Electrolysis FAQ’s

How many treatments are required? The number of treatments necessary varies with each person. Factors are considered such as the hair growth cycle, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal physiologic changes, certain medications and stress influence the treatment program for each individual. It is very important to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule to achieve optimum results in the shortest period of time.

Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment or is regrowth to be expected?
Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair germ (or basal) cells may require additional treatments. During the course of treatment and due to the cyclic nature of hair growth, new hairs as well as hairs emerging from a dormant phase will be treated and may be visible at the same time as finer hair regrowth. Only hairs that are visible can be treated.

What is the normal growth cycle of a hair? All hairs have differing cycles of growth activity and are not visible on the surface of the skin at the same time. Hair normally grows for its usual cycle and then naturally sheds and replaces itself. Following active growing periods, hair follicles go into a dormant phase. This period of dormancy may last for an indefinite period of time, however, replacement hairs usually appear within 3 to 12 months. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.

Should I wax, thread or tweeze between appointments?
Your electrologist highly discourages pulling hair by the root between appointments. Remember, it can take several months for a new cycle of hair growth to begin. If hair is pulled between appointments, it may never be visible to treat over the course of treatment, thus prolonging the total time it may take to permanently clear the skin of hair. Shaving, trimming or bleaching are recommended between treatments, allowing for about 48 hours of growth before the next appointment.

Is electrolysis uncomfortable?
While your electrologist makes every effort to keep your treatment comfortable, the presence of a sensation, such as pressure, heat or tingling within the follicle is an indication that the needed destructive activity is taking place. The sensation lasts only as long as it takes to treat the individual hair, usually less than a few seconds, with no lingering discomfort. Even though some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, or some hair requires more treatment time, adjustments can be made which will help to keep the treatment as comfortable as possible. If you are concerned about discomfort, let your physician know about your electrolysis treatments and ask if they would prescribe a topical 5% lidocaine gel to apply as directed before your treatment.

(5% lidocaine gel or cream may be covered by your health insurance if it is prescribed by your doctor, or you can ask your pharmacist to order it for you, as it is available OTC.)


Does electrolysis damage the skin?    When electrolysis is performed by a competent electrologist using up-to-date equipment and current techniques, there should be no lasting or visible skin damage. Immediately following treatment, there may be a slight redness and/or swelling which usually disappears within a few hours, depending on the client. Occasionally, small whiteheads or minuscule scabs may occur. It is important to remember that scabs are a part of the normal healing process and will not cause any permanent damage if they are not picked off. Your electrologist will discuss specific post-treatment care to promote proper healing.

Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body? Unwanted hair can be safely removed from most body areas. The most common areas include the hairline, bridge of nose, eyebrows, beards, upper and lower lip, cheeks, sideburns, outer ears, chin, neck, shoulders, arms, underarms, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, buttocks, legs, back, chest, hands and feet. The inside of the ears and nose should not be treated.

You don't have to suffer with unwanted hair or spend thousands of dollars up front to get rid of it anymore!  

Can women begin or continue electrolysis treatment during pregnancy? Although electrolysis has never been proven to harmful to pregnant women, it is suggested that advice of your physician be sought before treatment.

We use only sterile single-use disposable probes and Universal Infection Control Standards to ensure your comfort and safety as part of the special care we take to protect you from infection.

Professional pre-treatment and aftercare products are applied before, during and after your treatment to soothe your skin and help to prevent further inflammation and infection of the treated follicles. Professional skin care will be recommended for follow-up to the treated area and these products will be available for your purchase.

It is important to remember that hands must be washed before and after touching the skin on the treated area.

Makeup Use: It is highly recommended that you use a mineral makeup with zinc oxide as one of the ingredients. Not only does zinc oxide help in the healing process, but it also performs well as a sunscreen, another important aspect in follow-up skin care of electrolysis. A powder or liquid makeup without fragrance is advised after at least 24 hours after treatment. Gentle cleansing without scrubbing is important during the healing process.

UV Exposure: It is important to avoid exposure to direct sunlight or to tanning beds after treatment. The minor inflammation that may linger after treatment makes the skin more susceptible to damage from UV rays. Exposure to UV light can also cause pigmentation issues to the skin that has been treated.

Bleaching: If you use a bleaching product on the downy hair growth between treatments, it should not be applied for at least 48 hours before your next appointment.

Regrowth: Hair should not be tweezed, waxed or threaded between treatments to ensure successful treatment of electrolysis over time. Hair may be trimmed with trimmers, scissors or shaved, even up to twice a day if needed, but please allow at least 36-48 hours of hair growth before your appointment and no shaving or cutting as recommended by your treatment provider. Remember, you may feel the stubble of regrowth, but a person looking at you would need magnifying glasses to see any regrowth in that time period.

Skin Care: Moisturizing or other creams of a heavy consistency or containing oils should not be used on the skin for at least 48 hours. Your treatment provider will recommend a professional skin care program for your use. After this time, the area can be massaged lightly to promote the healing process. If redness or minor infection appears at any time of the treated area, an antibacterial product as recommended can be used and you may be referred to your physician. Cortisone or any other steroids should not be used unless prescribed by your physician.

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