Frequently Asked Questions
Is electrolysis for me?
If you have unwanted hair that you want permanently removed and you are tired of temporary hair removal methods, electrolysis is for you. Temporary methods include waxing, shaving, epilating machines, tweezing, electric tweezers, threading, sugaring, depilatory creams, and at home IPL machines. Electrolysis is the only FDA approved method for “permanent hair removal” and is effective on all genders, ages, skin types and all hair colors. Potential clients under the age of 18 will require additional screening to ensure the procedure will be beneficial and prudent.
Isn’t laser hair removal better?
Laser can be an effective means to remove hair for some people. Laser hair removal is classified by the FDA as a “permanent hair reduction” method. It is very good at removing dense dark hair on light skin. A person fitting that description can achieve a reduction ranging from 0% to 90%+ of their hair density. If your skin and hair do not have a good contrast, laser’s effectiveness diminishes. Still, in a good practitioner’s care, reductions of 0%-80% are possible given time and an increase in the number of treatments. As the area becomes more sparse of hair, laser treatments have diminishing returns on your investment. If you have blonde, red, or grey hair laser hair removal is not a viable option. There is not a laser machine (nor will there be) that can achieve a 99% -100% removal of hair like electrolysis can. Why is that? It is because laser treatments target melanin, which provides the color to our skin and hair. If there isn’t enough contrast between hair and skin or the hair lacks sufficient melanin, treatment will not be effective and/or damage to the skin may occur.
What should I look for in an Electrologist?
This question is especially important to ask in Virginia or other unlicensed states, where a electrologist may or may not have sufficient training on the art and science of electrolysis. Ensure the electrologist has been to an accredited school which requires sufficient clinical hours to hone their craft. Seek recommendations from friends, family, and medical providers. Talk to potential providers to get an understanding of their qualifications and personality type (you will be spending time with this person). During your first visit, check out the procedure space. Is it clean, organized, and are bacteria and virus hygiene measures practiced? Finally, and most importantly, ask yourself if you trust your care to the electrologist.
Does electrolysis hurt?
Electrolysis is not comfortable. Pain perception varies on the method used, the body part being treated, and a number of individual specific factors. Pain can be managed/minimized to some degree by good technique, good pre- and post-treatment practices, and through topical anesthetics. If pain is not easily managed, seek additional guidance from your electrologist and/or medical provider.
How long will it take?
There are many factors, most of which the electrologist cannot control, which impact how long it will take. These include: size of the treatment area, hair density, thickness, individual hair growth cycle, treatment schedule, and the type of hair. Improvements may be seen after 3-months of treatment, but anticipate greater than 6-months on a regular treatment cycle. Your electrologist can provide a better estimate during your initial consultation.
On what areas of the body can I have electrolysis performed?
Electrolysis can be performed on all body parts where the follicle opening is visible.
What should I do to prepare for my treatment?
Here are some things an electrolysis client can do to ensure the best possible treatment:
Discuss medications such as diuretics, retinols, and any that inhibit coagulation prior to treatment with your electrologist.
Avoid sun exposure that could result in burns. Your body’s reaction to sunburn may delay treatment until the skin heals.
Do not shave or scissor treatment area for 2-3 days prior to your treatment. Depilatory creams, waxing, tweezing, and laser hair removal should be avoided for 4 - 6 weeks prior to treatment. The hair cannot be treated if it cannot be seen and grasped with tweezers.
Exfoliate 2-3 days prior to treatment. Do not exfoliate day of treatment.
Ensure that the area is clean. A warm shower can help to open pores and remove contaminants from the skin. If the genitals or buttocks are to be treated, take a shower as close to the treatment time as possible.
Refrain from stimulants such as tobacco, vape, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and sugary foods on your treatment day to prevent increased sensitivity. Eating a light but well balanced meal or snack prior to treatment could be beneficial.
Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes to your appointment.
Discuss numbing or anesthetic agents with your electrologist prior to your appointment day for instructions. Some topicals require 30-40 minutes to reach peak effectiveness, while others are short-acting.
What should I expect from my treatment?
During treatment, a probe as thick as a hair will be inserted into each follicle and a mild electrical current will be applied. You may feel a sensation of heat. Duration and intensity of heat varies with method used. Once the hair is treated, it will be tweezed. When your session ends, an antiseptic will be applied to cleanse the skin. A cooling agent may be applied.
Post-treatment care?
Following treatment, you may experience redness, bumps, swelling, and scabbing. These are normal reactions to the treatment and most will likely resolve within a couple hours to a couple of days. Your skin will require self-care to aid the healing process.
Ice packs can be used to cool the area, but be sure to cycle the application on and off to prevent skin damage.
Keep the area clean, but refrain from exfoliation until the area is completely healed.
Apply a soothing or antiseptic cream to the area, as needed, for 48-hours post treatment.
Wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater.
If scabbing occurs, let them heal and fall out on their own. Picking scabs may result in scarring.
Avoid: hot baths, saunas, sun exposure, and tanning salons during your treatment.