ms2001 I’m totally impressed with your post. You start off by saying you’re not a pro, this tiny piece of information would go some way to ensuring that some of the mis-information that exists around this profession would have a chance of fading into the past where it belongs.
hmm, so you’d like everyone who is not a professional to provide that disclaimer before offering advice?
Thanks f-zap. I only mention I am a consumer rather than a professional because Emma specifically said she wanted a response from pros on the board, but I could not help but offer my two cents (or 25 cents, as it were!).
I think there are so many factors that make a “good” electrologist for someone. For instance, the person I selected does not have the latest and greatest machine perhaps, but her skill, sweet personality and convenient hours and location made up for it and I am happy with my choice.
Thank you all especially ms2001 as I would love to hear from as many people as possible!
Had a patch test 2 days ago and haven’t noticed any side effects except skin was a bit red but later settled. Only had a few hairs treated but it was not painful I would say more of a deep sensation if that makes any sense. Because only a few hairs were treated it was difficult to tell whether they were sliding out or being plucked.
I’m calling out to the professionals if someone could please answer the questions in my earlier post, Barbara you were very helpful previously I feel like I’ve been deserted when I’ve finally taken the plunge 
The electrologist uses galvanic and hydrothermy. She said she would start with galvanic then maybe consider hydrothermy, She did give a reason as to why but I was so nervous that I can’t remember sorry!
My mistake the other method is diathermy not hydrotherapy! Sorry
I think it’s important that any advice given is identified as that of consumer, practitioner, heard it on the grape vine, I think so, or otherwise. Anyone visiting this or any other forum has a mass of information to wade through in the hope of finding the truth. Even then you’ll still have unscrupulous people who’s motivation comes from nothing more than self gain or gratification. It would be in everyones interests.
Very well said follizap. Are you able to shed some light on my queries in my post dated 17 July 2011? Would really appreciate any knowledge youre able to pass on thank you
A competent electrologist will be able to clear all the hairs as they appear. Skin reaction is a variable and depends on the health of your skin and the skill of your practitioner. The density of each individual case is also a factor. A few scattered hairs being treated will hardly effect the skin at all, wheras having a dense area cleared in one sitting may. We can only give specific information with the provision of a photograph. I think reading more on the hairfacts site might be a good idea for you. Is this the information you require?
Thank you for replying C O’connell I was getting desperate for a response!
I have been on the hairfacts website but still have questions. If you could please answer the following:
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Can you tell me about phases of hair growth and how this affects electrolysis treatments - I have read about 3 phases of hair growth and also phase 1 and 2 in electrolysis treatment, what does it mean to clear all hairs and then reach control? What time length can a person expect when treating hairs in different phases?
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LA girl mentioned pigmentation and scarring does not appear overnight - what does this mean? If the area does not show any signs of redness, pigmentation or marks shortly after treatment then does this mean that scarring and pigmentation can still occur?
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What kind of post treatment care would you recommend as in Do’s and Don’ts? any specific products to apply and for how long please?
I would really be very grateful to her from you and anyone else too!
Hairs can be treated in all stages of growth, but many of us like anagen or growing hairs best. We certainly find all phases of hair growth when we first start to clear an area. We like to clear an area and keep it cleared as we progress through the 9-18 that it takes to achieve permanent hair removal. Some people take less time to resolve their hair problem and others may need 24 months? Proper scheduling and good treatments are necessary to stay within this time frame for the vast majority of people.
I wouldn’t focus on the hyperpigmentation and scarring. You will know if you are getting overtreated time after time. Normally, you will have some temporary side effects. It is how we heal and it is kind of a miracle all in itself when you think about all the activity that goes on below the top layer of skin. Most people see great improvement with their skin turning to normal within minutes, to hours to a few days. Body work may take up to a week or two to resolve. Relax and know that you are on your way to permanent hair removal.
Talk to your electrologist about aftercare. Some say soap and water is all you need. Some have their regimes that they recommend. Keep in mind that that whatever you do, it should be simple and pure. When I hear some of the things people use after an electrolysis treatment, I grab my heart. Discuss this part with your electrologist. 'Kay?
The terminology gets a bit confusing, I think. The stages of hair growth are a factor because before you begin treatments you will have hair in every stage of growth. Growing, transitioning (or regressing), and resting are other ways of saying anagen, catagen, and telogen. Considering the fact that hair follicles are also affected by the bodies physiology, there will also be empty follicles that simply aren’t growing a hair this week (or this month). Once you have started electrolysis, the areas that have been cleared will then have other hairs cycling in, plus those hair follicles that have been at total rest for an unknown period of time will randomly begin growing a hair.
The fact is, it is impossible to tell you it will take X number of clearings or months, but generally it takes 9 to 18 months, as Dee wrote. Another fact is that you will be able to tell that the hairs are going away because of the reduction in density.
I’m not sure exactly what she meant. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur on certain types of skin, but is temporary. I’ve never seen pigmentation changes (freckles or large patches) from electrolysis. I think of a scar as a whitened and thick, so it doesn’t happen with electrolysis, in my opinion. Poor treatment skills can result in pitting, as can repeated picking and tweezing by the client. Redness is expected after a treatment.
My recommendation is witch hazel. If you want a little more antiseptic value, add enough wintergreen alcohol to make the witch hazel green. Apply that as long as your skin seems irritated.
Keep your hands off the treated area. (Good habit to have permanently.)
Do not go swimming or hot-tubbing or get a massage for at least a few days after a treatment.
All that said…Dee gave you some great common sense. Ask your electrologist what they recommend.