Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
Electrolysis treats one hair at a time. It takes a few seconds per hair. Some areas are more sensitive than others. Our equipment is adjustable, which allows us great degree of control over the process, ensuring your experience is comfortable and the treatment is effective. As you get more familiar with the treatment, you may discover electrolysis to be relaxing. Some people even fall asleep! You may feel short impulses of heat as each hair is treated. Each hair needs two to three treatments, depending on the growth cycle.
At the end of your treatment, there may be some slight redness or swelling, which typically subsides within a few hours. Initial aftercare is part of your treatment.
How much does it cost?
Electrolysis is not a quick process. The cost varies depending on your individual treatment plan. Payment is made for each session.
How long does it take?
Depending on the area and what previous methods of hair removal have been used, your hair angel will recommend an individualized treatment plan.
For women who have been tweezing their facial hair for many years or decades, initial relief will be experienced three to four months into the treatment. To address all of the hairs’ growing phases takes over a good year.
How soon can I go out in public?
Your hair angel will apply soothing and cooling aftercare before you leave the studio. If wanted, you can have ice to take with you, which really helps skin discomfort if applied right away. Initial redness will fade significantly within the first ten minutes after treatment. Please see Aftercare for more information.
Can I come every day?
It is advisable to wait at least several days between sessions on the same area.
What is the best method between appointments?
Shaving, cutting or clipping your hair are the best methods between electrolysis sessions. I recommend eyebrow and facial scissors.
What's the difference between laser and electrolysis?
Electrolysis is still the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal. Laser hair treatment is not a permanent hair removal process, but rather hair reduction. It can result in a permanent reduction in hair growth, from 40-80%. Laser hair treatment can be very effective on the body if you have dark hairs on light skin. Laser hair treatment on the chin and upper lip has not been proven to be very effective. In fact, I’ve had multilple clients who found that hair growth on their faces was stimulated by laser treatments. It should never be practiced on the eyebrows or around the eyes. If you are considering your underarms, legs or bikini area and have dark hair/light skin, I do recommend doing several series of laser treatments before switching to electrolysis to finish the area. To learn more, check out this video: https://youtu.be/Pm92zOAjhQo?si=zShvQZ1jQ7lGES0T
What's your experience doing electrolysis on transgender people?
I have experience helping people who are transitioning from female to male, and male to female. In my professional opinion, electrolysis in preparation for surgery should be started at least eighteen months before the scheduled procedure. Many surgeons do not fully understand the process of electrolysis, and mislead patients about the length of treatment. At this point, as a single practitioner studio, I am not equipped to offer preparation for gender reassignment surgery.
I recommend researching studios that offer full, clear and lidocaine electrolysis, as it seems a faster and more effective way to achieve your desired results. Here’s a Google Maps link to full clear and lidocaine electrologists – https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=12v4v7-ry_72kvSN4HHRQroBxUfN6fliL&usp=sharing
Also, the website electrology3000.com has a lot of very useful information about electrolysis and laser hair removal.
I started taking hormones, and my facial is growing like crazy! Can you help me?
Many doctors unfortunately do not disclose that a common side effect of many hormonal replacement regimens is unwanted hair growth, ranging from extreme peach fuzz to long coarse hairs to everything in between. Electrolysis is very helpful in reducing the unwanted hair growth in such cases. Regular, ongoing maintenance is required as long as the hormones continue to be taken..
I've been diagnosed with PCOS, and my chin is out of control! Can you help me?
One of the common side effects of PCOS is extreme hair growth along the neck and jaw line. Electrolysis is of great benefit for this condition and can help get the hair growth under control. Be aware that regrowth is common in these cases, necessitating regular, ongoing and long-term maintenance.
My doctor prescribed prednisone, and I'm experiencing a surge of hair growth on my face! Can you help?
Initially, a sudden outgrowth of hair can sprout on jaw, neck and sideburn areas, but once you stop taking the medication and it is out of your system, the hair growth will slow down accordingly. Electrolysis is an effective way to treat this temporary unwanted hair growth.
I'm pregnant. Can I still get electrolysis?
Electrolysis is safe for the first two trimesters. It is not advisable to have sessions in the third trimester.
What is the work of an electrologist?
I would like to clarify that an electrologist can only treat hairs that are visible at time of treatment. The work of an electrologist can be compared to that of a surgeon. I wear magnifying glasses with a headlamp to focus on an area about the size of a quarter. I focus on each hair and the angle of growth to properly insert a fine probe into the follicle. Then, I step on the foot paddle, which activates the electricity and heats up the tissue surrounding the hair. This process takes seconds for each hair, and requires delicate and precise eye-hand-foot coordination. The root of the hair is part of your skin and is not destroyed in the process. Hair growth is stimulated by hormones, which are hard to regulate. If you feel your hormones are out of balance, please consult an endocrinologist for expert advice/treatment. Electrolysis does not affect hormones.
Before your appointment
Length of Hair
Your hair needs to be visible and long enough to be treated—ideally, a few millimeters. If you shave/clip, please don’t shave for at least a couple of days before your session.
No Caffeine
Caffeine can raise your overall sensitivity to discomfort, and make it harder for you to relax during your treatment.
Taking the Edge Off
It’s okay to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen 30-45 minutes before your appointment.
Numbing Agents
Apply a thick layer of cream numbing agent 30-45 minutes before your appointment. Ideally, cover it with plastic wrap (I recommend Press & Seal because one side is sticky and stays on better). It’s important to relax after applying, as this enhances the anaesthetic effect. Applying it before running five errands and rushing to your appointment will not give the desired results.
Hydrate
Make sure to drink plenty of water the day of your appointment. Hydrated skin responds better to electrolysis.
Time to Relax After
Allow yourself plenty of time to relax after your session. Speaking from years of personal experience, your body will love you for it!
Aftercare
The process of electrolysis is self-sterilizing. It is of utmost importance to keep the treated area clean, and avoid sunshine, chlorinated water, as well as strongly-scented lotions, exfoliants and facial masks. Most important—keep your fingers away from the treated area! Ideally, do not apply makeup to the treatment area for at least 24 hours. If you must use makeup, make sure to apply fresh products purchased within the last 90 days to minimize the risk of infection or reaction. Make sure to have a clean pillow case and/or sheets. Stay hydrated. Allow yourself plenty of time to relax after your session. Your body will love you for it!
Redness will usually go away within an hour or so. I apply healing and cooling products after the treatment is completed. I use natural products such as aloe vera, calendula cream, witch hazel, etc., to support your skin, and recommend the use of these products at home.
If, after treatment, a tiny formation of fluid resembling a whitehead or a small scab is noted, do not squeeze or pick. This reaction is normal, and the fluid will dry up and the scab will heal from underneath and come off by itself.
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