How to Achieve the Best Results from Electrolysis
To get the quickest and best results from electrolysis, it is vital to frequently maintain a consistent schedule of treatments. 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.
The Anatomy of Hair and Follicles
Hair on the body grows from follicles and indentations in the skin that vary in depth in different body parts. Thick hairs grow from deep follicles, and fine hair from shallow follicles. The hair is composed of:
- Shaft: The visible part of the hair
- Root: The part of the hair below the surface
- Bulb: The round part at the tip of the hair
- Papilla: Located at the base of the follicle, this 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 from the hair. It usually takes several treatments to eliminate the papilla.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Normal, average growth varies with the type and location of the hair and 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 production and finally goes into a resting state.
Anagen Phase
The first phase of hair growth is the formation of the hair root. Germinative cells, found in the innermost layer of the epidermis, begin 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 hair cell generation begins. It is during this phase that electrolysis treatments are the most successful. This is because the hair is straight and close to the surface. When the hair first surfaces, it is also weaker, making it easier to destroy the papilla quicker.
Catagen Phase
After a period of growth, the Catagen phase will begin when hair has reached its entire length. The size of time of the development will depend on several factors such as sex, hormones, age, etc. During this phase, the papilla shrinks and separates from the bulb at the hair root. Nourishment of the hair decreases, and germinal cells decrease in production. The follicle walls begin to shrink and 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 new hair to form underneath the old hair still in the follicle. These old hairs are often referred to as bed or club hairs.
Telogen Phase
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. The appearance of the bottom of the epilated hair can distinguish it. This hair can be faded in appearance and has a small bulb. The success rate of electrolysis 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 part of the follicle will not be destroyed. Maintaining a consistent and frequent electrolysis schedule is best so that most hairs being treated are in the Anagen phase. This will allow you to achieve the most effective treatment, achieving quicker permanent hair removal.
Conclusion
Understanding the hair growth cycle is crucial to achieving the best results with electrolysis. By scheduling regular treatments, you can ensure that more hairs are treated during the Anagen phase, leading to faster and more permanent hair removal.
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