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FAQs – Avoid Tweezing, Waxing, or Depilatory Creams!

Answers to the questions are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide a diagnosis or define a treatment.

Can electrolysis be performed anywhere on the body? Electrolysis can be done on any part of the body except inside the ears and nose.

Is it safe to use electrolysis to remove hair from a mole? Yes, it is safe. However, approval from your doctor is required to ensure there are no issues with the mole prior to the electrolysis treatment. Written authorization from your physician is also required in the following situations:

  • Diabetes mellitus (Type 2 Diabetes)
  • Medical conditions requiring any external or implanted medical device
  • Medical conditions treated with anticoagulant medications
  • Medical conditions treated with drugs that may cause photosensitivity

Fact: Electrolysis is Cost-Effective

Electrolysis is not more expensive than other hair removal methods. Once the treatment is complete, there is no need for lifelong top-ups or spending money on temporary removal methods.

Why do I need more than one session to permanently clear an area?

The hair follicle is unique in its cyclical degeneration and regeneration from stem cells. Each hair follicle undergoes three stages: growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and rest (telogen). Permanent results from electrolysis hair removal can only be achieved over time.

To maximize effectiveness, shave the hair 5-7 days before your electrolysis session, allowing only hairs in the anagen (growth) stage to be visible above the skin surface during treatment. This is the phase targeted for removal in electrolysis.

Since the Electrologist cannot alter the hair growth cycle, treatments must be repeated to address hairs that were not in the appropriate growth phase during previous sessions. Over time, the duration of each treatment session will decrease.

How Long Will Treatments Take & How Much Will They Cost?

The duration and cost of electrolysis treatments vary significantly from person to person due to numerous factors. No two bodies are alike. Here are some key considerations:

Duration of Electrolysis Treatments

  • Hair Thickness and Density: The amount and thickness of hair present significantly influence the duration of the treatment. For example, Client A with minimal underarm hair will require shorter sessions than Client B with substantial underarm hair.

  • Previous Hair Removal Methods: If temporary hair removal methods such as tweezing, waxing, or threading were used, this can affect the treatment duration.

  • Hormonal Influences: Hormonal issues, including certain medications, puberty, pregnancy, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and other hormone imbalances, can affect hair growth patterns and influence the treatment timeline.

  • Time Allocation: The more time the electrologist can spend clearing the area, the more effective the treatments will be.

  • Consistency: Regular and consistent sessions enhance treatment effectiveness. There are three phases of successful permanent hair removal:

    • Clearing Phase: This initial stage focuses on removing telogen hair (the oldest hair). The electrologist can only treat follicles with visible hair. Similar to waxing, where hair reappears a week later because it was below the surface, electrolysis requires weekly sessions during this phase.

    • Control Phase: Following the clearing phase, the maintenance phase involves sessions every 2-3 weeks. These appointments are typically shorter.

    • Maintenance Phase: The final phase involves finishing up the remaining hairs. Sessions occur about once a month and are relatively short.

Due to these many variables, it is nearly impossible to estimate an exact cost and duration. Appointments can range from 15 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on the area being treated and the client’s specific needs.

Electrolysis is an investment that can provide permanent results, eliminating the need for razors and waxing technicians forever. By adhering to our expert advice, you can achieve lasting hair removal.

Is Electrolysis Painful?

Pain tolerance varies from person to person. The insertion of the probe should be painless; however, a small prick of the heat current will be felt with each hair. The intensity of the current will depend on the coarseness or resilience of the hair.

While some individuals can sleep through a treatment, others may find it quite uncomfortable. Numbing cream can help alleviate discomfort. The settings are adjusted according to each individual’s tolerance. Despite the mild discomfort, the dramatic and long-lasting results make it worthwhile.

If you have undergone waxing, laser treatments, or tattoos, you should have no problems with electrolysis!

What Can I Do to Prepare for My Electrolysis Appointment?

Hydrate!
Staying well-hydrated is crucial for an effective electrolysis treatment. If you consume coffee or other caffeinated drinks before your appointment, drink two glasses of water for each cup of coffee. Proper hydration makes your hair follicles more receptive to the treatment.

Exfoliate!
Regular exfoliation helps remove the natural build-up of debris on your skin, such as dead cells, oils, dust, and makeup. This can otherwise act like “cement” in your follicles, making insertions more difficult. Exfoliating will make your treatments faster and more comfortable.

Shave in Advance
For your first appointment, shave areas with long hair (e.g., underarms, groin) about four days before your session. Ensure the hair is long enough for the electrologist to grasp with tweezers; if it’s too short, it cannot be treated effectively.

Personal Hygiene
Good personal hygiene is essential. Some body areas can emit strong odors, which can be unpleasant for the electrologist. Ensure you are clean before your appointment.

Numbing Cream
If you plan to use numbing cream, apply it well before your appointment to allow sufficient time for it to take effect.

Avoid Excessive Sweating
If you are having work done below the neck, avoid excessive sweating before your appointment. Sweat can introduce bacteria into open follicles, potentially causing minor infections. Exercise before your appointment, not after.

Remove Makeup
If you are having facial work done, make sure to remove all makeup before your appointment.

What Can I Do About Heavy Hair Growth Between Treatments?

A visible hair marks an active follicle for your electrologist, indicating which follicles need to be disabled. Using methods such as tweezing, waxing, or depilatory creams will interfere with the treatment process. However, you can shave or trim the hairs that bother you between treatments.

Shaving and Trimming:

  • Shaving or trimming with scissors is perfectly fine.
  • Leave enough hair length to guide the electrologist into the follicle for accurate insertion. Generally, shaving a week before your appointment is acceptable. If you have very fast-growing hair, you can shave a few days prior.
  • Remember, if your electrologist cannot see the hair, they cannot treat it effectively.

Important Reminder:

  • Do NOT tweeze, wax, or use depilatory creams on hair between treatments. These methods disrupt the natural hair growth cycle and can distort the follicle, leading to additional electrolysis sessions and prolonging the treatment process.

What Skin Reactions Can I Expect After My Treatment?

Following your electrolysis treatment, you may experience several temporary skin reactions:

  • Redness or Pinkness: It is common for the treated area to appear pink or red.
  • Burning Sensation: A mild burning sensation may occur.
  • Slight Swelling: Some slight swelling is normal.
  • Crusting: Temporary crusting may also appear on the skin.

These reactions vary from person to person and are typically temporary. It is important to leave any crusting alone to prevent infection and scarring.

Do I Need to Do Anything Once I’ve Had Electrolysis?

After your electrolysis procedure, it is essential to follow specific skin-care steps to ensure the best results. For comprehensive advice on post-treatment skin care, please visit our After Treatment page. Following these guidelines will help maintain your skin’s health and optimize the outcomes of your electrolysis sessions.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency, for diagnosis, or for the substituting of any treatment. A licensed physician should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions, and for all prescriptions.