Frequently Asked Questions

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal. It utilizes a very small electrical current to destroy the hair-growing cells in your follicles, and there is no widespread effect beyond the follicle being treated. For more detailed information, please see the "About Electrolysis" page.

What areas can be treated with electrolysis?

Electrolysis can be used to remove hair from any part of the body, except mucous membranes. We often treat the face, legs, arms, underarms, torso, breasts, bikini line, and genital area. We cannot treat hairs inside the ears or nose, but exterior hair is treatable.

Will electrolysis work if I have darker skin and/or lighter hair?

Yes! Laser treatments only work on certain combinations of skin and hair coloration because they use light. Electrolysis does not depend on skin or hair pigmentation, so it is an effective hair removal method for everyone.

Is electrolysis safe?

Yes, electrolysis is perfectly safe if done correctly by a qualified and licensed professional. The amount of electricity is nowhere near enough to cause health problems, and we also follow strict hygiene and disinfection procedures to ensure that your skin is taken care of.

Does electrolysis hurt?

Everyone feels the sensation of electrolysis differently. Some clients barely feel anything, but there is often some amount of discomfort with the procedure. Our consultations come with a free 15-minute trial of the service so you can get a sense of how it feels.

How many sessions will I need to guarantee permanent hair removal?

Unfortunately, everyone's needs are different, based primarily on the type and location of the hair. Only 1/3 of your total hair is visible at any given time, and the growth cycle for any given hair can be several weeks. If we need to re-treat the same hair, we will not know until it grows back in, but it will grow back weaker and will be more likely to be permanently removed after subsequent treatment. For the best results, we recommend weekly treatments until the hair starts to grow back thinner, after which treatments can be spaced out by a few weeks.

Are there any side effects to electrolysis?

You can expect some redness and swelling in the treatment area lasting a few hours. Areas with poorer blood circulation, like the legs and feet, may develop dark red dots, which can last up to a few weeks, but do heal cleanly.

How do I prepare for an electrolysis session?

Avoid waxing, tweezing, and plucking for at least 2 weeks before your appointment. If you use a depilatory cream, stop using about a week before your appointment. Otherwise, please shave 3-5 days before your appointment. This gives us enough length of hair to be able to remove it after applying the electrical current.

Please avoid using lotions, oils, and moisturizing products the day of your appointment. These can clog the follicles and interfere with the electrolysis treatment.

How do I care for my skin after an electrolysis session?

Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and touching the treated area. Avoid any activity that will make you sweat in the treatment area for about 24-48 hours, and wash the treatment area as soon as possible after any activity that makes you sweat. Aloe can help with any lasting skin discomfort.

Why is my hair growing back thicker than before starting electrolysis?

If you are used to plucking, tweezing, or waxing, you are removing hair more frequently than with electrolysis, so you won't see as many hairs grow back at once. Getting an electrolysis treatment every week means we are treating more hairs at once, permanently.