Electrolysis
A Permanent
Solution for Unwanted Hair
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Who
Might Benefit from Electrolysis?
What
is Good Electrolysis?
How
Does it Work?
Reasons
for Excess Hair Growth
Temporary
Methods of Hair Removal
What
to Expect from Electrolysis
Skin
Care Prior to Treatment
Skin
Care After Treatment
Who
might benefit from Electrolysis?
Approximately 90% of Americans (men and women) do something to rid themselves
of unwanted hair. Most shave, tweeze, wax or use depilatory creams.
All of these are temporary and some cause darker and coarser hairs to grow.
Those who want to permanently rid themselves of this hair should consider
probe-type Electrolysis. The type, frequency, and number of treatments
needed depends on the individual and what methods of removal have been
used. The following information should help you learn more about
Electrolysis.
What
is Good Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal recognized by
the FDA. It was discovered by a physician and has been successfully
used for over 120 years. "Good" Electrolysis involves NO pulling
or tugging on the hair and NO feeling of tweezing or jabbing at the skin.
How
Does it Work?
During the electrolysis procedure, a fine wire called a probe is inserted
into the hair follicle. The follicle is a small opening or pocket
in the skin which the hair grows. A small amount of electric current
is then administered which destroys the germinating cells or papilla that
causes the hair to grow. This discourages regrowth and the hair is
then easily removed with tweezers.
Since hair grows in cycles of four to six weeks, not all hair is visible
at any given time. It is therefore necessary to have regular treatments.
This will clear hair that has not been treated as well as any regrowth
that may occur. Hair that regrows is usually finer in texture and
lighter than the original hair.
Reasons
for Excess Hair Growth
Hair growth may be caused by many factors. Androgens are hormones
that are present in both men and women. These hormones are responsible
for hair growth. The use of some medications, familial tendencies,
and race, as well as physical and psychological stress may contribute to
hair growth. Occasionally, a change in hair growth patterns may be
a symptom of a medical disorder. Symptoms such as menstrual irregularities
and abdominal pain may indicate a need to see your doctor.
Temporary
Methods of Hair Removal
Tweezing, waxing, shaving and depilatory creams are all temporary methods
of hair removal. The hair is removed either by pulling it from the
follicle or by cutting if off at the skin line. After shaving and
tweezing, the hair will often grow back coarser in texture and darker in
color.
What
to Expect from Electrolysis
Electrolysis produces a warm, tingling sensation. The amount of discomfort
varies with the individual and the area being treated. Over-the-counter
pain medications may be taken one hour prior to treatment if the individual
so desires. Most people do not find this necessary.
Electrolysis treatments usually last from fifteen minutes to an hour and
are done on a weekly basis. The process requires a series of treatments
to achieve permanency. The number of treatments vary with the individual.
Skin
Care Prior to Treatment
The
hair needs to be just above the skin line before a treatment. Do
not cut, shave, bleach or use a depilatory for twenty-four hours prior
to your treatment. Tweezing and waxing should not be done during
treatments since they are counterproductive.
Skin
Care After Treatment
The treated area should be washed with a mild, oil-free cleanser and an
oil-free moisture cream should be applied twice a day for the first two
days. Make-up may be used sparingly after your treatment. Your
normal make-up routine may be resumed after forty-eight hours.
The treatment area is sensitive to the sun for the first two days after
a treatment. Exposure to the sun or the use of tanning booths should
be avoided. If this is not possible, a sunscreen with a sun protection
factor of fifteen or greater should be used on the treatment area.
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