Hoping to begin my electrolysis journey

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Hi, my first post here although ive been reading alot, Ive never shared my story before so this is a huge step for me, however im at a point where i dont know what else to do. Since my teens i have struggled with excess hair, i have very dark hair on my head and pale skin so hair is naturally more visible. I am now in my 20s and since coming off birth control it has gotten steadily worse, I have had tests and scans which found some cysts on my ovaries, however my hormones are completely within normal female ranges.

The facial hair is the only part i struggle with, it is fine and soft but long and dark so very noticable, i have this on my sideburn and lower cheek areas, chin and upper lip. I have never touched the sides of my face and have only trimmed my chin with scissors, so this is all virgin hair. My upper lip i understand will be more of a problem as i regurlarly (a few times a week) pluck the dark hairs on the outer part. After searching hair removal methods extensively i have decided to begin my electrolysis journey, however i am terrified (not of the pain, im fine with that.) Im terrified it wont work, or worse that it will make the problem worse somehow, which leads me to my first question, I understand that due to the growing phases of hairs some will need treating more than once, if this is the case for these soft hairs will the first treatment cause them to grow back stubbly? I am terrified of this and genuinely dont think i can cope with stubbly hairs (I suffer anxiety/depression and genuinely sometimes feel suicidal over this.)

Also i understand that its impossible to say how long this would take, but if i started with one hour treatments once a week for awhile would this be enough to get a good start on the situation?

Finally (I have tons more questions but this post is getting so long i will ask them later!) can anyone advise me on finding a good electrologist in the uk? Im using the BIAE to get an idea of where to start and will meet a few, however the majority seem to be beauty salon type places, is this something to avoid? I wish i lived in the US as i dream of finding someone with the knowledge and passion i see on here, if any of you hairtell pros are ever considering an extended holiday to the uk please let me know!!

Thank you for reading such a long post, i understand pictures are helpful, however its a huge step for me to even talk about this so i cant face posting pictures on top today, however if any of the experts would be kind enough/interested in seeing them i could message some.

Thank you again.

#2

Hello Rapunzel, your story is heart-breaking but knowing that you have decided to embark on electrolysis treatment should be the turning point.

Modern, specialist electrolysists do not/should not adhere to the view that some hairs require more than one treatment depending on the growth phase.
Telogen hairs can be killed as well as Anagen ones.
That has been long-established. I don’t know the reason for some people and institutions clinging to the out-dated, dis-proven ‘Anagen-only’ testament.

As for ending up with stubbly hair growth - that would depend on the accuracy of the electrolysist. If hairs are partially treated, this can happen but an experienced, modern electrolysist should have an accuracy (or ‘kill’) rate I think, of around 90%+. Minimal amounts of regrowth of any kind should be arising.

You should not be feeling that hairs are being plucked or tugged out.
Modern equipment means that the professional has a wide range of alternatives at their disposal to make treatments both as comfortable as possible and effective.
Wishing you well on your try-outs.
June

#3

Thank you cherrytree, i had consultations with two electrologists, one using thermolysis and the other flash (i think) both did small treatments on me and both seem lovely, the treatments went well (no plucking tuesday) but i went with the lady using thermolysis, I had my first half hour session on monday (I will be having hour sessions to clear the hair i have but as this one was booked on short notice half hour was the only apt available.) it has made some difference to the hair but as its quite a large area with quite alot of hairs there obviously isnt a huge visible difference after only 30 mins. My skin seems to be healing well, no scabbing, just some red marks, I do have one spot but as im prone to breakouts in this are anyway i think its more coincidence that i happen to have one there, as it looks like the kind of spot id get normally, other than that no whiteheads or anything.

I am keeping the area clean with distilled whitch hazel morning and evening, and a soothing sterex gel from my electrologist a few times a day, does this sound ok? I have avoided tea tree as my skin reacts badly to it and have been unable to find pure aloe (if anyone knows a place in the uk please let me know!) I also have a question about makeup, the lady i go to has said 3 days without makeup, however the other lady i saw said 24 hours, i have searched online and advice seems similarly conflicted, is this due to the different types of electrolysis? When would be an ok time to start wearing makeup again? 48 hours is doable as i can stay in but im finding planning 3days of hiding out difficult (I will not leave the house without makeup) I would of course be using clean makeup and brushes.

Thank you for anyone who has read and any replies, im just confused as advice seems so conflicing, i am eager to start longer sessions and to see a diffierence though, i feel like this has ruined my life and my self esteem long enough and as a young girl (early 20s) I am ready to start the journey to getting my life back.

#4

I just thought of something to add, a couple of times during my treatmet she would zap a hair and then pull it with the tweezers and id feel a tug but the hair wouldnt come out, she would then zap it again and it would slide out easily, im guessing this is good as she is making sure not to pluck the hairs? Would this be normal particurlarly in the first sessions as they get to know setting for your hair? She did say after she was trying to use the gentlest setting that would still ensure the hairs were killed.

#5

My electrologist does the same thing. She told me it’s a guide for her to see if she killed the hair or not (i.e. if it’s not sliding out easily, she didn’t kill it)

#6

I thought it might be, its just so hard to know whats normal and whats not!

#7

Not sure if you are still looking for an electrologist, but if you are in London then I can recommend Geri Panyatova (sp?). Her kill rate is fantastic and I’ve seen amazing results after just one clearance. She posts on this forum sometimes, so you can message her on here to get her details.

#8

I have seen many of Geri’s posts on this site as well as the closed electrologists sites. I really respect her knowledge and passion in this profession. She also does light-base hair reduction. I think consulting with Geri is a great idea!