Frequently Asked Questions About Electrolysis

What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is permanent hair removal which requires a series of treatments.  It was invented in 1875 by Dr. Charles Michel, an ophthalmologist, in order to remove an ingrown eyelash.

How does it work?
A sterile, disposable probe is inserted into the hair follicle, which is a natural opening in the skin, and a small amount of electrical current cauterizes and destroys the dermal papilla (the source of nourishment of the hair). Tweezers  are used to slide the hair out without resistance.

What does it feel like?
You will feel a sensation of heat during the treatment.  Some body parts are more sensitive than others, and tolerance varies from person to person.  Prescription and non-prescription topical anesthetics may be used for those who feel the need.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments necessary will depend upon several factors including  the amount of hair being treated, the growth cycles of hair, the previous method of hair removal used, heredity, hormone function, and normal physiologic changes.  Most clients will see permanent results in approximately one year to a year and a half when they follow the recommended treatment schedule. If the client has an underlying medical condition that causes excessive hair growth (hirsutism) it must be addressed for permanent results to be seen.

How often will I need a treatment?
That depends upon how much hair you have and how often you were removing it with temporary methods of hair removal.

What are the benefits of electrolysis?
The number one benefit is that it is permanent! It can treat every color of skin and hair.  It can sculpt eyebrows beautifully for women, and leave them natural but neat looking for men.  Electrolysis can remove the finest of hairs, even the”peach fuzz” that many women complain about.  The hair doesn’t need to be a certain length or a full growth, it only needs to be above the surface of the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal

What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is the application of laser light at selected wavelengths  to react with melanin(pigment) to create heat that destroys the source of nourishment of the hair (papilla) and stem cells along the follicular wall.  This process is called selective photothermolysis.

Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is FDA approved for permanent hair reduction.  It requires a series of approximately 5 – 8 treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart.  When there are only scattered hairs left, they may be removed with electrolysis.

What type of laser is used?
Candelas’s GentleLASE Plus, an  alexandrite laser, is used in the Commack office.

What areas can be treated with laser?
Laser is great for all areas of the body except for shaping eyebrows and inside the ears and nose.

Who can receive laser hair removal treatments?
Women, men and teenagers can have laser hair removal treatments.  Clients  should not be taking any medication that makes them sensitive to the sunlight or be tanned from the sun or artificially.

Does laser treat all colors of hair?
No, it must be dark hair.  The laser does not see blonde, gray, white or red hairs.

Is laser hair removal painless?
No, but the GentleLASE laser has a cooling method that make the treatments safe and gentle.  Topical anesthetics are not recommended because they may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waxing

What is waxing?
Waxing is an inexpensive, temporary method of hair removal.

How does it work?
The hair must be at least 1/4 inch long.  A thin layer of warm wax is applied to the skin and  a strip of muslin is rubbed over it. Then  the muslin is quickly peeled off and it removes the hair and wax from the skin.

How long does it last?
You will probably want to have another waxing in three to four weeks.

What are the benefits of waxing?
Waxing lasts longer than shaving because it removes the entire hair with the root, which takes considerable time to regrow.  It doesn’t leave a “razor rash”, “five o’clock shadow”, or “razor stubble.” When the hair starts to grow back, it feels softer because it doesn’t have a blunt edge as when it’s been cut by a razor.

Waxing is great for those who cannot afford electrolysis or laser hair removal.  It doesn’t matter what your skin type is or the color of the hair.

What areas can be waxed?
Common areas for women are bikini, brazilian bikini, legs, underarms, arms, eyebrows, etc.  Men frequently request waxing for their backs and arms.