About Electrolysis

What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis was first used in 1875 for hair follicle destruction. Dr. Charles E. Michel used Galvanic or true Electrolysis, in which electric current creates a chemical reaction to destroy hair. Thermolysis, popular since the 1940's, uses heat for cauterization. "The Blend" combines both Galvanic and Thermolysis. All three modalities are effective. The skill and judgment of the electrologist make the most significant difference in results achieved.

How Does Electrolysis Work?
A very fine sterile wire called a probe or needle is inserted into the tiny opening of the follicle. The insertion is not felt because of the follicle opening. Once the probe is inserted properly down into the follicle, the current is released to destroy hair cells. The hair cells control the development of the hair, either making it coarser, lighter, thinner, etc. Once the hair cells have been totally eliminated, the hair follicle has no ability to regenerate hair. After current is released to eliminate hair cells, the electrologist removes the unwanted hair with a sterile forcep. At Londonderry Electrolysis, we use only sterile disposable probes for your protection.

Does it hurt?
The sensation is equivalent to a pin prick or like a sudden burst of heat. Most people are pleasantly surprised when the sensation is not as bad as they imagined it would be. Tolerance levels are different from person to person. The only way to find out how you tolerate it is to try it.

Is it really permanent?
Yes, Electrolysis is the only permanent and safe method of removing unwanted hair. Our probe makes direct contact with the cells that create hair. Without this direct contact by the probe the cells will not be destroyed and the hair will return.

How much will it cost?
The cost of each treatment is determined by 15 minute increments. The length of time needed per treatment is determined by the area size being treated, and how many hairs there are per square inch. The amount of treatment time needed can only be determined after the area has been seen by the electrologist. Consultations are always free at Londonderry Electrolysis so we can discuss a treatment plan that works for you. Regular and consistent appointments are crucial to achieve the optimum results. The overall cost is a small price to pay for the physical and psychological benefits of a lifetime of freedom from embarrassing, undesirable hair.

How long will it take to remove all of my hair?
There are many different circumstances that effect the results of how long it takes to achieve permanent hair removal. The process of electrolysis is the destruction of hair cells. These cells live in the Follicle. All cells in the Follicle need to be destroyed in order to stop the Follicle from producing the unwanted hair. When the follicle is treated by electrolysis a percentage of the cells are destroyed. If the follicle that was treated by Electrolysis produces another hair, the new hair will be noticeably finer in texture because a percentage of the cells have been destroyed. This is how the process of electrolysis works. Once all of the cells have been destroyed in the follicle no hair can be produced in the follicle again. You cannot put an exact number on how many treatments are needed to destroy all of the hair cells in a follicle.

Consistency in your treatments plays a big part in speeding up the process of electrolysis. There are three hair growth stages. When electrolysis is performed in the first growing stage, more hair cells are destroyed. When treatment schedules are not kept, there is a chance the hair will grow into its second or third stage. If this happens, then the next electrolysis treatment will not be as effective.

Electrolysis may take weeks to months to see marked improvement, and over a year to permanently destroy every hair cell. An encouraging fact is that the area being treated is continuously improving during treatments, and visits becoming shorter in duration, as well as spaced further apart. When all unwanted hairs are gone, some people will need periodic treatments. Sometimes new hairs can be produced due to reasons such as stress, medications, hormonal changes, etc. Remember we cannot change the reasons new hairs may be produced, but at this stage it becomes easy to maintain. There are some people who, when finished with electrolysis treatments, do not have a need to come in for maintenance treatments. Individual factors that effect hair growth make it difficult to predict how many treatments will be needed and how long the process will take.