A: Electrolysis is known as the specialty of permanent hair removal utilizing only solid probe (needle) type devices.

A: Yes! Electrolysis is the ONLY scientifically proven method of permanent hair removal. Electrolysis has been shown to be permanent in over a century of use. Its permanency has been well recognized by knowledgeable physicians and is testified to by hundreds of scientific articles published in the medical literature. Temporary methods such as shaving, tweezing depilatories, waxing, sugaring, threading require frequent time-consuming maintenance. Skin irritations, ingrown hairs, discoloration, and scarring may result. Some of these methods contribute to an increase in hair growth activity.

A: A small metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle alongside the hair. A small amount of electrical current is then delivered to the probe by a sensitive electronic device called an epilator. Depending on the technique used, the electric current destroys the hair root either by heat or chemical action or in some methods by both at the same time.

A: The three recognized modalities (methods) of electrolysis are as follows:

●GALVANIC (direct current) electrolysis–The hair root is destroyed by chemical action.

●THERMOLYSIS (high frequency) electrolysis–The hair root is destroyed by heat production.

●BLEND electrolysis–A combination of Galvanic and Thermolysis modalities where the hair root is destroyed by both heat and chemical action at the same time.

All three modalities are absolutely safe and effective. Modality will be selected that is best tailored to your hair type and skin conditions.

A: No, there is absolutely no reputable scientific evidence that shows any other method of hair removal being as safe, effective and permanent as electrolysis.

A: Yes! Electrolysis has over 140-year history of safety and effectiveness. There has never been a reported case of disease transmission in electrolysis. “O” de Kirei only uses the highest quality of sterile disposable probes, and a brand-new probe is provided for each treatment per client. The tweezers and probe tips are also disinfected and sterilized in its highest standard before each treatment per client.

A: During the initial consultation, you will be asked about relevant medical questions to determine if you are the suitable candidate. A few situations require a doctor’s note of permission before commencing your treatment.

A: From a medical perspective, electrolysis can be safely performed at any age. Parental or guardian consent must be obtained for anyone under 18 years of age during the initial consultation. Based on our past experiences, we find that most individuals cannot or are unwilling to tolerate the electrolysis treatment prior to puberty. At “O” de Kirei, we kindly welcome clients who are over 16 years of age to comfortably begin their permanent hair removal journey.

A: Whether there is any discomfort during the electrolysis session, it may vary depending on your pain tolerance, epilator settings, and modality used as well as other factors. During treatments, some clients will sleep through the session, or some may feel and notice a definite sensation. It has been variously described as a ‘slight heat’, ‘tingling’ or ‘stinging’ sensation. It is important to keep in mind that it is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without sensation because its own network of nerve endings surrounds each hair follicle. The sensation, which may be felt, is assurance that destructive activity is taking place. Even though some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, adjustments can be made which may help make the treatment more comfortable. We also emphasize hydration (both internally and externally) to help make your electrolysis sessions much more effective and comfortable. Skip your coffee, especially in the hours before your appointment. Please also steer clear of energy drinks, sodas, foods with high in sodium and other stimulants. By following these rules, your nervous system will be much calmer, and the hair follicles will respond better to treatments.

A: The good news is hair can be removed from almost any part of the body with electrolysis! Some common areas for women include the forehead, eyebrows, top of the nose, cheeks, sideburn areas, upper and lower lip, chin, throat, neck, shoulders, back, chest, breasts, abdomen, arms, underarms, legs, bikini line, hands, feet, toes, or fingers. Hairy moles may be treated with written permission from a physician. Men often request to have hair removed from the hairline, beard line, shoulders, back, neck, chin, chest, ears, or nose. Electrolysis is highly effective for treating ingrown hairs which frequently cause irritation in the beard area. Not to forget, electrolysis can effectively tackle pesky gray hairs, and vellus hairs that are regrowth from laser treatment.

A: Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair germ cells and protein may require additional treatments. During the course of treatment and due to the cyclic nature of hair growth, new hairs, as well as hairs emerging from a dormant phase will also be treated and may be visible the same time as finer regrowth hairs. Hair normally grows for its usual cycle and then naturally sheds and replaces itself. Following active growing periods, most hair follicles go into a dormant stage. The period of dormancy may last for an indefinite period of time; however, replacement hairs usually appear within 3 to 12 months. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.

A: Electrolysis has been performed for over 140 years and has proven to be an extremely safe procedure. Electrolysis, like many minor procedures in medicine, does have a short healing time. Because electrolysis destroys the dermal papilla of a hair (hair root), it is normal to see some slight redness, welting and/or mild swelling associated with the electrolysis treatment. In most individuals, this will disappear in half an hour to several hours. In some circumstances, electrolysis causes tiny scabs to form over the treated follicle. These dots are perfectly normal parts of the healing process and will not leave any permanent damage, providing you do not pick or scratch them, or otherwise cause them to be infected. An occasional bruise, localized swelling, tenderness and in some darker skinned individuals, some hyperpigmentation MAY occur. You will be recommended the proper after care during the healing phase. Many clients report that their skin actually looks smoother and much improved after they have electrolysis treatments.

A: The total treatment can vary greatly from one individual to another. It is dependent on a number of factors that include:

The size of the area being treated

Previous use of temporary hair removal methods

Hair growth cycles

The hair density

The hair texture

The existence of curved or distorted hair follicles

Heredity

Normal physiologic changes

Hormone function

Certain medications

Medical history

The client’s age

The client’s tolerance

and stress influence the treatment program for each individual.

A successful electrolysis treatment is not just a question of technique, but also of timing that is spent. Some improvements should be observed within several months after initiating treatment.  Your cooperation is necessary so that the recommended schedule is tailored to all clients, based on the hair cycle, thus allowing for maximum elimination of the cells responsible for hair growth. It is important to realize that your time, commitment and patience is essential and makes all the difference, in order to overcome a problem which did not develop overnight.