HairFire: Electrolysis At It’s Hottest

Q: Is there an age restriction for electrolysis?

A: I wouldn’t recommend electrolysis until a child is old enough to hold still on their own. Also, it would be helpful for them to understand basically what electrolysis is. Other than being too young, there aren’t any other age restrictions. The oldest person you know of is welcome to have electrolysis done on them, if they’re interested!

As far as women and periods go, increased sensitivity to electrolysis is common.

Pregnant women can still get permanent hair removal, but they must use thermolysis only (a modality of electrolysis involving only heat).

Q: Are there areas that can’t be worked on with Electrolysis?

A: An electrologist may choose not to work on areas that are irritated with dermatitis/eczema or cold sores.

Q: Does electrolysis hurt? Are there areas that hurt more than others?

A: It’s not pain-free. I think it’s tolerable, though. Fingers, toes, upper lip, and anything along the center line of the body can be more uncomfortable. The treated areas may be tender for a short time.

Q: Does a physician need to be responsible for electrolysis?

A: No, it is not necessary to have a physician present while treating hair with electrolysis.

A laser machine has the potential to cause more serious injuries than an epilator, or electrolysis machine.

A responsible electrologist should always have insurance.

Q: Is electrolysis safe?

A: Yes.

It is not necessary to wear eye protection or have a physician available, unlike laser hair removal.

Q: What type of skin/hair works/doesn’t work by treating hair with electrolysis?

A: Electrolysis works on all skin and hair types.

Yes, electrolysis can treat people with dark skin! Yes, electrolysis can treat people with blonde, red, and gray hair!

Q: How do I need to prepare for my electrolysis appointment?

A: Your hair should be long enough for tweezers to grab the hair. It should just be breaking through the skin. Therefore, your hair does not need to be long.

Wear appropriate clothing. If you are treating your underarms, wear a tank top. If you are treating your bikini line, wear underwear or a swimsuit that has the line you are wanting.

Q: Where is a good place to get electrolysis done?

A: It really doesn’t matter where you go to get electrolysis done. Many electrologists work in salons, spas, offices, or at home.

It matters more where you’re comfortable to go.

Some people prefer not to be in a public place because they may feel embarrassed if someone sees them. Some may not want to go to someone’s home if they don’t know the person. Then, there are those who don’t mind either way. You decide.

It was a typical day in beauty school.

There were 3 of us students working in our separate working areas, divided by curtains. Each room had a door to the main salon area. Unfortunately, these doors did not lock and the curtains did not insulate. Everyone could hear what anyone was talking about in these three treatment rooms. So, there really wasn’t too much privacy.

One day, I remember I was working on someone, and all of a sudden I heard the door open to the middle room, unexpectantly.

One of the other students was working in that room. (I was on the far end, so it wasn’t my room luckily!) A lady walked in.

Normally, it’s an accident and the person shuts the door almost immediately. This time it was different.

The student tried to tell the lady to leave and shut the door behind her. But, she wouldn’t do it; The lady wouldn’t leave.

I felt so bad for the person who was getting treated with electrolysis.

The lady continued to interrupt all our treatment sessions by loudly asking, “Do you all do butt-cracks!”

I think the student was shocked when she heard the question…I knew my client and I were!

She responded appropriately by informing her that we do not treat private areas. She apologized and told her to leave.

Then the lady finally left. Wow! That was really awkward…and kind of funny!

I personally have kept this practice and do not treat private areas. I know some electrologists do, so just ask, if you are interested.

How does electrolysis measure up to laser hair removal?

I’d like an answer to this question, too.

To get the information I want about these two methods of hair removal, I am going to conduct my own hair removal research project.

I believe the best way to get an answer is to actually experiment upon myself.

The thesis of my research project is, “Electrolysis is the better method of permanent hair removal.”

I will treat my left underarm with electrolysis and my right underarm with laser hair removal.   

As I go along, I will plan to blog expenses, time spent, pain levels, and display before and after photos of each session of electrolysis and laser hair removal. I will also record any other issues that may arise as I pursue to have hairless underarms.

The research starts this week!