Electrolysis
Electrolysis is an established technique for the permanent removal of unwanted hair from the face and body (the upper lip, chin, sides of the face, moles, brow, nipples, abdomen, groin, legs, etc). The hair may have arisen as a result of puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or topical irritation of the skin. It may be due to an underlying hormone imbalance brought about by some illness, for example. The hair growth may vary between fine down, and strong, thick, hairs. Fair, grey, white, red, brown, and black hair are all treatable with electrolysis.

Consultation
You will be asked about current and past medical conditions (e.g. heart problems, allergies, diabetes, epilepsy etc. and about medication being taken. You will be asked to indicate clearly the main areas that you wish to have treated. The consultation takes about 15 minutes and is free of charge; the first treatment usually is given straight afterwards.

The Application of Electrolysis
Currently the only method of permanent hair removal is by electrolysis, in which a very fine needle is slid down the hair follicle beside the hair, so that its tip is positioned at the point from which the hair grows, i.e. the dermal papilla. A tiny current is applied for a short time, which destroys the base of the hair, and the hair is then removed. While the current is being applied, a brief stinging sensation may be perceived, but at other times little or no sensation is felt - it depends on the area being treated, the nerve responses of each individual, the level of the current required etc. The current must be strong enough to be effective, while remaining tolerable. Pharmacists sell a topical anaesthetic called Emla Cream which can be applied to the area to be treated, if necessary. For your comfort, gold and insulated needles are used in this salon. The two main methods of electrolysis are:  a) Diathermy, which destroys by heat and b) Blend, which blends two different currents at the tip of the needle. This causes a tiny amount of liquid to be made in the follicle, which dissolves away the growing point of the hair. The method selected depends on the strength of the hair growth, the space between hairs, the skin reaction, client preference, and so on.

Expectations of Electrolysis
Just around the hair follicle, there may be a little swelling or redness, which if present at all, disappears after a few minutes to an hour (although for a few clients it can last longer.) Fine hairs may or may not re-grow. Strong hairs require repeat treatments, but re-grow more slowly, and become lighter in colour and finer in texture, so that progress is constantly being seen. Strong hairs cannot be destroyed in one application because the current required would destroy the surrounding, moist, skin tissue. Many clients are surprised how easy it is to relax during the treatment.

To facilitate the electrolysis treatment, it is recommended that you follow the advice below:

Prior to Treatment:
Clean and rinse your skin thoroughly.

It is preferable not to apply creams, oil, talc, deodorant etc. over the relevant area within 12 hours prior to treatment. Between treatments, however, moisturize dry areas.

If practicable, avoid  wearing  foundation, lipstick, blusher, or eye make-up if these would be over or near an area to be treated.

Before your treatment, leave time to relax so that your skin is at normal temperature (not flushed), and so that you yourself are relaxed.

Avoid sunbathing and heat treatments in the days before and after electrolysis, as your skin may be made more sensitive.

Following Treatment:
The skin needs a chance to heal following treatment, so for the next 48 hours or so, be extra kind to your skin.

A soothing anti-bacterial lotion is applied to the treated area, which should be left undisturbed for 8 to 24 hours. You can purchase a bottle of this lotion at the end of your first treatment, and you are asked to reapply the lotion over the treated area after washing the skin in cool water. This is done morning and evening and any other time the skin is washed for around 48 hours.

If you have been prescribed steroid creams to use near the area of treatment, please discuss it with Maria.

After at least 8 hours, and preferably 24 hours, foundation or other make-up can be applied to the treated area over the anti-bacterial lotion. (Make-up is usually contaminated after a few uses and so is a hygiene risk).

Avoid the use of soap, shampoo, bubble-bath, perfumed products etc. on the treated skin for 24 hours, as these items may contain irritants. Swimming pools are an infection and irritation risk, and should be avoided for at least 24 hours. Steam treatments and hot baths open the pores so increasing the risk of infection, and so again it is wise to avoid them for 24 hours following electrolysis.

If you feel that you need to trim, shave, or bleach hairs between treatments, please discuss it with Maria as it may affect the treatment plan. It is best not to pluck, or wax, or use a depilatory cream or friction mitt, but again please discuss it if you need to do one of these things at any point.

Sorry to be so indelicate, but please do not touch or pick the treated area, as this may lead to localized infection.