Electrolysis is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal. “Electrolysis” is a term that applies to the destruction of hair-producing cells by any one of three methods: electrolysis, thermolysis, or blend. All three modalities are equally effective when performed by a skilled electrologist, and all three use a tiny metal probe that is slipped into the pore alongside the hair’s root, one follicle at a time.

Electrolysis
Developed nearly 150 years ago, the original electrolysis method uses a galvanic current applied inside the hair follicle to produce a physio-chemical reaction. The saline that is naturally occurring within the follicle is converted to sodium hydroxide, a caustic soda, which breaks down the target cells. As the slowest of the three methods, it is effective but rarely used.

Thermolysis
Developed in the 1920s, thermolysis uses a high-frequency current (radio waves), instead of a direct electrical current. These oscillating waves cause movement and friction in the water molecules contained within the follicle. The resulting heat is what destroys the target cells. This is the fastest method of the three, and many clients find it to be the most comfortable, but it’s not always the best choice for the hairs being treated. Your electrologist should be able to evaluate the treatment area and determine the best method to use.

Blend
Just as the name implies, the blend method combines aspects of both electrolysis and thermolysis. High frequency is used to enhance the effects of classic galvanic electrolysis, resulting in a faster, more comfortable treatment. Blend has been in use since the 1940s.

Sensitivities vary widely, but most people report that with each pulse they feel a mild to moderate heat sensation. No two people are alike, and we will work hard to find the settings that are best for you.

At Olympus Electrology, we have numerous tricks up our sleeve to help manage discomfort, and Artie prides herself on providing the most comfortable experience possible. Our state-of-the-art epilator operates at a frequency twice the speed of older machines, delivering a faster, shorter current. It should also be noted that an electrologist’s skill level is the most important factor in client comfort. If you experienced pain during previous electrolysis treatments, don’t be afraid to try again with a different practitioner.

See our Get Ready page for tips on how to properly use topical numbing cream, and ideas for soothing the skin post-treatment.

Electrolysis is effective on all hair types and colors, and on all areas of the body.

Electrolysis is safe for almost all healthy individuals. There are possible contraindications, including bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulants, infection or injury at the treatment site, keloid scarring, or conditions that interfere with healing. Be sure to disclose to your electrologist any medical conditions and medication used.

Please note, our treatment table is rated for weights up to 350 lbs. If this is a concern, please reach out to us and we will do our best to make accommodations.

Electrolysis and pregnancy:
It is generally considered safe to receive thermolysis treatment during pregnancy. However, there have been no thorough studies conducted on the subject. We would require approval from your doctor and would treat only the face.

If you’re looking to clear a large area of coarse hair in a hurry, laser can be a great choice, especially if you have dark hair and a lighter skin tone.
There are, however, some important points to keep in mind:
- Laser is not effective on white or light-colored hair.
- When performed on or near areas where the hair is finely textured, laser can actually stimulate hair growth. We see a number of clients who have experienced laser-induced paradoxical hypertrichosis (increased hair growth). We absolutely do not recommend laser hair removal for very fine facial hair.
- Laser is considered a hair reduction method rather than a hair removal method. Once the hair becomes too fine for laser to treat anymore, it’s a good idea to continue the process using electrolysis.
- Laser results are not necessarily permanent. The laser process damages the very base of the hair’s root, but does not destroy the stem cells, which are located higher up in the follicle. We now know that there is enough information contained in these cells for the follicle structure to eventually repair itself. Many people find their laser-treated hair will begin to return months, years, or even decades later.

It’s important to keep in mind that this will be a journey, not a short trip. Humans have roughly 1,000 hair follicles per square inch of skin, and hair grows in cycles of varying lengths. This means that for every hair that’s visible to you now, there might be 20 more waiting their turn.

There are a number of factors that determine one’s hair growth patterns, and no two individuals are alike. Genetics and hormones are the main contributors, and even factors like medication and diet can play a role.

Hair can vary quite a bit in size, strength, speed of growth, and length of growth cycles. As such, nobody can predict with certainty how many treatments will ultimately be required. During your initial consultation, we will do our absolute best to quote a realistic range.

A common schedule for treating non-hormonal growth in areas that haven’t been previously tweezed or waxed would be one treatment every 1-2 weeks for about 4 months, after which time you should see a visible improvement and we can start to space your sessions farther and farther apart over the next 10-20 months. This is assuming your weekly sessions are long enough to fully clear the area each time.

Individuals addressing hormonal growth and those who have previously tweezed or waxed can expect a longer or different treatment schedule.

The clients who see the best, fastest results are the ones who come in consistently, follow the skin care instructions provided, and stick with the recommended treatment plan.

See our Services page for hourly rates.

We treat almost any area on any human that’s safe to treat!
The most common treatment requests include:

- chin & neck

- upper lip

- eyebrows

- abdomen

- breasts

- fingers & toes

- back & shoulders

- ears (outer ear only)

- underarms (many clients find they sweat less after completing their sessions, and electrolysis is often recommended as a treatment for those suffering from hyperhidrosis)

- long, fine facial hair, particularly in cheek and sideburn area

- bikini line (we are not offering full brazilian/hollywood treatments at this time)

- gender confirmation surgery site prep (sorry, we do not currently contract with any health insurance plans)

Congratulations, you’re a human! The idea that we’re not supposed to have any visible face or body hair is not realistic, and is largely based in sexism, ageism, and racism. You don’t have to buy into it for a second.

That said, it’s your body, and there are any number of reasons why a person might choose to remove their hair. I’m here to support your personal hair removal goals, not to question them, and you can count on me to have your back (back hair and all).

If your hair growth is heavy enough to really cause concern, if other family members don’t share similar characteristics, or if there has been a sudden change in growth, it may be worth seeing a general physician or endocrinologist to check for an underlying issue, such as PCOS.