hair removal.
Many electrolysis clients are interested in removing unwanted hair on small areas such as upper lip, eyebrows and chin. Usually we treat these areas with 15 minute treatments. We will, however, treat most areas on the body including larger areas such as legs and backs. For larger areas we recommend one hour treatments. Caress Electrolysis Ltd. offers two packages to help reduce the price for those clients who need repeated or longer treatments.
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Most areas where women and men have unwanted hair may be treated successfully with electrolysis. The most commonly treated areas on women are face, upper lip, chin, eyebrows and bikini line. For men the most common areas treated are eyebrows, ears and backs.
The most common areas treated by electrolysis for women on the face are upper lip, chin/neck, sides and brows. It is very common to treat body areas on women such as bikini line, underarms, tummy, chest and breast. Also unwanted hairs on areas such as fingers, toes, arms, back, nape, forehead, buttocks and legs can be successfully removed by electrolysis treatments.
The most common areas treated on men with electrolysis are the eyebrows, cheekbones, ears, nostrils and neck. The common body areas men want treated are shoulders and backs.
Your electrologist is a professional and takes her job seriously, if you have a problem area not listed above please ask your electrologist if that particular area may be treated by electrolysis.
Unwanted hair growth is usually caused by one of three general categories. 1. Congenital; genetic hair patterns we come into the world with. 2. Systemic; caused by hormonal changes and glandular problems. 3. Topical; caused by temporary methods of hair removal such as tweezing and irritation to the skin.
Congenital patterns are what we come into the world with. They are pre-established patterns for hair growth that we inherit from our parents whose own genetic structures combine to shape ours. Congenital patters determine the colour, quantity and type of hair we will have.
Topical causes are the body's way of defending the epidermis from irritation. Sustained irritation almost always stimulates hair in the immediate vicinity to grow deeper and coarser, by creating a mat of hair that covers the skin and protects against irritation. Whenever there is irritation there is an increase in blood supply that reaches the hair follicles giving that hair more nourishment and usually producing a stronger hair. Continuous tweezing and waxing is such an irritant causing the hair to grow darker, stronger and coarser. Moles and scars also have an increase of capillaries nourishing them therefore increasing the nourishment of the hair in that particular area producing more noticeable hairs in that region.
Systemic problems cause abnormal hair growth which is directly associated with the endocrine system. Disease, cyst, malfunction of glands and illness can adversely effect the production of hormones resulting in the growth of superfluous hair. Some surgical procedures like hysterectomies and medications such as steroids and birth control pills may affect the hormone balance producing unwanted hair.
Top of Page.Is there any risk to having electrolysis?
For most healthy people there is absolutely no health risk. Electrolysis has been performed safely for over 100 years to many satisfied clients. The electrologist will review your health history, medications currently prescribed and concerns during the consultation.
Clients who have a pacemaker device should definitely not undergo electrolysis treatments. Diabetics or anyone with a serious health problem should speak with their physician before beginning electrolysis treatments. A doctor's note is necessary before beginning treatments on diabetics and on all moles. Electrolysis using the thermolysis mode is safe during pregnancy.
Top of Page.How do I select an Electrologist?
Select your electrologist very carefully. In Canada electrolysis may be practiced without any training or diploma. Take the time to investigate an electrologist and educate yourself. Start by booking a consultation. Visiting the office allows you to observe the cleanliness and privacy of the clinic and any other concerns you may have. The electrologist you choose will determine the success of your electrolysis treatments.
Take the time to investigate an electrologist as you would a physician. As a consumer you must educate yourself before making a decision about electrolysis. Calling an office for information isn't sufficient as you won't be able to inspect the establishment. Make an appointment for a consultation. Most clinics will offer free consultations and sample treatments. Immediately upon entering the clinic you should notice the cleanliness and the professional manner in which the clinic is operated.
A consultation should be given to all new clients before starting electrolysis, allowing you to make an informed decision. During a consultation at Caress Electrolysis Ltd. all your questions will be answered. You will also receive a free sample treatment so you will know what to expect when you choose electrolysis. The electrologist MUST use disposable needles and a new pair of disposable gloves with each client. The forceps must be individually packaged and sterilized in a dry heat sterilizer or an autoclave. Glass bead sterilizers are NOT acceptable according to Health Canada standards. Disposable or laundered towels should be placed under a client if bare skin comes in contact with the lounge bed. Alcohol and creams should be in a container that does not allow cross contamination and new cotton swabs must be used each time an alcohol or cream container is used.
The use of microscopes is a recent technology used in electrolysis allowing the operator a superior view of the follicle. The cost of this technology is very high therefore you will only see the use of microscopes in well-established, successful, upscale offices. The magnification and light source during epilation leave no doubt that this piece of equipment is absolutely necessary to have comfortable, cost effective treatments.
Electrolysis prices are usually competitive. There are costs to maintaining infection control procedures, updating and maintaining equipment and premises. Also the electrologist must keep educating herself with new procedures information, and equipment.
The effectiveness of electrolysis is determined by the skill, expertise and precision of the electrologist performing the procedure. The electrologists at Caress Electrolysis Ltd. are very conscientious and have many years of experience.
What are your sterilization procedures?
At Caress Electrolysis Ltd. we take stringent sterilization and sanitation procedures seriously. We always use a new sterile disposable needle on each client disposing of it in a puncture proof container after one use. Forceps are sterilized after each use in an autoclave to prevent any cross contamination. The electrologist must wear a new pair of disposable gloves for each client.
Today sterilization and sanitation procedures must be enforced. Caress Electrolysis Ltd. is a member of Canadian electrolysis organizations and the Canadian Organization of Professional Electrologists (COPE). COPE has approached the Government of Canada's Health Department to aid in the enforcement of the use of single use sterile disposable needles, autoclaves or dry heat sterilizers and disposable gloves in our profession. To become a member of COPE, sterile disposable needles and stringent sterilization procedures must be observed. Forceps must be sterilized in individual packages in an autoclave or dry heat sterilizer between uses. A new pair of disposable gloves must be worn with each new client and laundered or disposable towels must be placed under each client when their skin may come into contact with the lounge.
What questions should I ask during my consultation?
After a thorough consultation, you should be able to ask questions concerning the procedure. The electrologist will answer all of your questions and give you an estimate on how long the procedure will take.
1. Do you use disposable needles and sterilize your forceps?
Sterilized needles, disposed after each treatment is the ONLY acceptable answer. Forceps must be sterilized with an autoclave or dry heat sterilizer before reuse and a new pair of disposable gloves must be worn for each client. A sharps container must be used to safely store the used needles. A laboratory report should also be visible to verify that sterilization is an ongoing procedure and the equipment is in good working order.
2. Where and when did you graduate in electrolysis?
In Canada electrolysis may be practiced without any training or diploma. As a result, ask to see a training certificate if one is not on display in the office. Also ask if the electrologist is continuing her education and training through seminars and workshops. An electrologist should also be affiliated with a certified electrolysis organization to keep her abreast of upcoming training seminars, new procedures and techniques. Caress Electrolysis Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Organization of Professional Electrologists (COPE).
3. What are the business hours and cost of the treatment?
The business hours, costs and length of the treatments should be discussed to allow you to continue through the entire treatment at a comfortable, affordable rate.
4. Is your equipment modern?
The equipment should be updated and in good repair. The use of a microscope and its light source is a superior method to view the follicle over the older magnifying glass which was widely used in the past. The microscope makes the insertion more comfortable for the client resulting in better and faster results.
