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Unfortunately electrolysis has become a neglected and poorly promoted treatment in the last two decades, thanks in part to the mass media promotion of newer techniques such as Laser and IPL. However electrolysis is still the only permanent removal method in existence. This may surprise you, but since there are no retail chains of electrolysis clinics in the UK it is simply impossible for independent electrologists to compete in terms of PR and media coverage.
The situation is not helped by the lack of suitable training for those who wish to learn electrolysis. It has been reduced to a minor component of beauty therapy examinations, rather than the mainstream profession it used to be. Training courses for electrolysis are also focused too much on thermolysis (using heat only to destroy the hair, which is not suitable for all types of hair) and not enough on blend electrolysis (a modern method of true electrolysis which is suitable for all hair types and has less side effects). There is also a worrying trend towards the exclusive use of flash thermolysis (very high intensity thermolysis for a fraction of a second) which is being pushed as an easy and fast way to remove hair permanently. Hence the further lack of support for blend electrolysis in favour of a one-size-fits-all solution that doesn’t seem to serve many people very well.
It is human nature to want to try hair removal methods that promise a quicker, easier result than traditional electrolysis, just as the fad diet with quick weight loss seems more attractive than the calorie controlled diet with gradual weight loss. But the weight loss from a fad diet is only temporary and you often end up worse off, whereas the sensible diet results in a permanent change and no need for further dieting. The same is true for electrolysis. Regular appointments spread out over 1 to 2 years will result in permanent hair loss THAT WILL LAST YOUR ENTIRE LIFE (if you do find the odd few hairs growing later on in life you can be assured these are newly developed hairs and not treated hairs returning). Quick fix methods that promise the same results will show an instant reduction, but since the hair will come back eventually you will be in the exact same situation as before.
The hair needs sufficient treatment to destroy the hair root so that it does not regenerate and produce another hair. If a hair has been treated correctly it will come out of the follicle with the lower part of the root, dermal papilla and surrounding cells intact. The reason for using one method over another is decided by trying them all out, and picking the one which is the fastest and most comfortable for you personally. The higher the current setting is, the lower the time needed to treat the hair.
Multi-needle blend electrolysis is now available. If you find conventional electrolysis too painful, or you can only tolerate very low settings (which leads to a lower number of hairs removed per hour) then multi-needle blend is a new option to try. (Please note this is NOT the same as the old fashioned multi-needle galvanic method, which was very time consuming.) Multi-needle blend incorporates up to six separate and individually controlled needles which deliver a very low current over a longer period of time. By having multiple needles the number of hairs removed is the same, and sometimes even more, than with standard electrolysis. It is especially suitable for PCOS sufferers or those who have extremely thick and resistant facial hair. It is not suitable for very fine, wispy hair. With multi-needle blend you can have longer appointments in comfort.
As electrolysis is a surgical procedure you can expect redness and perhaps raised bumps straight after treatment which last an hour or so. Pinprick scabs may appear the day after, which should not be picked. They will rub off within a week or so when the skin has healed. On the body, especially the stomach and thighs, you may get very red dots where the hair has been removed. Again these will fade, usually within a week or so. You will receive aftercare gel to help the skin heal, although in the vast majority of cases the redness and bumpiness will disappear in a few hours. You may find some treated areas a little sore or itchy the following day.
Please note you will not be able to have any treatment if you are pregnant, have Hepatitis, HIV, electronic implants, bruising, recent scarring, cuts or abrasions, active dermatitis, active herpes simplex and other similar conditions. If you are currently on Roaccutane/Accutane(TM) or have taken this oral acne treatment within the last year you will not be able to have treatment as your skin may react badly. If you are diabetic you will not be able to have any treatment on your hands, feet or lower legs. Advanced treatments cannot be performed if you have high blood pressure, liver problems or severe allergies.
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