Before & After Treatment

Before Treatment

To ensure a smooth and successful electrolysis experience, here are some key steps you can take before and after your treatment!

Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a certified professional before undergoing electrolysis. Discuss your hair growth history, medical history, and any medications you’re taking to ensure that electrolysis is safe for you.

Let the Hair Grow: If I can’t see the hair, I can’t treat the follicle. Stop shaving at least 2 days before your electrolysis session. If you tweeze, wax, thread, or use depilatory creams (like Nair), it will take 6-8 weeks for that hair to regrow, so avoid these methods.

Moisturize: Keeping your skin hydrated with moisturizer makes the treatment faster and easier.

Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water before your session plumps up your cells, making insertions smoother and more comfortable. Well-hydrated skin also helps the current dissipate evenly throughout the follicle.

Exfoliate: Regular exfoliation helps prevent ingrown hairs and removes the buildup that can block follicles, making insertions easier.

Avoid Caffeine: Avoid caffeine on the day of your appointment as it dehydrates you and may increase sensitivity.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase sensitivity during the procedure.

After Treatment

After electrolysis, your follicles remain open for 2-3 days. Here are some tips for proper aftercare:

Avoid Touching: Keep your hands clean and avoid touching, picking, or scratching the treated area to prevent infection or irritation.

Avoid Harsh Skincare Products: Refrain from using products with strong chemicals, exfoliants, or retinoids on the treated area for a few days. Avoid exfoliants with grit, as it can get lodged in open follicles and cause infections.

Avoid Makeup: If your face was treated, avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours to prevent irritation and pimples.

Moisturize: Apply a mild astringent like Witch Hazel and aloe vera to keep the treated area hydrated and promote healing.

Avoid Sun Exposure: For the first few days after electrolysis, avoid direct sun exposure and wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 if you need to go outside.

Avoid Strenuous Activity: Avoid activities that cause sweating, such as strenuous exercise or using saunas, as sweat can introduce bacteria into open follicles and cause pimples.

Skin Irritation Solution: If your skin is still irritated after 24 hours, apply Hydrocortisone cream (1% hydrocortisone or hydrocortisone acetate) to reduce redness and swelling.

Cool Compress: Applying a cool compress to the treated area can help reduce redness and inflammation immediately after the procedure.

Epsom Salt Baths: Epsom salt baths (warm, not hot) can promote healing and soothe treated areas like the bikini line, legs, and buttocks. For other areas, use an Epsom salt compress: Mix 1 tsp. Epsom salt in 1/2 cup warm water, soak a washcloth in the solution, and apply to the treated area for 10 minutes.

Possible Side Effects

The severity of side effects from electrolysis depends on your skin’s sensitivity, the session’s duration, and the hair density in the treated area. Common side effects include:

Redness, Swelling, Warmth, and Tingling: These usually disappear after a few hours or by the next day.

Red Dots: These typically last a few days. Aloe vera with Witch Hazel, Rosemary, Tea Tree Oil, and Vitamin F is excellent for this. Hydrocortisone 1% cream also helps.

Acne Breakouts: These can occur due to skin sensitivities and usually disappear within a week. The Aloe Vera with Witch Hazel, Rosemary, Tea Tree Oil, and Vitamin F helps.

Skin Dryness: Electrolysis can leave the skin dry. Aloe gel is effective against this side effect.

Small Scabs: These can last up to a week. Moisturize regularly to aid healing.

Bruising: Rare but possible, bruising usually disappears within 7-10 days.

Your treatment doesn’t end when you leave the salon. We provide all our clients with best practices for aftercare. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call!

Lotus Electrology