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Electrology Information
Hair Growth Cycles
Clients may find it helpful to understand a little about
the growth cycle of a hair. Although a hair is treated and
removed, or an area cleared, it does not mean that all growth
in that area has been terminated.
Anagen phase: the growth cells in the papilla
rapidly divide and produce the hair shaft which becomes
keratinized as it pushes up and out of the follicle into the
pore. At the same time, the follicle grows down into the
deeper levels of the dermis (skin) seeking nourishment.
Catagen phase: the bulb detaches from the blood supply
and the hair shaft eventually is pushed up as the follicle
disintegrates.
Telogen phase: The follicle then becomes a dormant
follicle.
After resting, the follicle can re-awaken and begin
growing again.
Skin
and Personal Care
Good electrology results require a partnership between
client and electrologist.
Before
It is necessary to allow enough growth of hair to be
able to grasp the hair shaft with forceps (tweezers).
Before each session you should be certain your skin is
scrupulously clean, free of all makeup, moisturizers, sun blocks, powders etc.
If you use a topical anesthetic such as
Emla to aid in pain management, please follow the instructions
and give it time to work. This means you need to be sure your
skin is as clean as possible. Apply the cream liberally and
cover with either a medical self-adhesive wrap made for the
purpose or cut household plastic wrap to size to do the job.
Understand that emla is oxygen inhibited and will not work
at all if it has contact with air. Do not get it on your
fingers and do not rub your eyes.
Also wash your hands and nails, and wash
your hands again on arrival and prior to each session.
Avoid touching your face unless you know your hands
are clean.
Hydrate
your body liberally during the week prior (a good idea ALL THE
TIME) with plain water or sports drinks high in electrolytes
like Gatorade
One the day
of your treatment DO NOT intake any caffeine or caffeinated
beverages (most sodas) as this will make you jumpy and
irritable.
Get plenty
of rest and sleep. You will not be relaxed or comfortable if
you are tired. Some have tried sleep deprivation before a
treatment and were a wreck in the chair; it does not work.
During
Again, avoid touching your face unless you know your
hands are clean. There is a temptation to feel your
wonderfully smooth skin but it is not a good time to be
introducing it to the oils, dirt and bacteria on your fingers.
After
Electrolysis works to kill the cells that nurture
hair growth through the combined action of heat and chemistry
and therefore causes trauma to the tissue below your skin on a
microscopic level. The more you can do to help reduce this and
to aid in the recovery, the sooner you will enjoy the benefits
of your sessions.
As important as your image may be, this is one time to
give your skin a break and not put any makeup on it.
Applying a light, clear aloevera lotion will help to
further reduce redness and swelling.
Always
Purchase and use a "Buff Puff "
exfoliating pad every day in the shower. These are white
abrasive pads similar in idea to a green 3M scrubby pad for
your dishes only less abrasive. If at first you find this pad
is a bit sharp, use it as an all over body scrubber for a week
to break it in.
It is important that you make this a part of your routine. The
pad will knock out dead hairs, help prevent or reduce ingrowns
and remove any debris from the follicles that we would
otherwise spend valuable time doing during a session. Using
the pad will accelerate healing and promote healthier skin.
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