HOW I DO IT

Laser hair removal: electrolysis

lectrolysis remains the only method the size and strength of of hair removal permitted by law the hair. The current is in the UK [1] and USA [2] to be released in fraction-of- Edescribed as permanent. This is a-second bursts of one distinct from light-based methods which are to three pulses and the permitted the description “permanent hair probe is removed. reduction”. The target areas are Electrolysis is very much in demand those containing the stem across the UK, Europe, the Americas, cells, i.e. the root bulb, the India and Australasia as witnessed by the bulge (site of attachment worldwide membership of forums for of the arrector pili muscle) professional electrolysists (including my and the outer root sheath own, ‘Hairshoot’ with over 650 members). (from the opening of There is no typical client or area – all the sebaceous gland to kinds of people, with and without traditional the bulb) [3,4]. gender identities and people transitioning Once the hair has been between genders want permanent adequately treated, it hair removal on all body areas from will easily glide out when lifted with forceps. hairlines to toes. This is repeated at a Sessions last from 15 minutes, e.g. for a surprisingly brisk, steady few hairs on the chin, to several hours, e.g. pace across the remaining for legs, axillae or torso. hairs until the area is Versatile, computerised 13 or 27 cleared or the session Megahertz epilators are used today comes to an end. for fraction-of-a-second pulses of At the end of the session, the skin is pre-determined radio frequency (RF), again wiped over gently with soothing galvanic or blend (mixture of both) Aloe Vera gel and carefully blotted, AUTHOR currents. RF provides heat via molecular leaving a thin film to protect the slightly June Adams, agitation, galvanic denatures protein- inflamed skin. containing tissues by temporarily forming Registered Nurse & Specialist Electrolysist; sodium hydroxide. Galvanic current is Aftercare Owner, Cherry Tree enhanced by the presence of heat via the Electrolysis; Member & Clients are advised to avoid excessive Examiner, British Institute & addition of RF (blend). heat, harsh or heavily chemical products Association of Electrolysis. or procedures, and swimming until their A treatment session skin has returned to normal. If make-up www.cherrytreeelectrolysis.co.uk On arrival clients are asked how their or concealer is required I recommend skin recovered from their last session pure mineral products, as these are Declaration of competing interests: None declared. and whether they had any concerns. less likely to result in irritation. Sun Treatment parameters may be altered protection of minimum SPF 30 is essential. slightly accordingly. Subsequent treatments will be scheduled SECTION EDITOR Comfortably lying on the treatment to progressively treat further growth couch, the client is helped to alter their cycles and to extend the treatment area Dalvi Humzah, position for best access to the treatment as required. These might be weekly or as Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic area and skin is cleansed. I will be wearing infrequently as every four months in the Surgeon based in the West surgical loupes and very bright LED case of body areas. Midlands, England. He is lamps will be quite close to the body part an examiner and regional advisor for the Royal College being treated. References of Physicians and Surgeons Each hair is probed individually with a 1. Advertising Standards Authority, UK: www.asa.org.uk of Glasgow, Chairman of the Greater Midlands Skin 2. US Food and Drug Administration: www.fda.gov sterile, single-use surgical steel filament Cancer NSSG and Co-Chairman of the UK Botulinum about the size of an eyelash. The skin 3. Bono M: Secrets of your Hair and Skin. https://www. Toxin Group for Aesthetics (UKBTGA). He is a key electrology.com/pdf/Hair-and-Skin-Mike-Bono.pdf opinion leader for the aesthetic industry and actively is not pierced. 4. Hinkel AR: Electrolysis, Thermolysis and the Blend. teaches and lectures internationally. The probe is introduced to specific Arroway; 1968. depths within each follicle according to (All links last accessed February 2020)

The PMFA Journal | APRIL/MAY 2020 | VOL 7 NO 4 | www.thepmfajournal.com