Electroepilation

Electroepilation

Electrolysis, Thermolysis & Blend 
(The only FDA approved method of "permanent" hair removal.


Welcome to your consultation!

Your consultation will consist of a presentation on permanent hair removal, followed by a skin examination and test patch. During which, we will asses any contraindications and set a treatment plan in place to match your needs. 


We will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have.

What is electroepilation?

Electroepilation in detail

This process involves the progressive eradication of tissues responsible for hair growth. To help us understand better, we need to identify these tissues and consider the stages of hair growth. We should also take into account our skin and the importance of ensuring treatment takes place in the correct target areas, so as to avoid damage to the skin's surface.

The skin is composed of three primary layers, which contain numerous sub-layers, sensory corpuscles, immune system cells, adipose cells (used in stem cell hair regeneration), glands, interstitial fluid, blood vessels and tiny capillaries. The following diagram identifies these key elements, and the complexity of their construction further illustrates the value of attending a practice whose electrologists are fully familiar with our skin's design and the influences upon hair growth, through this and other systems of the human body.
The hair and and hair follicle

If we take a close up look at a hair and the hair follicle, we will see it is composed of many structures. The areas responsible for hair growth are the dermal papilla where nutrients are supplied by tiny capillaries, these nourish the hair and also an element called the bulge. The bulge contains stem cells which activate to promote new hair, consequently this element also needs to be eradicated during the electroepilation process.

The growth cycle of the hair is also an important factor in treating the tissues responsible for hair growth. These are referred to as, -

Growth phase
Anagen:   Active growth phase
Catagen: Transition phase
Telogen:   Resting phase
Exogen:    Expulsion phase

Wherever possible it is advantageous to provide treatment during the early Anagen (growth stage) of the hair's development. This is due to the high concentration of moisture and potential lack of distortion to the hair follicle.  This active growth phase varies depending upon the type of hair and the area treated. We will be pleased to discuss this with you whilst designing a treatment plan to meet your needs.

The hair growth cycle

Example of the hair the growth cycle and complete clearance of the upper lip 

A typical male beard is composed of some 20,000 to 30,000 hairs or more, of which 600 to 1,000  will form the moustache. Hair on the top lip rests for 6 weeks and grows for 10 weeks, only those hairs in the anagen growth phase will be visible at the time of the first treatment.

When the resting hairs appear it is termed as 'false regrowth' as the hairs are yet to be treated. Some treated hairs will grow back, this is 'true regrowth.' Those that do regrow will generally be weaker and as treatment progresses they will cease growing entirely.

Due to precise insertions and the correctly applied parameters of intensity and time, skin reactivity is minimised and barely apparent!

Permanent electroepilation hair removal methods

General
A probe is inserted into the hair follicle, which glides  through the natural opening of the ostium to the dermal papilla. . A brief pulse of energy  is released, which depending upon the chosen technique, will either create either a physiochemical reaction or thermocoagulation of the dermal papilla and bulge. In combined currents (Blend) then both of these reactions work in unison.

The hair is removed without resistance with tweezers and the client will experience no particular sensation. Wherever possible, it is best to treat the hair in the early Anagen phase, as moisture (which assists in conductivity and in the production of Lye) will be present and there will be minimal distortion of the hair follicle. This requires the client's cooperation in the scheduling of appointments, so the treatment may be efficient and optimised in relation to the hair growth cycle.
Electrolysis
Hair removal by Electrolysis is a process where a galvanic current (direct continuous current) is applied through a probe which has been inserted into the hair follicle and the moisture in the hair follicle acts as an electrolyte. This current triggers a chemical reaction which produces Lye (Sodium Hydroxide NaOH). Lye is caustic and is produced in the immediate vicinity of the negative electrode (probe). 

This causes a physiochemical reaction to the surrounding tissues, resulting in the destruction of the papilla and other tissues responsible for hair growth. This technique is particularly suitable for hairs in the early Anagen phase, where moisture in the follicle is at its greatest. Also for strong deep rooted hairs and those with distorted follicles, which otherwise prevent full access by the probe to the papilla. However, the Lye will flow for several seconds to permeate the surrounding tissues which causes their destruction, regardless of any distortion to the hair follicle.
Thermolysis
The current used in thermolysis is alternating current (AC) which alternates at very high speed. This high frequency current continuously changes polarity, which creates a constant attraction and repulsion of atoms within tissues. This process is known as 'Colomb's Law' where these movements of attraction and repulsion of atoms generate friction or vibration of atomic structures in the surrounding matter. 

When the probe is inserted into the follicle, the current is targeted at the dermal papilla. This results in a warming effect at the tip of the probe and the heat produced at over 50 degrees centigrade dries out the surrounding tissues. A modification takes place in the tissues, which transform them into a more solid mass. This reaction is called 'thermocoagulation' rather like a boiled egg, compared to a fresh one, which progressively eliminates the tissues responsible for hair growth.
Blend (Combined currents)
This technique combines Electrolysis (DC Galvanic current) with Thermolysis (AC current) to provide the best outcomes from both techniques. The underlying principle of 'Blend' is based upon the proven chemical reaction created by galvanic current, combined with the application of the high frequency alternating current of thermolysis. (Here, thermolysis is not used to coagulate the tissues, simply warm them.) This changes the tissues to become a porous intracellular mass, which facilitates the propagation of Lye more readily into the surrounding tissues. 

Galvanic current and high frequency current omissions are computer controlled and distributed along the probe. This creates a highly effective method of destruction of the tissues responsible for hair growth.
Aftercare
We provide detailed but easy to follow written recommendations for your post-epilatory care. After each epilation session with us we provide a soothing aftercare treatment. We use Cataphoresis (If there are no contraindications to direct current) which is a positively charged aftercare treatment. This facilitates deep absorption of positively ionised balms and bactericidal / germicidal products to the treated area. This diminishes redness whilst providing soothing protection to your treated areas.
Asepsis (Hygiene)
We work to exacting hygiene standards to ensure the welfare of all of our clients. We follow the guidance of the recommendations contained in the 'Universal Precautions' which were developed in 1987 in the USA. These establish a criterion designed for your welfare and are continuously updated. All equipment used during your treatment, comes pre-packed, sterilised and ready for one person use. 
Probes
We use 'one use' only disposable probes, where the upper part of the probe is insulated with medical grade Teflon. This ensures that the energy and reaction is concentrated deep beneath the surface of the skin, ensuring no lasting marks to the skin's surface. These specialised probes have micro-guard tips, which are machined in a rounded fashion to ensure that the base or side of the hair follicle is not perforated, as may occur with alternative sharply pointed probes.
Our investment in your treatment and comfort.
The success of electroepilation will always be dependant upon the training and skills of the electrologist. However, combine these skills with Apilus electroepilation equipment, then you will be assured of the most comfortable and rapid treatment process available.
Our mission:
Is for you to be fully satisfied with all elements of your experience with us and to share this with your friends and others who may benefit from our services. We love our work and we are passionate about the delivery of excellence to all of our clients! For your appointment do contact us.
Share by: