Laser Hair Removal with Electrolysis
What is Electrolysis and treatment of Grey hair?
Electrolysis is the oldest established method of permanent hair removal.
Dr Charles Michel first used it successfully in 1875 to remove ingrown eyelashes. He discovered that once the follicle had been treated with electrolysis the hair was permanently destroyed.
Electrolysis has the longest known track record and was the only option to removing hair permanently, the alternatives were to wax, shave or pluck so with Dr Michel discovery it helped millions of women and some men regain their confidence when there was were no other permanent methods of hair removal available.
Here At Northwest Laser and Aesthetics Clinic we would always offer laser as the first choice when being treated for hair removal - it's faster and less painful and the patient sees the results much more quickly. However laser is not a solution for anyone, Laser does not work well on grey hairs and we now are able to offer a 'Mixed Laser/Electrolysis Treatment' giving a permanent solution to anyone previously shaving or plucking their grey hairs.
How does it work?
Electrolysis or Epilation works by passing a small amount of energy into the hair follicle through a very fine needle.
This produces heat which destroys the cells that produce the hair at the base of the follicle. More than one treatment will be necessary due to the fact that hair follicles have a specific hair growth cycle.
There are three proven methods of Electrolysis. Galvanic electrolysis - the original method,
achieves excellent results due to the chemical reaction produced within the hair follicle.
However it is very slow and has been replaced by short wave diathermy - this produces heat which
is faster but is not quite as thorough as galvanic. To overcome this slight drawback the third
method known as Blend was developed in 1949 - this combines the benefits of galvanic and
short wave diathermy.
When you receive treatment from a qualified therapist who holds a specialist electrolysis
qualification such as The BIAE Certificate in Remedial Electrolysis (CRE) the only sign that you
have received electrolysis treatment is that the hairs will have disappeared.
Electrolysis is suitable for men and women, from the young to the older client. Under 16's need G.P approval.
History of Electrolysis
Electrolysis was discovered by Dr Charles Michel of Missouri in 1875, over 125 years ago. Dr Michel discovered that by passing negative galvanic energy into the hair follicle and allowing the energy to build up that the hair did not regrow. He continued to research his findings and electrolysis was born. The equipment was very crude and the needles used then were darning needles which had been adjusted to suit the equipment.
Although results were excellent the method proved to be slow, tedious and painful. In the early 1900's Dr Bordier wrote the 1st article on the use of high frequency for the removal of hair and in the 1940's high frequency superseded galvanic electrolysis. In 1949 Arthur Hinkle of California and Henrie St Pierre developed the technique of Blend to combine the benefits and advantages of Galvanic and High frequency, applying the 2 methods to the hair follicle simultaneously.
Types of Electrolysis treatment
The term electrolysis has come to be used for all types of hair removal by electrical means. There are however three main types of permanent hair removal treatment methods.
- Short Wave Diathermy (or Radio Frequency)
- Galvanism
- Blend (a combination of Short Wave Diathermy and Galvanism)
Properly used, all methods are capable of the same result.
The aim of all the methods is to coagulate the base of the growing hair in order to cut off the blood supply and nutrition to the hair, preventing any new growth from developing.
Short Wave Diathermy does this by heat and Galvanism creates a chemical reaction. The Blend combines the two properties of each current.
We would be happy to give free advice on the appropriate form of treatment for each Patient. This will depend on the patients skin type and tolerance, the strength and density of the hair and the area to be treated.
When would electrolysis be the best method of hair removal for me?
Electrolysis is the best choice of a more permanent hair removal for individuals with to Grey hair, if pregnant it is an alternative treatment which can be offered.
Success of treatment
The success of treatment depends upon the following factors:
Her at Northwest Laser & Aesthetics Clinic we only use highly skilled and qualified staff who attend regular training refresher courses and work with the guidelines of the Healthcare commission and the BIAE.
