FAQs about Electrolysis
Q: How is electrolysis different from laser hair reduction?
A: Laser hair reduction uses light to “find” the hair and heat to coagulate the hair follicle (the way
a microwave “cooks” food) to the point that either it cannot regrow a hair or it can only regrow a
much finer hair. Electrolysis, on the other hand, uses electrical current applied through a fine
probe inserted into the follicle either to heat the follicle to the point of destruction or to
chemically decompose the follicle to the point of destruction. Laser hair reduction typically is
most successful on hair that is significantly darker than skin; hair that is white, blonde, or red
often cannot be treated effectively with lasers. However, electrolysis can work on any hair and
skin type. Other differences exist between the two procedures, so book your consultation today
and we can discuss them if you are curious to know more!
Q: How painful is electrolysis?
A: Because electrical current is damaging living tissue, many clients report feeling sensations
ranging from a mild to intense heat, sting, or zap. Some clients prefer to apply a topical numbing
agent 10-30 minutes before treatment, to lessen their discomfort. Taking your preferred pain
reliever, such as ibuprofen, can also help to minimize discomfort.
Q: How long will it take to completely clear the area that I want to be hair-free?
A: Hair grows in cycles, and every individual is somewhat unique in terms of the length of their
hair-growth cycles. Thus, we can never predict an exact number of treatments needed at the
onset of a client’s journey. At each treatment, we will treat every hair we can see that is long
enough to remove with tweezers after being treated, but there will be other hair follicles in the
resting stage that will not start growing a new hair for weeks if not months. Clients commonly
find that it may take 24 months or more to clear certain areas of the body, depending on hair
density. Sticking to a schedule of regular appointments will best ensure that we treat as many
hairs as possible in their active growing stage. Electrolysis is a marathon, not a sprint, but the
results are worth the commitment!
*Vellus hair follicles (peach fuzz) can convert to follicles that produce terminal hair (whiskers) in
response to various stimuli, including natural biological changes, medication changes, etc.
Thus, it is possible to experience unexpected new hair growth on areas of the body that had
previously been cleared. In such cases, brief “maintenance” treatments on an as-needed basis
will eliminate sporadic new growth.
Q: I have previously waxed the area I now want to get electrolysis done on. Will it still work?
A: In short, yes, provided that the hair is long enough for me to remove with tweezers after I
have treated it. When a hair is waxed/plucked, that follicle immediately enters the resting
(telogen) phase of its growth cycle. Depending on the area of the body, a follicle may remain in
the resting phase for anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months.
Q: Can electrolysis be done anywhere on the body?
A: The only areas of the body where electrolysis cannot be performed are the inner nose
(nostrils) and inner ear canal (however, the tragi of the ears ARE treatable!).
Q: Are there any medical conditions that would prevent a person from getting electrolysis?
A: Pregnant women in their 3rd trimester cannot receive electrolysis from us. Additionally,
women who are nursing may need their doctor’s written permission to have certain areas
treated. Individuals with pacemakers must get their cardiologist’s written permission to receive
treatment. Individuals wanting hairy moles treated must get their dermatologist’s written
permission. Other medical conditions may not prevent treatment but instead impact the
modality of treatment a client receives, and can be discussed during the initial consultation.
Q: Are there any side effects or serious risks?
A: Temporary side effects such as redness, minor inflammation, bruising, and scabbing are all
normal. In the hands of a trained professional, clients typically find that serious or long-lasting
side effects are rare. The success of the healing process largely depends on clients’ dedication
to following aftercare instructions provided by their electrologist.
Q: What should or shouldn’t I do before receiving treatment?
A: The two most important things you can do are hydrate inside and out (drink plenty of water,
and moisturize your skin) and stop plucking/tweezing hairs in the area you want treated!
Hydration is crucial to the success of any electrolysis treatment, and plucking hinders your
progress because it sends a follicle immediately into the resting stage and risks distorting the
shape of that follicle, making it harder to treat once the next hair has grown in. It is fine to clip,
trim, or shave hair so that it is less noticeable, but remember, your electrologist needs at least
three days’ growth to be able to successfully remove the hair after they have treated it.
Q: Is there anything I won’t be able to do after treatment?
A: For the first 24-48 hours after treatment, avoid exposing your skin to bacteria-promoting
activities and environments (swimming in natural bodies of water, exercising vigorously, wearing
makeup, soaking in hot tubs or sitting in saunas). Also, avoid undue UV exposure.