Interesting, how can one tell which hairs are growing (anagen) and which ones are shedding (catagen), a few days after shaving?

Do the hairs exit the skin at different rates, so the anagen hairs are longer and the catagens are shorter? I have had an ongoing struggle figuring which is which, and whether a hair I zapped is undertreated, or it is just a catagen. I see to get far more catagens than anagens in an area when I re-clear it.

Yes, the growing hairs are actually growing, while the catagens and telagens are either being pushed up and out, or sitting in place, being uncovered by the shedding of skin. In the space of a day or three from shaving, the difference between the lengths of these hairs will be noticeable indeed.

This is why some electrologists, ask clients to shave 2 or 3 days prior to treatments, as they can work exclusively on growing hairs in Anagen phase, and either ignore the rest, or simply pluck them out while removing the hairs they have actually treated.

It is a good practice that if one uses the treat Anagen, but pluck Catagens and Telagens, one should explain this process and the reasons behind it to the clients, because otherwise, it is a good way to convince the client that all your treatments are underpowered and all you are doing is plucking the hairs. The client won't feel the treated hairs being removed, but will feel all the plucked catagens and telagens. This will be enough to convince them that one is not getting one's money's worth, unless a clear explanation has been given, and understanding achieved.

I got a skin rash on the face. I took oral antihystaminic pills and put on a hydrocortisone ointment to reduce itchiness, so hopefully it will go away soon. Now, I am just wondering if it is a side-effect of electrolysis or has nothing to do with it. I got it only on the sides, and not on the lip where I was treated too; however, different parts of the face may react differently.

Not sure, but I think that the skin rash was due to a relatively hot shower that I had a few days after electrolysis. All good now! Of course I had to cancel my Saturday appointment, which didn't bother me at all. I think it's good to give my skin a rest.

I have to say that I haven't seen a coarse hair for more than three weeks. I am thrilled with electrolysis!

Am I supposed to use diluted or undiluted tea tree oil?

Don't get too excited too early. Hair growth cycles need to be conquered and it takes a good six months for most people to get through the worst part of these hairs that come forth like row after row of strong, determined soldiers. When those hair growth cycles click in, don't get depressed, get going to your electrologist and get the hair cleared off totally.

Try tea tree oil both ways and see what works best for you. Use it sparingly in small dabs.

Sure, but I can be excited for not having to worry about them for a good three weeks!

I am a fan of undiluted Tea Tree Oil. In most cases, the people who get flaking or drying are simply using too much of the product. I think it is irresponsible how most companies don't have a dropper top on their bottles. Even the NOW brand has a dropper bottle on their small size, but not their large size. I guess they see it as a useage size and a refill size.

If you don't have a dropper bottle, you should just dip a cotton swab into the bottle and use that to apply the oil. One should not get too much on when using this procedure. If that still causes the skin to dry out and flake, then one can dilute the oil.

You are so right James! I actually got a small bottle and when it finished I (stupidly) threw it away. Now I have a large one and it doesn't have a dropper top. I'll probably give a go to the undiluted one, when the diluted one, which I have at the moment, is over.

My doctor prescribed antibiotics for my body acne, and just wondering if it is alright to continue with electrolysis while taking them.

Yes, antibiotics are fine when having electrolysis.

16th treatment. 1-hr on the upper lip and sides. The upper lip is clear apart from a few very short and light hair, which I want anyway.