What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the general term for all forms of permanent hair removal and it is the only form of permanent hair removal that is approved by the FDA. There are 3 different modalities that can be used: Galvanic Current, Thermolysis, and The Blend.
Galvanic current (direct current) creates lye which causes a chemical decomposition of the tissue in the lower part of the follicle to destroy the blood supply.
Thermolysis (alternating current) is a heating action inside the follicle that coagulates or desiccates the lower follicle as to destroy the blood supply to the follicle.
The Blend is a combination of both Galvanic and Thermolysis and is usually more effective than using one or the other separately.
When was Electrolysis invented?
In 1875, Dr. Charles E. Michel invented electrolysis as a way to permanently get rid of ingrown eyelashes. If someone were to get an ingrown eyelash and it became infected, it could cause serious damage to the eye including blindness. This was because of the unsanitary living circumstances at this time.
How is Electrolysis performed?
A hair like probe is inserted into the follicle at the same angle of the hair and a current is applied to the probe as to destroy the blood supply. If the hair is in the growing stage cycle and the blood supply has been treated sufficiently, the hair will then be tweezed out with no feeling from the client. However, if the client can still feel the tweeze, this could be because the hair was in the resting stage cycle and was not attached to the blood supply. Therefore, it will need to be treated again when in the growing stage cycle.
Electrolysis VS Laser?
With electrolysis, we are targeting the actual blood supply to each hair follicle which is why it is a permanent solution to getting rid of your unwanted hair. Laser is only hair reduction and not permanent hair removal. As laser can only target the pigment in the hair, it does not truly reach to the bottom of the follicle to kill off the blood supply. It only temporarily causes the follicle to postpone hair growth for a few years. Also, because laser only targets the pigment, it will not treat light colored hair - light brown, blond, white, grey and even red hair.
Does electrolysis work for all skin colors?
Yes it does! Because we have 3 different modalities to use, we can create a setting that is just right for you! So it will work for all skin colors and types.
Are there any side effects of Electrolysis?
There may be some redness, swelling, tenderness, and/or a numbing sensation for a few hours after treatment which is completely normal. You may also see small pimples or scabs which is why it is very important to follow your after care instructions. No touching, picking or scratching the treated area, and also keeping it very clean with a mild astringent, such as cool mist or witch hazel, will make sure the treated area heals as quickly as possible.
The best side effect of all is that once each hair follicle is successfully treated, that hair will never grow back!
Why do I have more hair now than before I started treatment?
You do not actually have MORE hair. If you have been tweezing or waxing recently and frequently, we are only able to see 20% of hair growth when first starting your treatment plan. Since we need the hair to be long enough to grab with the tweezers, it may seem like you have more hair after starting treatment because you have stopped tweezing, waxing, shaving and using other forms of hair removal.
Tweezing and waxing causes the hair to grow back thick and become more firmly rooted. It is suggested to completely stop these to ensure successful treatments.
Is there anything preventing me from getting Electrolysis?
If you have a pacemaker, large pieces of metal implants, or if you are currently taking Accutane (normally used for acne) or Coumadin (or other blood thinners) we are unable to perform Electrolysis.
You can still get Electrolysis if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, we would just use Thermolysis only (no Galvanic Current). Other things such as warts or cold sores (both are contagious) can be worked around. Please fill out the intake form thoroughly as to protect both yourself and your Electrologist.
How often should I come in?
As each hair is growing in a different stage of growth, it will take around 6 months on consistent weekly/bi-weekly appoints to START seeing progress depending on how much hair is in the area that you want treated. If there is an excessive amount of hair, the process could take 1-2 years. We would suggest coming in no longer than every 2-3 weeks and most of our current clients are coming once a week. This will ensure that we give the best treatment possible while the hair is in the growing phase.
Who can get Electrolysis?
Anyone with unwanted hair! That includes women, men, teens, adults and seniors.
Courtney Leonard, Owner and Licensed Electrologist
Courtney was born and raised in the small town of Bluffdale, UT. She became interested in Electrolysis when her cousin made fun of her for having a long hair growing out of her neck when she was 12. In 2007, she went to Southern Utah University to get a degree in Music Performance with a Percussion Emphasis and that is where she met her husband. Twelve years and a full chin of hair later, she knew she needed to help anyone with unwanted hair just like her and Electrolysis was the perfect choice! She graduated from Cameo College of Essential Beauty as a licensed electrologist in August of 2019 and is now the owner of Electrolysis of Utah. In her free time she has recently loved to work out, eat a healthy diet, and has always loved to take photos of beautiful sunsets and watch silly TV shows with her husband.
