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Electrolysis Hair Removal · Downtown Chicago
What Is Electrolysis?
The Only Hair Removal Method Approved By The FDA As Permanent.
Electrolysis is permanent hair removal. Whatever the cause of your unwanted hair, whether it’s heredity, a metabolic issue or a hormonal condition, electrolysis removes it for good and leaves you with smooth skin you can feel confident in.
FDAApproved For Permanent Hair Removal
1875The Year Electrolysis Was First Used
3Modalities, All Of Them Permanent
American Electrology AssociationMember
Electrologists Association Of IllinoisMember
TG-FriendlyVerified By Laura’s Playground
English, Romanian & RussianBy Appointment Only
FDA Approved
Does Electrolysis Work? Absolutely.
Electrolysis is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent removal of unwanted hair. As each hair is treated, regrowth is prevented instead of the hair just being removed for a while. Only electrolysis gives you both hair removal and hair elimination.
Shaving, waxing and threading deal with the hair you can see. The follicle underneath stays alive, so the hair comes back. Electrolysis goes after the follicle itself. Once the cells that produce a hair are destroyed, that follicle can’t grow a new one.
- Each follicle is treated directly, so a finished hair doesn’t return.
- Blonde, gray, red and white hair can be treated, which laser can’t reliably target.
- It’s safe for every skin tone, including deep and tanned skin.
- It’s precise enough for small areas like brows, the upper lip and the chin.
The Science
What Happens Inside The Follicle
A fine, sterile probe carries a small electric current into the natural opening of the hair follicle. The current destroys the dermal papilla, the matrix and an area called the bulge. Those are the parts that make hair grow and let it regenerate.
The Probe Enters The Follicle
Your electrologist guides the probe into the opening the hair already grows from. The probe is about as fine as a hair and doesn’t pierce the skin.
A Brief Current Is Applied
Modern epilators deliver current in thousandths of a second, with the intensity set for your hair and your skin.
The Growth Cells Are Destroyed
The papilla, matrix and bulge feed the hair and rebuild it after it sheds. Once they’re gone, the follicle has nothing to grow from.
The Hair Lifts Out
A properly treated hair slides out without resistance. Your electrologist removes it and moves on to the next follicle.
Who It’s For
Will Electrolysis Work For Me?
Almost certainly. Electrolysis works on all skin types, hair types, skin colors, hair colors and areas of the body. It doesn’t rely on pigment, so the things that rule people out of laser simply don’t apply.
Every Hair Color
Blonde, red, gray and white hairs are treated exactly like dark ones. Color has no effect on the result.
Every Hair Type
Coarse or fine, straight or curly. Your electrologist adjusts the settings to the hair in front of them.
Every Body Area
Face, neck, underarms, arms, legs, back, chest, bikini and Brazilian areas can all be treated.
Common Reasons Clients Come To Us
Many clients have inherited hair growth. Others are dealing with hormonal causes such as PCOS, want hair removal as part of gender-affirming care, or are men and athletes who are tired of shaving. For more detail, see our Electrolysis Solutions page.
Why People Choose It
Why Do People Get Electrolysis Hair Removal?
Sometimes unwanted hair is just a maintenance routine that eats up too much time. Often it goes further and creates self-consciousness serious enough to affect relationships with other people.
If unwanted hair gets in the way of your confidence, your social life, your work, sports, your schedule or how you express yourself, this is your chance to deal with it once and for all.
Electrolysis Vs LaserHow The Methods Compare
| Method | What It Does | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Shaving | Cuts the hair at the skin’s surface | A few days |
| Creams | Dissolves the hair at the surface | A few days |
| Waxing & Tweezing | Pulls the hair out while the follicle stays alive | A few weeks |
| Laser | Heats pigment in the follicle, so it works best on dark hair | Long-term reduction |
| Electrolysis | Destroys the growth cells of each follicle | Permanent |
Modalities
Is All Electrolysis The Same?
There are three types, or modalities, of electrolysis in use today. All three give you effective, permanent hair removal. They differ in how the current does its work.
Galvanic
A direct current sets off a chemical reaction inside the follicle that breaks down the growth cells. It’s the original modality, and it works slowly and thoroughly.
Thermolysis
A shortwave current produces heat at the base of the follicle. Each hair takes a fraction of a second, which makes it a good fit for larger areas.
Blend
Blend runs galvanic current and thermolysis heat together. The heat speeds up the chemical action, which helps with coarse or deep-rooted hair.
Which One Will I Get?
Your electrologist picks the modality based on your hair, your skin and the area being treated, and may switch between them as your treatment goes on.
