Frequently Asked Questions

What is Electrolysis? Electrolysis is the only safe method of permanent hair removal and it is medically approved. In electrolysis a probe is inserted into the hair follicle; the follicle is a natural opening in the skin. A small amount of electric current is passed down the probe and the action of the current destroys the root of the hair. The loosened hair is then gently removed from the follicle with tweezers.

Are There Various Forms of Electrolysis? Yes. There are three different methods of electrolysis as described below.

  1. Galvanic Electrolysis is a direct current that causes a chemical reaction to occur in the hair follicle. A substance referred to as lye is produced. The lye is very caustic and it destroys the hair root. Although galvanic electrolysis is very effective, it generally takes up to 1 minute to treat a single hair; therefore, this method of electrolysis is not often used on its own.
  2. Thermolysis Electrolysis uses a high frequency alternating current to destroy the hair root with heat is used by many electrologists. However, thermolysis electrolysis used on its own is not very effective when treating coarse, curved or distorted hair follicles.
  3. The Blend Method. What is believed to be the most effective type of electrolysis by medical professionals is often referred to as the blend method. With the blend method, the two currents described above, are sent into the dermal papilla (the point at the base of the follicle which nourishes the hair) through a tiny probe. The two types of current - direct current and high frequency alternating current are passed down the probe simultaneously. The high frequency alternating (thermolysis) current heats up the lye produced by the direct (galvanic) current, and this heated lye is more effective in destroying the hair root. As a result, with the combination of the two currents, the blend procedure is more rapid and is considered to be very effective in treating all types of hair.

How Safe is Electrolysis? Electrolysis is very safe. Since its introduction in 1875, there has never been a case of disease transmission ever reported. In my facility, a new sterilized, pre-packaged disposable probe is used for every client per treatment. In addition, tweezers are also sterilized prior to every treatment as stated in the protocol prepared by the Ministry of Health.

Is Electrolysis Permanent? Electrolysis is permanent; however, more than one treatment may be necessary to destroy a particular hair follicle. A hair follicle that has been treated properly, should not produce another hair, but oftentimes a few key cells found in the dermal papilla have been missed below the surface of the skin. This particular hair follicle will produce another hair, but generally it will be finer and lighter in colour, and easily destroyed with a follow-up treatment .

Many factors such as the thickness of the hair, a hormonal imbalance as well as pervious forms of manipulation to the area being treated (e.g. plucking, waxing, etc.) also play a role in the number of electrolysis treatments that are required.

Does Electrolysis Hurt? Some individuals experience a little discomfort with the initial electrolysis treatment. However, with each subsequent visit, there will be less discomfort as the client acclimatizes to the mild heat sensation that is felt for only a few seconds as the current is flowing. Most clients can tolerate up to an hour of electrolysis with little uneasiness and find electrolysis more comfortable than waxing, threading and electronic epilator devices.

A topical anesthetic is available for the treatment and many clients choose to have a soothing aloe gel applied to the treated area after electrolysis.

In addition, it helps to be well hydrated (drink plenty of water) before the electrolysis appointment. Many clients also find that refraining from caffeine and other related stimulants on the day of the appointment helpful.

What Are The Most Common Areas Treated? Almost all areas of the body can be treated. Women generally have hair removed from the facial areas as well as the bikini line, underarms, abdomen, arms and legs. Men primarily have hair removed from the centre eyebrow area, chest, back and beard area.

Is Everyone A Suitable Candidate For Electrolysis? Although electrolysis can be performed at any age, it is recommended that electrolysis be performed on individuals who are at least 16 years of age or older. Parental or guardian consent is preferred for those under 16 years.

Also, there are a few situations that require a doctor’s note of permission prior to commencing with electrolysis. This includes individuals who are diabetics or hemophiliacs as well as other situations that the electrologist will discuss with the client during the initial consultation prior to his/her treatment.

How Long Does Electrolysis Take? This is dependent on many factors including the size of the area being treated, the density of the hair, the thickness of the hair, the existence of ingrown hair as well as curved or distorted hair follicles (either hereditary or caused by repeated tweezing and waxing), the client’s tolerance, the client’s age and medical history.

It is important to remember that the total number of sessions required to treat an area vary with each individual. As well, keeping regular appointments upon commencing electrolysis, will reduce the length and frequency of the electrolysis sessions. Ideally, we want to treat the growing hair when it first appears above the skin surface.

What Side Effects Can One Expect After Electrolysis? After electrolysis it is normal to see some redness and welting (bumps) in the treated area. In the majority of individuals, this will disappear within a couple of hours after treatment. In a few individuals who have sensitive skin, a slight skin irritation in the form of red spots will appear in the treated area. Generally, these will heal and fall off on their own.

A minor bruise, localized swelling, tenderness, and some hyperpigmentation may occur, but these side effects are very uncommon and are only temporary.

Also, after treatment, many individuals find that ice helps to soothe the skin as well as bring down any swelling should any exist at all.

If skin irritation does exist, some clients may find using hydrocortisone 1/2% cream (commonly termed "cortate") two or three times a day helpful until the irritation has settled. However, it is important to remember that the hydrocortisone cream should only be used if the irritation persists; most individuals will not require it upon post-treatment.

What Are The Benefits Of Electrolysis? Never having to worry about embarrassing unwanted hair again! You’ll never have to dim the lights or avoid being directly in the sun so that no one will notice your excess hair. Electrolysis gives you the freedom to feel like the beautiful and desirable person that you are! It’s having the confidence of knowing that when people look at you, they see the real you and not your unwanted hair. That’s the best benefit of electrolysis.

In addition, electrolysis is inexpensive when comparing the cost of using temporary methods of hair removal over a lifetime. In my facility, prices are extremely reasonable especially in comparison to many other clinics in the greater Toronto area.

Advanced Comfort Electrolysis can help you be the most beautiful that you can be. Don’t wait another minute to set up a consultation - make the call that will make all the difference!