Electrolysis

Electrolysis has the best track record for permanent hair removal. It is the only FDA approved method that is safe, effective and 100% permanent. Electrolysis is unlike laser hair removal which has only been around since year 2000 and so the long term side effects of laser hair removal are still being monitored. Electrolysis has a proven track record.

Electrolysis can cause some discomfort, but it varies from person to person. Some describe it as a stinging or pricking sensation, but numbing creams can be used to minimise any pain.

Electrolysis works on any body area. Commonly customers have treatments on the face, such as upper lip, chin, cheeks, beard, eyebrows and the brow middle, breasts, underarms and pubic area.

Electrolysis hair removal works by inserting a tiny probe into each hair follicle and delivering a small electrical current to destroy the hair root. This process prevents future hair growth.

Electrolysis has been used for over 140 years to remove hair permanently. An experienced therapist would insert a tiny probe into the hair follicle and a high frequency alternating electrical current is applied. The electrical current heats up the surrounding tissue and disables the follicle, distorting it permanently.

There are many factors that directly influence the number of treatments needed, such as:

• Electrolysis can only be applied to a hair if it is in the anagen (growing) phase
• Hormones
• Medication
• Hair density and size of the area treated
• Skin sensitivity

Generally, treatments should be carried out in fortnightly intervals to ensure the visible hairs are in the anagen phase. As the treatments progress and the hair growth diminishes, treatment sessions will become shorter with longer gaps between sessions. Eventually, you will come back once a year for a “touch up” if any new hairs were to appear.

Check out our electrolysis price list to see how much we charge at Luxwax.

Electrolysis is suitable for all hair and skin types. It can be used on any colour or thickness of hair and works effectively on various skin tones. It is considered a safe and permanent hair removal method for all individuals.

The time taken to complete electrolysis largely depends on the amount of hair and the treatment schedule you choose, but generally, it will take between 15 minutes and 1 hour. Keep in mind, that this is a permanent treatment. Although it may initially appear time-consuming, there is a definite endpoint at which the treatment area will be hair-free.

Yes, but not always on the first try. To understand this better, it helps to know how hair grows. Hair goes through three stages before falling out and starting over. The hair follicle is only present and susceptible to treatment during the first and possibly the second stage of growth.

Treating hair in the last phase is ineffective because there isn’t a follicle to target. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to determine the growth phase of individual hairs. This is why frequent treatments are important. If a hair is treated unsuccessfully and given too much time to grow again, it will enter its final (telogen) stage, where treatment is ineffective.

Usually, it requires more than one treatment session. Most hair naturally grows very close together. Due to the treatment process involved in electrolysis, it is important to avoid “over-treating” an area. Over-treating an area can cause skin damage. We will suggest the most appropriate treatment schedule based on the treatment area.

After treatment, it is normal to expect mild redness that can last for three to four hours. Applying makeup to the skin immediately after treatment is strongly discouraged.

It is very rare for electrolysis to cause scabbing. There are actually three ways in which electrolysis can be complete. The first two never usually cause scabbing but the last one, Galvanic electrolysis, can.

Although Galvanic electrolysis does cause scabbing it does have some benefits for some situations. This method uses a much lower and slower current and is more comfortable for areas like bikini lines. These are very small scabs that drop off quickly.

The main advantage of electrolysis is that it is the ONLY permanent hair removal method. Although lasers can remove a significant amount of hair quickly, and the hair stays away longer than with waxing or tweezing, it will eventually regrow.

Lasers are also nearly ineffective for light-coloured and white hairs.

Most people become more relaxed with each treatment, naturally feeling more comfortable over time. However, it is possible to use over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Aspirin to ease the sensations. There are also various over-the-counter topical anesthetics that can be applied to the treatment area to reduce discomfort. We will do everything we can to ensure you are comfortable during your treatment at Luxwax.

Electrolysis is the only hair removal method currently recognised as permanent. It is the only way to remove hair permanently and safely. The goal is to treat the hair root, or papilla, to prevent regrowth of that specific hair. Your electrologist will insert a tiny probe into the natural follicle opening and treat each hair individually with a small electric pulse.

Direct sun exposure on treated areas is not recommended, as it can cause freckling that may take 6-12 months to fade. If you need to be in the sun, try to avoid direct exposure within 48 hours of a treatment. Please wear a hat or use sunscreen to protect your face.

The number of electrolysis sessions needed for the face varies depending on several factors, including the amount of hair, the thickness of the hair, and your individual hair growth cycle. In order to achieve complete hair removal it is normal for hair follicles to be targeted twice, with a higher density of hair requiring a higher number of treatments.

For complete hair removal on the face, it usually requires eight to twelve treatment sessions, which may sound like a lot, but it is important to consider this will achieve permanent hair removal. For a more accurate estimation of the required number of treatments, get in touch with one of our team today.

Yes, electrolysis can be used on pubic hair. Electrolysis is a safe and effective method for permanently removing hair from any part of the body, including the pubic area. Many people choose electrolysis for pubic hair removal because it offers permanent results. However, because the pubic area can be sensitive, it may be necessary for a higher number of shorter treatments when compared to other areas of the body. Speak to one of our team to discuss more about our electrolysis treatments.

For particularly sensitive areas we offer local anaesthetic numbing gels to remove any risk of pain. By using these gels, our patients report a completely pain-free treatment, even in delicate areas such as the upper lip.