Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What causes my unwanted Hair?
A: Hair growth can be caused by several things. The main reasons are hormones (puberty, pregnancy, PCOS, and menopause to name a few), topical stimulation (shaving, waxing, plucking, even a cast rubbing on the skin for too long!) and genetics. Finding the cause of hair growth is very important in partnership with your treatments!
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Q: How does electrolysis work?
A: A single use disposable, hair sized filament will be introduced into one hair follicle at a time. When the filament is in place, a small amount of electricity will enter the follicle to coagulate the tissue in the follicle. Another current creates a chemical reaction with the salts and moisture in the body to creates lye to further treat the follicle. Once the area is fully coagulated the hair will be removed. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for hair to grow back after treatment. Appointment times will become shorter and shorter as more and more hair is permanently removed!
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Q: Are there different kinds of electrolysis?
A: Yes, there are 3 types of electrolysis:
Thermolysis- very commonly used method. Using one filament, this method uses alternating current (AC) to create heat the inside of the follicle until it is coagulated. This method takes the shortest amount of time per session.
Galvanic- very rarely used method. It uses multiple filaments at once and uses direct current (DC) to create a chemical reaction with the moisture and salts in the body to create lye to destroy the follicle. This method takes the longest amount of time per session.
The Blend- Many electrologists recommend this method for their clients. It takes longer than thermolysis, but it is significantly faster than galvanic. The blend takes the best of both worlds from galvanic and thermolysis using DC to create lye and the oscillation from the AC to get the lye into all the nooks and crannies of the follicle. This blend of the two methods is a far more effective treatment than either thermolysis or galvanic alone.
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Q: Which method of Electrolysis is used at Sol Electrolysis?
A: I have been trained to use both thermolysis and the blend methods of electrolysis. I typically start new clients with a complimentary consultation and 10 minute patch test to assess which method should be used. In some cases, I will test both methods on the clients skin and let the client decide which they prefer/which their skin reacted best to.
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Q: Is Electrolysis effective/permanent?
A: Yes. Electrolysis is the only recognized method of permanent hair removal. It is recommended by physicians and dermatologists for it's safe and effective reputation. Some people are very receptive to treatment and have shorter than expected treatment times. Others will require several treatments before results are noticeable. Sticking to your appointment timing is very important as treatments are most effective in the 'anagen' stage of hair growth. The anagen stage of hair growth is the stage in which hair is connected to the papilla where the hair receives nutrients. When we coagulate the tissue at this stage, treatments are more effective.​
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Q: I have had several laser treatments and it didn't work/made the problem worse. Will electrolysis work for me?
A: Yes! My post-laser clients are the ones who tend to be the happiest with their electrolysis treatments. Laser is most effective on people with fair skin and dark hair because the light in lasers targets pigment (melanin) in the hair. Electrolysis is effective on everyone regardless of skin or hair type or colour because it directly treats the skin and the root of the problem (pardon the pun).
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Q: Does electrolysis hurt?
A: Let's be honest, most temporary hair removal is uncomfortable (waxing, laser, plucking, etc.) Each person's pain tolerance is a little different. Some people experience discomfort while others f take naps during their treatments!