The American Electrology Association (AEA), with the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developed National Infection Control Standards that include sterilization of all electrology instruments which may have parenteral contact. Sterile, disposable needles are used. The Standards are consistent with Standard Precautions safety which includes hand washing and use of a fresh pair of disposable gloves for each treatment. Your electrologist will thoroughly discuss this important issue with you.

The number of treatments necessary varies with each person. Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal physiologic changes, certain medications and stress may influence the treatment program for each individual. It is very important to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule to achieve optimum results in the shortest period of time.

Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment, so breaking down the hair germ cells may require additional treatments. Due to the cyclic nature of hair growth, new hairs — as well as hairs emerging from a dormant phase — will be treated and may or may not be visible at the same time as finer regrowth.

All hairs have differing cycles of growth activity and are not visible on the surface of the skin at the same time. Hair normally grows for its usual cycle and then naturally sheds and replaces itself. Following active growing periods, hair follicles go into a dormant phase. This period of dormancy may last for an indefinite period of time, however, replacement hairs usually appear within three to twelve months. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.

While electrolysis is a comfortable procedure, it is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without any sensation. This is because each hair follicle is surrounded by its own network of nerve endings. The sensation which may be felt is assurance that destructive activity is taking place. Adjustments can be made which will help to make the treatment remain comfortable.

When electrolysis is performed by a competent electrologist using up-to-date equipment and current techniques, there will not any be skin damage. Immediately following treatment there may be slight redness which usually disappears within a few hours.

Although electrolysis has never been proven harmful to pregnant women, it is suggested the advice of your physician be sought before treatment.

Electrolysis is considered a very cost-effective method of hair removal. The overall cost is tied to each individual’s recommended treatment schedule. Your Electrologist will discuss with you the optimum program to achieve the results you desire.

Treatment time can vary from 15 minutes to an hour or more. This depends on previous hair removal methods, the area of the treatment, and the amount of hair you wish to have removed.