Frequently Asked Questions What is electrology? What are the three basic methods used in the practice of electrology? Why should I choose electrology over other hair removal methods? Why should I choose electrology over other hair removal methods? Do electrologists follow appropriate Infection Control Precautions? How many treatments are required? Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment or is regrowth to be expected? What is the normal growth cycle of a hair? Is electrology uncomfortable? Does electrology have any side effects on the skin? Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body? Can women begin or continue electrology treatments during pregnancy? Can hairs be removed from moles? How should I choose an electrologist? 1. What is elctrology? Electrology is the science of permanent hair removal utilizing only solid needle/probe devices. A fine sterile needle/probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a small amount of electrical energy is discharged which destroys the hair growth tissue. When this is competently and skillfully accomplished, the regenerative ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated. TOP 2. What are the three basic methods used in the practice of electrology? Electrolysis --- Direct current (DC), is used to achieve chemical destruction of the hair follicle. One or more sterile needles/probes are used. TOP Thermolysis --- Alternating current (AC), sometimes referred to as high frequency or shortwave, is used to create heat which destroys the hair follicle. One sterile needle/probe is used. The Blend (also referred to as Dual Modality) --- Both of the above currents are used simultaneously or sequentially to achieve dual action destruction of the hair follicle. Most often, a single sterile needle/probe is used for this procedure. TOP 3. Why should I choose electrology over other hair removal methods? If you want permanent hair removal, electrology is the only way to achieve this goal. TOP 4. Why should I choose electrology over other hair removal methods? Laser vs. Electrology: While laser promoters compare laser to electrology, although some laser devices have been cleared for permanent reduction, laser assisted hair removal is considered a temporary method of hair removal. Additionally, laser hair removal has not been evaluated for long-term safety of the patient's skin and health....etc. Electrology is The Permanent Choice. Waxing or Threading vs. Electrology: Waxing and threading will remove all of the visible hair, but can result in skin problems including ingrown hair. To keep your skin clear, waxing must be done frequently forever. Electrology is The Permanent Choice. Tweezing vs. Electrology: Tweezing is easy to do, and inexpensive too. However hair can become coarser from the repeated tweezing and skin problems including ingrown hair can result. Electrology is The Permanent Choice. Depilatories vs. Electrology: Depilatories will remove the hair by dissolving it with a chemical. This can result in a chemical burning of the skin. Electrology is The Permanent Choice. Shaving vs. Electrology: Shaving is inexpensive and easy. However, the hair will grow fast and feel coarse. Electrology is The Permanent Choice. TOP 5. Do electrologists follow appropriate Infection Control Precautions? The American Electrology Association (AEA) has written Standards for Infection Control in the electrology practice following the most recent material on infection control from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Association for Practitioners in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The consumer of electrology treatments should request information from the electrologist about the Standard Precautions used. Standard Precautions includes handwashing, the use of gloves, sterilization of critical items used in electrology treatments, the proper disinfection of semi-critical and non-critical items, and the proper cleaning of environmental surfaces. TOP 6. How many treatments are required? The number of treatments necessary varies with each patient/client. Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal physiologic changes, certain medications and stress influence the treatment program for each individual. It is very important to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule to achieve optimum results in the shortest time frame. Some improvement should be observed within several months after initiating treatment, provided the patient adheres to the recommended treatment schedule. TOP 7. Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment or is regrowth to be expected? Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair germ cells 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. TOP 8. What is the normal growth cycle of a hair? All hairs have differing cycles of growth and are not visible on the surface of the skin at the same time. 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. TOP 9. Is electrology uncomfortable? It is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without sensation because each hair follicle is surrounded by its own network of nerve endings. 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 helps to make the treatment more comfortable. TOP 10. Does electrology have any side effects on the skin? Immediately following treatment, there may be a slight redness and/or swelling which usually disappears within a few hours. Occasionally, small whiteheads or tiny scabs may occur. It is important to remember that scabs are a part of the normal healing process in some people. If scabbing does occur, the patient is advised to not pick them off. When electrology is administered by a qualified electrologist using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, the results are most satisfactory. TOP 11. Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body? Unwanted hair can be safely removed from most body areas. The most common areas include the hairline, bridge of nose, eyebrows, upper and lower lip, cheeks, sideburns, chin, neck, shoulders, arms and underarms, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, legs back and chest. The inside of the ears and nose should not be treated. TOP 12. Can women begin or continue electrology treatments during pregnancy? Although electrology has never been proven harmful to pregnant women, we suggest that you seek the advice of your physician before beginning treatment. TOP 13. Can hairs be removed from moles? State licensing laws and/or some general liability insurance policies may prohibit removal of hair from moles. In cases where neither of the above restrictions exists, your electrologist may require written approval from your physician. TOP 14. How should I choose an electrologist? Regulation of electrology is on a state-by-state basis. States regulating the practice of electrology require a practitioner hold a valid license. Membership in the American Electrology Association indicates the electrologist is keeping current with their field. Look for certificates, with current dates, as evidence of professionalism. The American Electrology Association has established specific standards for the profession including a national board certification credential, Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE). This designation indicates that the electrologist has successfully passed comprehensive national testing. Once awarded the CPE credential, the electrologist must fulfill continuing education requirements and/or be re-tested in order to maintain the prestigious CPE status. Many people find an electrologist through the Yellow Pages of local directories that contain valuable information regarding professional credentials. Sometimes, family and friends can make excellent recommendations. Also, one can ask a physician who is familiar with electrology for a referral. In states where the law allows, most electrologists offer free consultations. Begin your journey with us as we help you find a solution to the unwanted hair that has been holding you back. We invite you to visit the American Electrology Association Referral Directory right here on-line. TOP Look for a practitioner who adheres to the highest standards of the American Electrology Association!