Then & Now
My Grandmother Used To Get Electrolysis. Has It Changed Much?
A lot. Permanent hair removal with electrolysis has come a long way since it began.
1875
Where It Started
Electrolysis dates back to 1875, when St. Louis eye doctor Charles Michel used an electric current to remove ingrown eyelashes. Early treatments depended on long, slow applications of current.
Today
Where It Is Now
Computerized equipment lets your electrologist work faster and more comfortably. Epilators use current timings of thousandths of a second instead of the long applications of the past, and intensity can be adjusted in fine steps.
The equipment in a modern electrologist’s office is only part of the change. Comfort has improved too. We offer seven levels of pain management, from numbing cream to full anesthesia.
Pain Management OptionsYour Treatment
Does Electrolysis Have Side Effects On The Skin?
Right after treatment you may notice some temporary redness or tenderness. How much varies from person to person, and it settles on its own. Current technology makes electrolysis more comfortable and effective than it has ever been.
Hair grows in cycles, and only some of it is actively growing at any given time. Each hair is treated one at a time, and new hairs surface from follicles that were resting during your last visit. That’s why electrolysis is done as a series of appointments rather than in one sitting.
Prepare Your Skin
Let the hair grow out so your electrologist can see it and treat it. Avoid waxing and tweezing between visits.
Relax While We Work
You lie back while your electrologist works through the area one follicle at a time. If you’re worried about discomfort, ask about numbing options when you book.
Follow Your Aftercare
Your electrologist gives you post-treatment instructions and any personal attention you need. You’re in the hands of a skilled hair removal professional.
Does electrolysis work?
Absolutely. Electrolysis is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent removal of unwanted hair. As the hair is treated, regrowth is prevented rather than the hair just being removed temporarily. Only electrolysis provides both hair removal and hair elimination.
Will electrolysis work for me?
Almost certainly. Electrolysis is effective for all skin types, hair types, skin colors, hair colors and areas of the body. For more information, see our Electrolysis Solutions page.
Does electrolysis have any side effects on the skin?
Right after treatment there may be temporary redness or tenderness, which varies with each person. The latest technology has made electrolysis more comfortable and effective than ever. Your electrologist will give you post-treatment instructions and any personal attention you need, so you can count on care from a skilled hair removal professional. Learn more about how electrolysis works.
What is the science behind electrolysis?
A small electric current is sent through a fine, sterile probe directly into the natural opening of the hair follicle. It destroys the dermal papilla, the matrix and an area called the bulge, all of which cause hair to grow and regenerate. Learn more about how electrolysis works.
Why do people get electrolysis hair removal?
Maybe it’s just an unwelcome maintenance routine that takes a lot of time. Often, though, unwanted hair creates self-consciousness serious enough to affect relationships with other people. If unwanted hair gets in the way of your confidence, social life, work, sports, schedule or even self-expression, this is your opportunity to act.
Is all electrolysis the same?
There are three types, or modalities, of electrolysis used today: galvanic, where the current produces a chemical reaction; thermolysis, where a shortwave current produces heat; and blend, which combines the two. All of them result in effective, permanent hair removal.
My grandmother used to get electrolysis treatments. Has the technology changed much?
Permanent hair removal using electrolysis has come a long way since it began in 1875. Today’s computer technology lets the electrologist work with more speed and comfort. Epilators are much quicker, using current timings of thousandths of a second instead of the longer applications of the past, and intensity settings can now be adjusted in fine increments. The instruments and equipment in a modern electrologist’s office are just part of the changes in the electrolysis industry.
Is electrolysis really permanent?
Yes. Once a follicle’s growth cells are destroyed, that follicle can’t produce a new hair. Some hairs need more than one pass, because a follicle that’s only weakened can still grow a finer hair. Your electrologist keeps treating it until it stops. Read more about permanence.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the area, how dense the hair is and what’s been done to it before. Years of waxing or tweezing can distort follicles and add time. We’ll give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.
Does electrolysis hurt?
Most people feel a quick sting or a flash of heat, and sensitivity varies by person and body area. We offer seven levels of pain management, from numbing cream to full anesthesia. See your pain management options.
Keep Reading
More About Electrolysis
Book A Consultation
Start Your Permanent Hair Removal In Chicago
Tell us which areas you’d like treated. We’ll look at your hair and skin, talk through your comfort options and put together a plan that fits your schedule.
Main Office
1315 N Larrabee St
Chicago, IL 60610
Working Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Contact Details
By appointment only, no walk-ins. We speak English, Romanian and Russian.