Frequently Asked Questions

Hair can be removed from almost any part of the body. Some common areas for women include the hairline, eyebrows, top of the nose, cheeks, sideburn area, upper and lower lip, chin, throat, neck, shoulders, back, chest, breasts, abdomen, arms, underarms, legs, bikini line, hands, feet, toes, fingers. Men often have hair removed from the hairline, beard line, shoulders, back, neck, chest, ears, and nose.

Electrolysis is very helpful for treating ingrown hairs, which frequently cause irritation in the beard area.

Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment as breaking down the hair germ 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 also be treated and may be visible at the same time as finer regrowth hairs.

Total treatment can vary greatly from one individual to another. It is dependent on a number of factors that can include:

• The size of the area being treated

• Previous use of temporary hair removal methods

• Hair growth cycles

• Density of the hair

• Texture of the hair

• Existence of curved or distorted hair follicles

• Heredity

• Normal physiologic changes

• Hormone function

• Certain medications

• Medical history

• Age

• Tolerance to treatment

• Stress

Some improvements should be observed within several months after initiating treatment, provided the client adheres to the recommended schedule.

• Drink plenty of water: Hydrated follicles will ensure a more effective and comfortable treatment.

• Do not shave or tweeze (5 days): Allow enough growth to be able to grab the hair with a pair of fine tweezers.

• Avoid sun exposure 48 hours prior to treatment.

• Skip stimulants: Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar as it can make you more sensitive during your treatment.

• Menstrual cycle: Appointments during your cycle can add to the sensitivity of the treatment.

• Avoid retinoids: Do not use Retin-A, or other intense treatments for two weeks prior to appointments.

• Accutane: Discontinue Accutane treatment 6 months prior to electrolysis treatments.

• Stop all other methods of hair removal besides electrolysis: No tweezing, waxing, sugaring, threading or plucking during the course of treatment. These methods distort the hair follicle and dramatically interfere with the effectiveness of electrolysis.

• Keep hands off the treated area: Avoid picking and scratching scabs.

• Redness, swelling and scabbing may occur. Apply ice to help decrease redness and swelling.

• Breakouts can happen.

• Apply soothing products to promote healing (Yi-Zhi Baume, Hydraplus, Bacitracin).

• Apply cold compresses (ice) for an hour after treatment to reduce inflammation or redness.

• Avoid sun exposure, hot tubs, and exposure to extreme heat for 48 hours.

• Avoid all other treatments/procedures on the treated area until the skin is fully healed.

• Avoid makeup or heavy creams for 24 hours. If using makeup, ensure applicators are clean & bacteria-free.

• Keep skin clean: Cleanse skin gently and use a barrier cream moisturizer or serum (non-comedogenic).

• Avoid the use of alcohol-based skincare products: Check labels or use provided products. Contact our office if you are experiencing any adverse reactions or have any concerns.