Hair Growth
Hair growth is caused by 3 general categories
1) Congenital - DNA determines the color, hair texture and density.
2) Systemic - Hormonal imbalances and endocrine issues
3) Topical - Increased blood flow by stimulation (Waxing for example)
Each individual hair is continuously going through its own stages of growing (anagen), resting (catagen) and shedding (telogen).
8-13 Weeks for regrowth
Once a hair has shed on its own or been removed by the root, it takes 8-13 weeks for that exact same follicle to produce another hair. If it has been sooner than 8 weeks, it is an entirely different hair growing in a different cycle. Remember, not all your hair is visible at the same time.
Distorted Hair Follicles
Naturally distorted follicles occur on the underarms and bikini line. Distorted follicles are also found in people with naturally curly or wavy hair. Hairs can also become distorted when they are forcefully removed by the root. Distorted hairs will often become unmanageable and will grow in odd directions. They can also form ingrown hairs as they get trapped underneath the skin.
Temporary methods and their effects on the hair
Shaving & Cutting
Shaving does not affect the hair under the surface of the skin. It will not make the hair coarser. It only appears this way because there is no tapered end when the hair grows back due to the blunt cut from shaving or cutting. You can still shave/cut during the Electrolysis process but please allow 3 days growth or longer before your appointment.
Tweezing/Threading
Tweezing will stimulate the hair growth cells causing the hair to grow back darker, coarser and stronger than before. It will also distort the hair follicle, causing the hair to grow back in odd directions.
For electrolysis to be effective, you cannot tweeze once you have started treatments. Not only will it take 8-13 weeks for that follicle to produce another hair, it will stimulate the hair cells further, most likely hindering any previous results.
Waxing/Sugaring
Waxing will stimulate the hair growth cells causing the hair to grow back darker, coarser and stronger than before. It will also distort the hair follicle, causing the hair to grow back in odd directions.
For electrolysis to be effective, you cannot wax once you have started treatments. Not only will it take 8-13 weeks for the follicles to produce another hair, it will stimulate the hair cells further, most likely hindering any previous results.
Bleaching
By using a chemical bleach, you can make the hairs less noticeable. This option only lasts for few days until the roots begin to show. You can use this method up to 72 hours before you treatment but do not apply afterwards until the area is completely healed.
Depilatory Creams
These creams essentially disintegrate the hair just below the surface of the skin. It can lead to chemical burns and scarring. You can use this method while under going electrolysis but it will take longer to grow out than if you shaved so you may need longer than 3 days growth