FAQ's
What is Electrolysis? Electrolysis is a safe, age-old permanent hair removal method that is suitable for people of all ages, hair colours, hair types and skin colours. It is suitable for women, men and transgender women, regardless of where it grows. This is because it directly targets the dermal papilla of the hair follicle, whereas laser hair removal and IPL target the pigment of the hair. Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA. It is performed by inserting a tiny, thin needle into the hair follicle. This does not create any trauma, as it is a natural opening in the body. A current is released directly onto the dermal papilla, essentially destroying the hair follicle along with follicular stem cells in the dermal papilla and the bulge region, thus preventing any further growth.
Which electrolysis methods do ForeverME use? At ForeverME, nurse Belinda offers two modalities of electrolysis; thermolysis and blend method. THERMOLYSIS Thermolysis uses an alternating high frequency current that creates heat to destroy the hair follicle. Thermolysis is suited for people who have shallow rooted, thin hairs with small follicles. It is great for facial areas like upper lip, chin, cheeks, sideburns and neck. It can simply and quickly remove peach fuzz. BLEND Blend method is a combination of galvanic and thermolysis techniques. The blend method is better suited to deep, course hairs, pubic and other curly hairs, because it targets the entire hair shaft. It is common for people to transition from blend to thermolysis once their hair becomes finer and is growing slower and more sparsely. The blend method is much slower than thermolysis, however it can be much more thorough when it is applied correctly. The patient holds the negative electrode while the positive electrode is introduced into the hair follicle via the needle. The current then passes through sodium chloride in the hair follicle, which then gets dissociated into sodium, hydroxide ions, chlorine and hydrogen. The chemical reaction that then takes place produces lye, a highly alkaline substance that destroys the hair follicle. The blending of heat accelerates the process. This blend combination method alleviates the shortcomings of each of the individual techniques, while strengthening their advantages.
How much does it cost? Treatment sessions are measured by time, so costs will vary depending on the area and the number and density of hairs. The total coast overall will vary depending on the number of sessions required. During the initial consultation these factors are discussed in order to provide a tailor-made treatment plan.
How many sessions will I need? The number of sessions required varies depending on several factors; The area to be treated, the amount of hair, hair density, distribution and spread and individual growth cycles. Individual differences in hair growth cycles, follicular stem cell populations and their regenerative capacity can vary among individuals. Factors include; genetics, hormonal influence and skin type and ethnicity. These factors can influence the number of treatments each individual will require. In summary all these factors make it very difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the number of sessions required. After each session you will see progress. There will be less hair progressively and the hair that remains will grow slower, thinner and lighter, and there will be progressively less time required for each treatment.
Does it hurt? The discomfort that clients’ experience can be very different person to person. Each area may also feel different to another. Most clients find treatments very tolerable, however some who are sensitive to pain may prefer to use a numbing cream, particularly for bikini lines and more private regions. Numbing cream effectiveness will be discussed during the initial consultation. However, ForeverME will always endeavour to make each treatment as comfortable as possible.
Precare: Pre-care instructions are important to ensure that your skin is in the best possible condition before undergoing electrolysis. Here are the key steps to follow before your electrolysis session: 1. Avoid Sun Exposure: For at least 24 to 48 hours before your session, avoid direct sun exposure to the area being treated. We cannot work on sunburnt skin. 2. Do Not Wax, Tweeze or Nair: Stop waxing, tweezing, or threading the area for at least 2–3 weeks before your first electrolysis session. Electrolysis works by targeting the hair follicle, and waxing or tweezing can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, making the treatment less effective. Don’t worry, you can still hide your unwanted hair by clipping or shaving it between sessions. Soon enough you will notice it grows in slower, finer and less hair each session! 3. Shave the Area: Shave or clip the treatment area a few days before your appointment, but avoid shaving immediately before the session. This allows the hair to be short enough for the electrolysis to effectively target the follicle. Full length hairs can be difficult to treat, but we need 1-2mm minimum. 4. Avoid Using Retinoids or Exfoliating Products: For at least 3–5 days before your session, avoid using retinoids, exfoliants, or other harsh skincare products in the treatment area. These can make the skin more sensitive and increase the risk of irritation during the procedure. 5. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: It’s recommended to avoid consuming caffeine on treatment days as can increase sensitivity and cause skin irritation during the procedure. 6. Cleanse the Area: Clean the treatment area with a mild cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, or oils. Coming in with a clean face helps ensure the skin is clean and ready for the procedure and doesn’t take up precious treatment time whilst your electrologist cleans it for you. 7. Let Your Skin Rest: If you’ve recently had a chemical peel, microdermabrasion or skin needling make sure to wait at 2 weeks before your electrolysis appointment to allow your skin to recover. 8. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session to ensure your skin is properly hydrated. Well-hydrated skin tends to respond better to electrolysis and heals faster. 9. For sensitive areas: Paracetamol can be taken prior to appointments. For those very sensitive areas an OTC numbing ointment can be applied 30-60 minutes prior to treatment. It is important to apply a thick layer that is not rubbed in, then place cling wrap over the top so it does not oxidise. Though most clients find they do not require numbing ointments for treatments. By following these prep steps, you’ll help ensure that your electrolysis session is as effective and comfortable as possible!
Laser or electrolysis? Electrolysis is the only permanent method – Electrolysis is the only FDA approved permanent hair removal method, to this day! Laser hair removal reduces hair growth but isn't always permanent. Electrolysis is for everyone – Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis is effective on all hair colours, including blonde, red, grey and white. It is also safe for all skin colours and it works on all hormonal hair. Electrolysis is accurate – Electrolysis targets each individual hair follicle delivering a current directly at each hairs growth centre to prevent future growth. Whereas laser directs a light frequency from above the skin to target hair pigment, also relying on the hair to have no changes in pigment between the top of the skin and the base. Electrolysis after laser for larger areas – Laser hair removal can be very effective for the correct colour body hair, particularly on larger body areas. Many people transfer to electrolysis when laser has done what it can to reduce growth and there is still remaining hair. Electrolysis is the perfect method to mop up the leftover hairs that laser couldn’t remove. It is also great for treating any breakthrough hairs that can potentially appear later after laser treatments have finished. This is NOT the case for females with hormonal hair growth, particularly on the face and neck, due to the risk of paradoxical hypertrichosis with laser hair removal. Electrolysis is a safe option for hormonal hair. Electrolysis is cost effective with no maintenance – Once completed, there is no need for any maintenance sessions.