FAQ
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal that involves using a tiny probe to zap the hair follicle with a small amount of electrical current, destroying the hair follicle’s ability to grow new hair. There are a few different types of electrolysis, but they all have the same result: permanent hair removal! Electrolysis is effective for all hair colors and skin types and is the only hair removal method approved by the FDA for permanent removal.
What are the side effects?
Everyone reacts a little differently to electrolysis. Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area, similar to what you might see after waxing or tweezing. Some may experience less common side effects like temporary skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation) or scabbing, especially if aftercare isn’t followed properly. Choosing a skilled, licensed electrologist and following aftercare instructions can help minimize these risks!
Is it painful?
Yes! It is. In each follicle we treat, you’ll feel a split-second zap of heat. Some clients find it doesn’t bother them at all, and some have mentioned they even like the feeling. Most clients experience some discomfort, but most leave saying “That was not as bad as I thought it would be!” Our goal is to make your sessions as tolerable as possible. Stress, menstruation, and illness can increase sensitivity, so it’s best to schedule appointments when you’re feeling your best.
Why does it require a series of treatments?
Electrolysis requires a series of treatments because it targets hair follicles at different stages of the hair growth cycle. Hair grows in three stages: anagen (active growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting).
During the anagen phase, the hair follicle is actively producing hair, and it is most receptive to electrolysis. There are millions of hair follicles all over the body but luckily they’re not all in the anagen phase at the same time! We can only work on hairs we can see and there are multiple cycles of hair growth so multiple sessions are needed to target hair follicles in the anagen phase at different times.
When the treatment plan is followed, most clients see permanent results in 12-24 months. There will be fewer and fewer hairs coming in as we make progress, so sessions become shorter and more spaced out over time. Some clients notice a difference in just the first few sessions.
What’s the difference between electrolysis and laser?
The main difference is that electrolysis is permanent hair removal and laser hair removal is permanent hair reduction. Electrolysis and laser hair removal are both effective methods for managing excess hair growth and each has pros and cons. With electrolysis, only one follicle can be treated at a time, so it can be a tedious and time-consuming process. Lasers are able to cover a lot of space in a short amount of time and are great for large areas on the body. Laser works best on dark hair and light skin since it has a hard time detecting grey, blonde, or red hairs. It also doesn’t work as well on darker skin tones, although newer lasers have gotten better at treating a wider range of skin types. On the other hand, electrolysis works on all skin tones and hair colors. We don’t recommend getting laser on facial hair because of the risk of paradoxical hypertrichosis, which is where laser treatments actually cause more hair to grow instead of reducing it. The best choice really depends on your specific needs, hair and skin type, and what results you’re looking for.
At Cape Fear Electrology, we don’t currently offer electrolysis on large areas of the body such as legs and backs, and we encourage clients seeking hair removal in those areas (who are also good candidates for laser) to go for a consultation at a reputable laser practice.
Is it expensive?
Electrolysis can be a significant investment depending on the amount of hair we’re treating, but it truly is an investment in long-term results! Consider all the time and money spent on temporary methods like waxing, threading, tweezing, depilatories, and bleaching. These methods not only add up over time but can also be harsh on your skin and possibly even encourage more hair growth. Electrolysis offers a permanent solution. We don’t offer packages because it’s tough to predict the number of sessions each person will need, so our pricing is based on the time spent. We can work together to create a treatment schedule that fits your needs and budget.
Where can I get electrolysis done?
Electrolysis can treat hair almost anywhere! Popular areas include the chin, upper lip, eyebrows, sides of the face, ears, underarms, bikini line, arms, legs, fingers, toes, breasts, abdomen, back, and hairline. The only areas we can’t treat are inside the nose, inside the ears, and eyelashes. Currently, we are not accepting new clients for arm, leg, bikini (unless medically necessary/surgery prep), chest, or back hair removal, and we also do not work on peach fuzz.
What causes excess hair growth?
Excess hair, or hirsutism, can be caused by a few different things. Hormonal imbalances, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal gland disorders, are pretty common culprits. Genetics can also play a role, making some people naturally prone to more hair growth in certain areas. Some medications, like corticosteroids or testosterone supplements, can also lead to increased hair growth. Sometimes, there’s no clear reason and a person might just be sensitive to the normal level of androgens in the body. Talking to a medical professional can help to figure out what’s causing the excess hair.
Why do I need a consultation?
The consultation is very important to both the electrologist and the client, and to the success of your treatments. During your consultation, we will go over a few things including your relevant health history, your skin and hair condition, and to make sure we’re a good fit for each other. It’s important you feel comfortable with and confident in your electrologist because you’ll be spending a lot of time together! It’s also a great opportunity for you to ask questions, learn about the electrolysis process, and understand what you should expect from your treatments. There is zero pressure to rebook at the end of the consultation and I recommend going for consultations at a few different electrolysis practices to find the right fit for you!