FAQs
Your Questions, Answered: Everything You Need to Know About Electrolysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Electrolysis
What increases hair growth?
Where, when, and how quickly hair grows is determined by the hair follicles exposure to hormones.
This is most clearly seen during puberty when changes in hormone levels cause more prominent body hair to grow.
Stress
Stress can trigger increased production or prolonged the presence of some of the hormones mentioned above.
This can promote the transition of vellus hairs (peach fuzz) into accelerated vellus or terminal hairs
Genetics
Every person has different genetic predisposition to grow hair and different biochemical conditions that either take advantage of that potential or not. This leads to a great deal in variation between people in volume, density and persistence of the hair growth in a given area and are all important factors affecting hair growth and removal time
This is most clearly seen during puberty when changes in hormone levels cause more prominent body hair to grow, and other major hormonal shifts such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause.
What makes hair more difficult to permanently remove?
Just as hormones can trigger the appearance of hair, they can also influence the persistance of hairs in a certain area. Typically, persistent hairs are caused by a hormonal imbalance or abnormality and this should be addressed by a medical doctor.
The more a certain area has been tampered with in the past (waxing, shaving, laser, etc.), the more dense, coarse and persistent the hairs in the area can be. This response occurs because hairs have a protective role, therefore when the skin is regularly assaulted by the various hair removal methods, the body encourages more vellus hairs to transition into terminal hairs in an effort to protect the skin.
What can be done?
If you want safe, professional, long-term results, electrolysis is the only option. Electrolysis is referred to as the permanent option in BC over laser, and is the ONLY FDA approved method of permanent hair removal in the USA.
Start Early
When hairs in a specific area begin to become a concern, come in for treatment immediately. The less time you spend tampering with the hairs the more easily they can be removed without recurrence.
Why NOT Laser
Laser hair removal “works” by heating up the pigment present in the root of the hair. This causes damage to the skin and the hair follicle that results in a temporary reduction in hair density and growth rate while the body works to heal the damage. Unfortunately, laser is not an effective way to permanently eradicate unwanted hair. It is at best a method of hair reduction, but typically, hair growth will resume after treatments stop and the skin is allowed to heal.
The skin damage caused by laser can also trigger the transformation of vellus hairs into terminal hairs, resulting in the appearance of denser, darker hairs in time. This is the bodies way of attempting to protect the skin from the damage the laser is causing.
Lastly, laser hair removal has been correlated with an increased rick of skin cancer!
If the hair growth causing concern is outside the realm of what would be considered normal, a medical doctor should be consulted to address any possible underlying hormonal imbalances or medical conditions. An experienced electrologist will know to look out for hairs that could be symptoms of a bigger issue and will take the time to recommend a follow up appointment with a GP.
What about laser hair removal?
Electrolysis is a better option for getting rid of unwanted hair because it works on any hair and skin type, while laser treatment is best for people with light skin and dark hair. Electrolysis uses an electric current to permanently kill the hair follicle. Laser treatment can only reduce hair growth and might not remove all the hair. You can use electrolysis anywhere on your body, but laser treatment isn’t always safe for sensitive areas and cannot be used on tattooed skin. It takes more sessions to see results with electrolysis, but the hair removal is permanent. Laser treatment requires touch-ups later when the hair grows back.
What are vellus hairs? What are terminal hairs?
Vellus hairs are the fine, thin, light-colored hairs that cover most of the body, often called “peach fuzz.” Terminal hairs are thicker, longer, and darker hairs found on the scalp, eyebrows, armpits, and other areas that develop during puberty. Vellus hairs are soft and not very noticeable, while terminal hairs are more robust and can be seen easily. Terminal hairs replace vellus hairs in certain areas as a person grows older.
What is Thermolysis?
Thermolysis hair removal uses high-frequency energy to generate heat that destroys the hair follicle, stopping hair growth. A tiny probe is inserted into the follicle, delivering the heat directly to the root. This method is quick, precise, and effective for various hair types and areas.
Will your clinic work on male identifying clients?
Yes! Common problem areas for men are the outer ear and nose, the center of the eyebrows, the cheeks, back, and beard.
Additional resources
Website: https://www.electrolysis.ca
Certified Member Map: https://www.electrolysis.ca/certified-members
Swanson’s Canadian Institute of Electrolysis
Website: https://www.swansonsinstitute.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swansonselectrolysisinstitute/
Trans Care BC
Website: http://www.phsa.ca/transcarebc/
Hair Removal: http://www.phsa.ca/transcarebc/care-support/transitioning/hair-remvl/electrology-laser-hair-removal
Clinic Policy
All appointments will be booked in person or on the phone based on your schedule and the frequency recommendation from your electrologist.
Mask Policy
Masks are REQUIRED during times of heightened infection risk and must be worn at all times when in the clinic, unless you are having your face worked on. There will be a sign posted in the window of our clinic when masks are mandatory, but when it is removed, masks are optional for clients.
Cancellation Policy
All appointments cancelled 24 hours or less prior to their scheduled time will be charged in full for the time booked. If you are feeling unwell, experienced a change in plans or no longer want your appointment, please call the clinic immediately.
Illness Policy
Do not come to the clinic if you are coughing, sneezing, vomiting or otherwise sick in any way. We treat young children, senior citizens (as old as 93!) and people preparing for surgery, therefore keeping the clinic an illness free zone is vital.
* Failure to adhere to this policy will result in you being financially responsible for clinic overhead and employee salary as per the client agreement signed during your consultation.
We reserve the right to refuse service under any circumstances based on the electrologist’s discretion at any time.
Call to Schedule a Consultation
Office
Mobile
Open Hours
Mon – Thurs: 8AM – 7PM
Fri: 8AM – 12PM
Closed weekends and holidays
Address
#310 555 6th St, New Westminster, BC
Ample free parking