Susan Curley Electrology and Laser Center, Boston, MA

Electrolysis

Electrology is the science of permanent hair removal. Electrolysis was first developed in 1875, and has since been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association for safety and permanency.

Permanent hair removal is achieved by inserting a tiny, disposable, sterile probe into the hair follicle and gently directing a split-second pulse of heat to the base of the hair follicle. This procedure causes cellular destruction, ultimately destroying the hair and eventually preventing regrowth to give you permanent results.

The Causes of Hair Growth

Excessive hair growth can be attributed to many things. The most common cause is heredity or hormonal changes. Any biological change in life can increase hair growth, such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and aging. Side effects of medication, stress, or an endocrine disorder may also contribute to excessive growth. Endocrine dysfunction may cause irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian disorders, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, or thyroid irregularities. Your electrologist is trained to recognize those symptoms which may require a referral to a physician.

Temporary Methods

Waxing, tweezing, shaving, bleaching, and depilatory creams are only temporary methods of hair removal that can irritate the skin and even increase hair growth. When a hair is pulled, blood rushes to the area and nourishes the hair follicle. Continuous pulling can cause scarring, ingrown hairs and multiply the hair growth problem.

Series of Treatments

Electrolysis is a series of treatments. Each time the hair is treated, the cells along the follicle wall are destroyed. This process of cellular destruction weakens the hair, causing it to grow slower, become finer in texture, and eventually die. Initially the client is treated every two weeks. The completion time for each client varies depending on the size of the area being treated, the coarseness of the hair, and whether temporary removal methods have been used on the area.

Treatment sessions can range from 15 minutes to more than an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Electrolysis vs. Laser

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method available at this time for those with red, blonde, white, or gray hairs as laser only works on dark hair and light skin. It is also the best choice for those with sparse or very fine vellus hair. Small areas like upper lip, chin and eyebrows respond well to the electrolysis. Laser is better for larger areas because it produces a much quicker result.