FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes unwanted hair growth?

Unwanted hair growth is usually caused by one of three general categories:

1. Congenital: genetic hair patterns we are born with.
2. Systemic: caused by hormonal changes and glandular problems.
3. Topical: caused by temporary methods of hair removal such as tweezing and irritation to the skin.

Or simply stated, unwanted hair growth is the result of heredity, puberty, pregnancy, menopause, hormone imbalance, or the side effects of some medications or conditions. Hair growth can also become more prevalent with temporary methods of hair removal.

Is Electrolysis really permanent?

Yes, for 145 years and more to come! Electrolysis has proven to be a safe, permanent method of hair removal and is the only method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Is Electrolysis safe?

This office has been approved by Interior Environmental Health and follows sterilization procedures set forth including the use of sterilized, disposable filaments, sterilized forceps and latex gloves for each client (or vinyl in the case of latex sensitivity).

How long is the entire process?

To be completely honest, Electrolysis is not a quick fix, but it is the only permanent fix!

The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. Most clients return once a week or every other week to start, depending on the scope of work needed and what temporary methods have been used. For example, if a client has been plucking a few hairs every day then it would be highly likely that they would start with weekly appointments, that will move into every 2 weeks, then 3 weeks, etc. It is common around the 3-month mark to hear my clients say ‘I wish I would have started this process sooner, it is so nice not to pluck every day’.

Generally, if a steady treatment plan is followed, 12-18 months is a realistic time frame to see a massive reduction and permanency.

How long is each treatment session?

Treatment sessions can range from 15 minutes to multiple hours, depending on the area being treated. At your consultation a realistic treatment plan will be discussed.

Can you remove hair from my mole?

Yes, Electrolysis is very safe and highly effective on moles. For insurance purposes, a written note is required from a physician stating the mole in question is safe to be treated for unwanted hair.

Can you remove hair from my tattoo?

Electrolysis is safe for use on tattooed areas.

Is there any chance of my skin being damaged?

No. In general terms, the quality of your skin, especially in areas that have been frequently tweezed or waxed in the past, will improve after treatments begin. Some post-treatment reaction should be expected and is temporary.

Will shaving make my facial hair grow thicker?

That is a myth. Shaving is completely safe for facial hair, as it does not tamper with the root of the hair. Actually, it’s plucking, waxing and threading methods that encourage unwanted facial hair.

There is a saying among Electrologists, “Pluck one hair and ten will come to its funeral.”

Most women know how tempting and satisfying it is to take a pair of tweezers to those hairs on your chin, but what they don’t know is that they are actually encouraging the growth of those hairs, as well as the surrounding hairs.

What will I feel during the treatment?

The electrologist will gently slide a fine probe into the hair follicle beside the hair. Once the probe is in place, a current will be released causing a warm sensation. The current will be adjusted to the texture of the hair, the area being treated and the comfort level of the client.

Each individual has different levels of pain tolerance and some areas may be more sensitive than others. A sample treatment will be performed during your complimentary consultation.

Does it hurt?

Electrolysis can be uncomfortable for some, although, to what extent depends on the individual as everyone’s tolerance is different. I work with my clients to ensure they are as comfortable as possible in each treatment.

If a client feels it is too sensitive, there are topical anesthetics, like EMLA, that can be purchased at the pharmacy. No prescription is required. The client applies the anesthetic to the area one hour prior to the treatment time. The topical anesthetic reduces the sensation from 50 to 100 percent in most cases, if applied properly. Taking your favorite pain reliever 30 minutes before an appointment can also lessen the sensation of treatment.

Should I have Electrolysis or Laser?

It depends on what you are trying to achieve.  If permanency is high on your list, then Electrolysis is the winner. Although, there are situations/body parts that benefit from using both.

Electrolysis can treat any type of hair, any color of hair, on any area of the body. It is safe to use on any skin color, tanned or natural.
Lasers are most effective on fair-skinned people with dark, coarse hair. They are not used on darker skin (either tanned or natural). Lasers should not be used around the eyes and are not effective on white, grey, reddish, blonde or fine hairs.

It is quite common for clients to have laser treatment to reduce some of the dark growth and then have electrolysis on the lighter or grey hair. In my experience, this dual type treatment seems most effective on body parts as opposed to facial work.

How do I select an Electrologist?

Select your Electrologist very carefully. In Canada, the Electrolysis profession is not well regulated. A person may practice Electrolysis without any formal training or diploma. It is best to start by booking a consultation. Meeting face-to-face and assessing the environment / technician for cleanliness, while learning more about the process, will be your best 30-minute investment.

Still have ?’s

I am always happy to hear from anyone that is interested in learning more Electrolysis, so please feel free to contact me.

Email:  info@vernonelectrolysis.ca

Phone:  250-938-0927