We would advise you use only a highly skilled and experienced operator, ensure you visit the premises to check the standards and the competence by attending a free consultation first The treatment becomes very expensive and totally ineffective if not performed accurately. Patients should always should check the clinics before commencing treatment to ensure it monitored by the correct Associations or Commissions- in BIAE members display their Diploma as it represents a professional Electrolysis skill).
What Results Can I expect?
Do expect a outstanding result in one treatment To get great results the patient needs to be committed to commit to regular treatments until a mutual decision is made that treatment is no longer necessary. All treatments are 'pays as you go'.
Are the pores larger after electrolysis treatment?
No, the skin should look as if the hair had never grown out of that area in the first place
We know electrolysis works for people with Grey hair - it has wonderful result and is psychologically good but it must be emphasized that treatment should only be administered by a competent and suitably qualified operator.
Sterilisation & Hygiene Standards
Patients should be aware that the spread of some transmittable conditions has to a very limited extent been associated with certain cosmetic treatments. No case of these infections associated with electrolysis are known to have been reported in the UK, possibly because in most cases the skin of the patient is not actually pierced and hygiene standards have always been high.
Nevertheless, all premises at which electrolysis and similar treatments are carried out are required to be registered with the Local Authority whose Department of Environment Health Inspectors enforce rigid standards of hygiene and sterility.
Members are examined in the appropriate procedures on qualifying and are kept continuously updated on advances in techniques. Thus the standards of members are of the highest order and prospective patients can feel reassured when their services are used. In particular, the BIAE insists that a disposable needle is used for every patient. Please feel free to ask about our sterilisation procedures will would happy to discuss all aspects of the electrolysis when you book a free on charge consultation.
Aftercare
Can I use an antiseptic cream on my skin after electrolysis?
Your electrologist will recommend the correct aftercare product for you. These are available within the salon/clinic at an affordable cost. It is important to use a product specifically formulated and tried and tested for after electrolysis to soothe, calm and protect the skin. Antiseptic creams can be too heavy for the skin and could cause an adverse reaction as the heat is unable to escape.
Can I wear make-up immediately after treatment to cover the mild redness?
Immediately after treatment the skin will be sensitised. Sterex have a specially formulated Apres cream containing pigment to help mask the redness. This product is specifically designed to soothe the skin and will not cause an unwanted reaction that may be triggered by the use of make-up. Make-up must be avoided for 24-48 hours.
How do I look after my skin following the treatment?
Immediately after treatment the electrologist will apply an aftercare product. The Sterex aftercare products are specifically produced to soothe, calm and protect the skin to avoid unwanted reactions. The aftercare products contain ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel and are in a gel formulation to enable the skin to breathe. These products are available to purchase at the salon at a relatively low cost. The aftercare product is part of the electrolysis treatment and must be applied morning and night for the following 48 hours or until the skin has fully healed.
What can I do with the hairs between treatments?
There may be some hair growth between treatments. If you are unable to attend an appointment and you have hair growth you may only trim the hairs. This will clear the hair temporarily without interfering with the root of the hair and affecting results.
Tweezing, threading and waxing must be avoided during a course of electrolysis.
What is the aftercare advice?
We would go through our aftercare advice following an electrolysis treatment. The skin may be
sensitive with open follicles potentially allowing bacteria to enter, therefore applying an Aloe
Vera aftercare product to the immediate area will aid healing of the skin and prevent adverse
reaction(s).
Aftercare advice recommended for the 1st 48 hours following treatment will include:
- Avoid soap and perfumed products
- Only use mineral Make up for the first 24 hours
- Avoid sunbathing
- Avoid picking or touching the area
- Avoid swimming, steam rooms and saunas
- Avoid further heat treatments to the immediate area
- Wash hands and apply aftercare product to the area using fresh cotton wool
- Avoid all temporary methods of hair removal except trimming
- Keep up with appointments to obtain desired results
Are there any reasons why I couldn't have for electrolysis treatment
Most people can have treatments without any problems but there are a few pre-existing conditions which may restrict treatment. These include but are not limited to a pacemaker, skin prone to keloide scarring (raised).
