How to Achieve the Best Results from Electrolysis
To get the quickest and best results from electrolysis, it is vital to maintain a consistent schedule of treatments frequently. This is because of the hair growth cycle and how it relates to electrolysis. For a more in depth explanation, please continue reading about the three stages of hair growth. First, here is a breakdown of hair and what it looks like in a follicle.
Hair on the body grows from follicles, which are indentations in the skin, which varies in depth in different parts of the body. Thick hairs grow from deep follicles, and fine hair from shallow follicles. The hair is composed of the shaft, the visible part of the hair, the root, and the part of the hair below the surface, and the bulb, the round part at the tip of the hair. The papilla is located at the base of the follicle; it is the living organ responsible for the growth of the hair. The goal of electrolysis is to destroy the papilla. It is embedded in the follicle and never removed with the hair. It usually takes several treatments to completely destroy the papilla.
Normal, average growth varies with the type and location of the hair, as well as with the sex of the individual. There are three cycles to hair growth: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. Each follicle produces hair for a varying length of time. The follicle then slows productions, and finally goes into a resting state.
Anagen – The first phase of hair growth is the formation of the hair root. Germinative cells, cells that are found in the inner most layer of the epidermis, began to multiply into a specialized column. This column will continue to develop in the follicle itself, eventually turning into a hair. The papilla develops, followed by the bulb, and then hair cell generation begins. It is during this phase that electrology treatments are the most successful. This is because the hair is at its straightest and close to the surface. When the hair first surfaces it is also weaker making it easier to destroy the papilla quicker.
Catagen – After a period of growth, when hair has reached its full length, the Catagen phase will begin. The length of time of the growth will depend several factories such as sex, hormones, age, etc. During this phase, the papilla shrinks and separates from the bulb at the hair root. Nourishment to the hair decreases, and germinal cells decrease in production. The follicle walls begin to shrink, and to dehydrate. The lower part of the hair becomes lighter and the bulb dries up because it is no longer being nourished. During this phase it is common for a new hair to be forming underneath the old hair that is still in the follicle. These old hairs are often referred to as bed or club hairs.
Telogen – When the catagen stage is complete, the follicle usually rests until it is stimulated to begin a new cycle. This third phase is called the Telogen phase. It can be distinguished by the appearance of the bottom of the epilated hair. This hair can be shriveled in appearance and have a small bulb. The success rate of electrology is lowered by those hairs treated in the Telogen stage because the hair at this stage is already detached from the papilla. The hair will be removed with electrolysis but the lower par of the follicle will not be destroyed. This is why it is best to maintain a consistent and frequent electrolysis schedule, so that the majority of hairs being treated are in the Anagen phase. This will then allow you to achieve the most effective treatment, achieving quicker permanent hair removal.
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