Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the only FDA approved method for PERMANENT hair removal. It was invented as a method of removing ingrown eyelashes, and the science exploded from there. It works by sending an electrical current through the root of the hair, damaging the follicle and separating it from the capillaries that feed it and permanently destroying that follicle’s ability to produce a hair. ZIP ZAP BUH-BYE!
Most clients feel very little pain, if any. You may feel heat, or something similar to a pinch, and you may to use a topical anesthetic if necessary to help alleviate any discomfort. A tiny probe matching the width of one of your hairs is inserted into the follicle, after which your electrologist sends a small electrical current to the root, then removes the hair shaft with tweezers. Rinse and repeat for the length of the appointment. Appointments are scheduled in increments of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes. Your electrologist will set a timer to ensure you receive all of your scheduled time. If you are late for your appointment, your electrologist will do as much as they can within the parameters of your scheduled session, however you are still responsible for the full appointment cost.
When people think about permanent hair removal, they generally think about laser. Laser is actually permanent hair REDUCTION, not removal. It can be a great option, but you will most likely need a secondary method of hair removal after completing your laser sessions. (We have tons of clients who still sugar monthly, even after doing laser hair removal.) However, electrolysis is permanent hair REMOVAL. We can do electrolysis in conjunction with or even after laser hair removal, but it’s important to understand what you’re getting (or not getting) when you make that kind of investment.
Electrolysis on any area of the body requires a commitment of around 12-18 months. For best results, appointments should be scheduled weekly for the first few months. Your electrologist will schedule your appointments according to the predicted stage of hair growth during that time, as well as how large the area is. The exact number of appointments is impossible to predict for any individual, and can vary depending on a variety of factors such as your compliance with home care instructions, the length of time in between appointments, and hormonal conditions. Why so many? Well, just like with sugaring, our goal is to remove the hair in the growing stage, and there are three stages of hair growth. Hair removal is always the most effective in the growing stage, and generally, only a small percentage of hair is actively growing at one time.
Post electrolysis session, the area may or may not be hair free. This depends on the amount of time booked as related to the size of the area receiving treatment and the amount of hair in that area. Every single hair must be addressed, and there can be thousands. If the hair is coarse or deeply rooted, the current may require more time per insertion. You will coordinate appointment spacing and timing with your electrologist after each session.
Also, the efficacy of electrolysis is not limited by skin color or hair color. Laser requires a lot of contrast between the hair color and skin color, contraindicating it for many people. If you’ve been told you’re not a good candidate for laser, let’s talk electrolysis. Anyone who has unwanted hair is a potential candidate for electrolysis, including those with hirsutism and people who are gender transitioning. Anywhere on the body is fair game, except those areas that produce and retain moisture, such as inside the nose, the inner labia, etc. (You know, the whole water + electricity thing!)The best candidates for electrolysis understand that it requires scheduling and keeping regular appointments for at least a year. They are committed to the process through proper home care and professional skin treatments as recommended by their electrologist. Complete this form and set up your consultation to confirm your eligibility for this service.
Georgia is a state in which electrolysis is not regulated. (Shock, horror!) It’s kind of crazy, right? So at Southern Sugaring, we are proud to employ professionally licensed estheticians and cosmetologists who have completed Silhouet-Tone’s month-long training course. Our consistently vigilant standards of hygiene, proficiency, and client care mean that you are receiving the safest quality of service in the electrolysis industry. We also only use disposable probes to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination. Electrolysis is very safe. You might notice your skin is a little red or irritated after your sessions, but overall, you are safe to resume regular life immediately after your session. If we are ever unsure about whether you should undergo electrolysis, we will require a physician’s note stating that it is safe for you to receive treatments. Pregnant or lactating individuals shouldn’t receive electrolysis, but for most people, electrolysis is so localized that the treatment isn’t fully contraindicated - we may just have to take extra precautions. The conditions we need to talk about include diabetes, epilepsy, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular conditions, anxiety, any metal plates or pins, braces, skin disorders, premalignant moles, blood disorders, hepatitis B, electrical implants, keloids, and of course, anything that concerns you.
After each session, you will need to treat the area how you would treat a sunburn, with aloe, loose clean clothing, sunscreen, etc. Well hydrated skin is vital to electrolysis’s effectiveness. Drink lots of water. Avoid sweating and makeup while the skin still feels irritated. We can’t do electrolysis on broken skin, so try to be gentle with the area. NO PICKING. Your electrologist may advise treatments or facials to prep the skin for electrolysis sessions. Sugaring and waxing are not advised between sessions and for the duration of the process, but you may shave or trim between appointments if necessary. Just be sure that the hair has a few days to grow before your next appointment.