Are there any skin conditions where you would advise against having treatment?
Electrolysis can only be performed on a healthy skin. If there is any evidence of a skin disease or disorder in the treatable area then treatment may not commence. Some conditions may prevent treatment until the skin has healed eg, cold sores, eczema or active acne etc. Some conditions may prevent treatment such as vitiligo. During the consultation the area to be treated will be assessed and in some cases the electrologist may require written consent from your Doctor prior to treatment.
Can I still have electrolysis if I'm pregnant?
It is possible to have an electrolysis treatment during pregnancy as the tiny amounts of current used will not affect the pregnancy. Although you may find that salon/clinics will not offer treatment during the first trimester. There are 2 methods of electrolysis mainly offered in salons today, the blend method and short wave diathermy. The blend method allows the current to flow through the body and short wave diathermy remains at the tip of the needle. Some salons/clinics may prefer to offer short wave diathermy only to pregnant clients
Can someone with dental fillings or braces still have an electrolysis treatment?
There are 2 methods of electrolysis offered, short wave diathermy and the blend method. When using the blend method there may be a metallic taste experienced in the mouth. With excess fillings or metal braces the short wave diathermy method maybe preferred.
If I have a pacemaker can I have electrolysis?
Unfortunately electrolysis is not offered to clients with a pacemaker. This is for the safety of the client. Electrolysis uses electrical currents to treat the hair and this may affect the function of the pacemaker. Some pacemakers are insulated. Occasionally electrolysis can be offered by some salons but they will insist on a G.P. letter of consent and usually the pacemaker manufacturer's letter of consent also to insure they have insurance cover to perform the treatment.
How long does a typical treatment last?
In electrolysis there is no 'typical' treatment as all clients are individuals and a treatment plan is created to suit your needs. Treatments can vary from 10 minute appointments up to 2 hours+ depending upon the area being treated.
Are there any side effects of treatment?
When electrolysis is performed correctly by a skilled operator it is perfectly safe. On a first appointment it is important for the salon/clinic to complete a full consultation checking all medical history for any reason why a treatment can not be performed.
Following a treatment the operator will go through the aftercare advice and apply a soothing aftercare gel. It's important for the client to follow the advice to prevent any unwanted reaction.
Does electrolysis hurt?
We use plenty of cold air to numb the skin at Northwest Laser & Aesthetics clinic .Electrolysis can be a little uncomfortable for many people but others can fall asleep during treatment. During an electrolysis treatment a tiny sterile probe is introduced into the opening of the hair follicle. A small burst of energy is released at the base of the follicle and a sensation will be experienced like a tingle, heat or a minor sting. Everyone has their own individual pain threshold which can be affected by a number of factors:
- Individual pain thresholds - this can be affected by health, stress, time of menstruation etc
- Area to be treated
- Strength and size of hair
- Skin sensitivity
- Type of current used
How does it Compare to Laser
If the patient has blonde to dark hairs in our opinion Laser would be the preferred choice, but Laser and electrolysis work with excellent results as a combined treatment for patients as often with older patients white hairs remain after a course of laser, this is when we would use Electrolysis.
All our operators are trained, qualified and experienced in Electrolysis and Laser treatments.
Costs for Combined Electrolysis & Laser Hair Removal
The answer depends on the treatment type the amount of hair to be treated, its type -- whether its thick or fine and the area to be treated. Prices cannot be given without seeing the patient and area to be treated first. There is no charge for the electrolysis consultation.
We offer a pensioners discount day for the over 65's contact the clinic for more details.
Please see our laser hair removal pricing policy for information about how we charge for our hair removal services and our company ethos regarding pricing.
Read what our patients think in our laser hair removal reviews.
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we can work around times that suit you.If you would prefer to see a same sex operator please advise when booking a consultation.
Northwest Laser & Aesthetics offer clincs in both Cheshire and Merseyside, providing a convenient service for the Northwest and North Wales. See the locations page for maps and driving directions