FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ELECTROLYSIS
HOW LONG DOES ELECTROLYSIS TAKE?
The honest answer is: it depends.
Treatment time is influenced by the size of the area, the density and coarseness of the hair, your hair growth cycles, hormonal factors, genetics, and how consistently you follow your treatment plan.
Some clients may only need occasional treatment for a small area. Others with more extensive or hormonally influenced hair growth may need regular appointments over a longer period.
During your consultation, we'll discuss your goals and give you a better idea of what your individual journey may involve.
IS ELECTROLYSIS REALLY PERMANENT?
Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal that treats individual hair follicles.
Because hair grows in cycles, a series of treatments is necessary to treat hairs as they become available for treatment. Results depend on many factors, including the treatment area, hair growth patterns, hormonal influences, and consistency with appointments.
DOES ELECTROLYSIS HURT?
Everyone experiences electrolysis differently.
You may feel brief heat, a sting, or a pinching sensation. Some areas are naturally more sensitive than others.
We use individualized treatment settings and techniques to make treatment as comfortable as possible while maintaining effective treatment.
WHAT WILL MY SKIN LOOK LIKE AFTER TREATMENT?
Temporary redness, tenderness, and mild swelling can occur after electrolysis.
Your response may vary depending on your skin, the treatment area, and the amount of hair treated.
We'll provide aftercare instructions to help support normal skin recovery.
CAN I SHAVE BETWEEN ELECTROLYSIS APPOINTMENTS?
Yes. In most cases, shaving or trimming is preferable to plucking or waxing between appointments.
Avoid tweezing, waxing, or other methods that remove the hair from the follicle because the hair needs to regrow before it can be treated with electrolysis.
Before your appointment, allow enough visible hair for us to grasp and treat.
WHY CAN'T I TWEEZE OR WAX?
Tweezing and waxing remove the hair from the follicle.
Electrolysis requires a visible hair to treat, so removing the hair this way can delay treatment.
Shaving or trimming between appointments is generally the better option unless we provide different instructions for your treatment area.
HOW LONG SHOULD MY HAIR BE BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?
In general, we need enough visible hair to grasp after treatment. Approximately 1/8 inch is often sufficient.
If you are unsure how much growth to allow, please contact us before your appointment.
CAN ELECTROLYSIS TREAT BLOND, GRAY, WHITE, OR RED HAIR?
Yes. Because electrolysis does not rely on hair pigment in the same way laser hair reduction does, it can be used to treat hair of any color.
CAN ELECTROLYSIS HELP WITH PMOS (Formerly PCOS) OR HORMONAL FACIAL HAIR?
Electrolysis can permanently treat unwanted hairs individually, including unwanted facial hair associated with PMOS (formerly PCOS), hirsutism, menopause, and other hormonal changes.
Hormonal conditions may influence the development of new hair growth over time, so treatment planning and ongoing maintenance needs can vary.
CAN MEN GET ELECTROLYSIS?
Absolutely! Men commonly seek electrolysis for ears, brows, beard shaping, neck, back, shoulders, chest, and other unwanted body hair.
DO YOU PROVIDE GENDER-AFFIRMING ELECTROLYSIS?
Yes. We provide respectful, professional electrolysis for transgender and gender-diverse clients.
Please contact us or schedule a consultation to discuss your specific goals and treatment needs.
HOW MUCH DOES ELECTROLYSIS COST?
Treatment prices are based on appointment length and practitioner level rather than the specific area being treated.
You can view our current rates on the Pricing and Booking page.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONSULTATION?
Your consultation is your opportunity to discuss your goals and ask questions.
We'll talk about the treatment process, the areas you would like to treat, hair growth cycles, scheduling, and what you can realistically expect.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED APPOINTMENTS?
Appointment frequency varies from person to person.
Your schedule will depend on the treatment area, amount of hair, your hair growth cycle, and your treatment goals.
Consistency is important, and we'll help you determine an appropriate schedule.
WHO SHOULDN’T HAVE ELECTROLYSIS?
Electrolysis is appropriate for most people, but some situations need a conversation first.
Please let us know if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, take blood thinners, isotretinoin, or medications that increase sun sensitivity, or have a skin condition in the treatment area such as an active infection, cold sore, eczema, or psoriasis. A history of keloid scarring or conditions that slow healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes, are also important to discuss.
In some cases, we may ask for approval from your physician before treatment. We’ll review your health history at your consultation.
WHAT ARE MY NUMBING OPTIONS?
Some clients are comfortable without any numbing, while others prefer extra support, especially in sensitive areas like the upper lip.
Topical numbing products may be an option for certain treatments. Please check with us before using any numbing product so we can advise you on what to use, how much, and when to apply it.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT? (SUN AND MAKEUP)
Avoid sunburn, tanning beds, and self-tanner on the treatment area for at least one to two weeks before your appointment. Tanned or irritated skin is more likely to react.
If you are being treated on your face, you’re welcome to arrive with a clean face, or we’ll cleanse the area before we begin. Please skip heavy products on the treatment area.
CAN I WEAR MAKEUP OR GO IN THE SUN AFTER TREATMENT?
Keep the treated area out of direct sun for one to two weeks, then use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily once the skin has healed. Avoid tanning beds and self-tanner until your skin has fully healed.
For makeup, we generally recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours before applying it to the treated area, or until we tell you it’s okay. Use clean brushes and applicators when you resume.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELECTROLYSIS AND LASER?
Electrolysis treats one hair follicle at a time and is a method of permanent hair removal. Laser treats many hairs at once and is considered long-term hair reduction, so regrowth can occur.
Laser relies on pigment, so it works best on dark hair and lighter skin. Electrolysis can treat any hair color and any skin tone.
Laser can be faster for large areas, while electrolysis is well suited to precise areas like brows, upper lip, and chin. Some clients use both.
DO YOU OFFER A GUARANTEE?
Permanent hair removal is a process influenced by many individual factors, including hormones, genetics, hair growth cycles, and treatment consistency. For that reason, we do not make promises about a specific timeline or guarantee identical results for every client. What we do promise is professional care, honest communication, and a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We'd love to help you understand whether electrolysis is right for you.