Electrolysis Hair Removal Guide

First of all, electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal according to the FDA.

Electrolysis is great for the facial area (chin, neck, upper lip, eyebrows, sideburns, nose, ears, and hairline).  It is safe and effective for all types and colors of skin and hair.  Electrolysis hair removal also takes care of hair on the armpits, arms, fingers, hands, breast, toes, and remaining hair from laser treatments.

Laser hair removal is a permanent reduction of hair removal.

Laser reduces the hair but doesn't get rid of it 100%. Laser is great in large areas, but in smaller areas, it makes sense to get electrolysis.  Sometimes these two can work really well together.  If someone has a large area such as the back, legs, arms, or armpits, then a limited amount of laser treatment (3-6) works well, but there are always remaining hairs that are too thin for the laser to see. That is where you should complete the process with electrolysis.

A free consultation is needed to determine how many treatments and how often you will need an appointment.

During your free consultation, Arlene will determine how often you tweeze, shave, or wax the area that needs to be treated.  If you are tweezing daily or once a week, then a weekly treatment is needed.  If tweezing a few every few weeks, then you will start out every two weeks.  It takes 3-4 weeks for hairs to grow back after the hairs are treated.  As you have your treatments, the hairs get thinner, and you will notice them not coming back so quickly.  Your appointment will move from weekly to every other week and so on.  Within 1 year you will have much less coming in, and your appointments will be spread out to come every 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks.  You will have a few stubborn hairs after the year, but the hairs will be much thinner and much less coming in. 

A slight heat or tingling sensation occurs as the follicle is being treated.  The follicle does go deep into the dermis where the nerve endings exist.  Most people can tolerate the treatments and are surprised how quick the zap occurs with a slight discomfort.  Arlene does have numbing cream for purchase, or you can get a prescription from your doctor for Forgera (lidocaine/prilocaine) cream, also known as EMLA cream.

Teens must have their menses for 1 year, and if under 18, they would need an adult to sign for permission.

Women: Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are the main reasons for hormonal change.  This is the time that most Females notice an increase in hair around the facial area and body areas.

Men: Most men inherit their hair pattern from their parents.  Men get treated mostly on their ears, nose, unibrow, and neck.  If they want the chest and backs (mostly after 3-6 laser treatments).

PCOS: It is very common to see many patients with PCOS.  Electrolysis is the solution for removing the facial and body hair.  It is always recommended to see your doctor to check for balanced hormones.

Transgender: Electrolysis helps this patient to accomplish their top goal of removing facial hair and body hair located from the chest up.

When getting treatments for electrology, Arlene will determine how long your session will be according to the area or areas you want treated.  Your budget and time will be considered.  Your first appointment is 15 minutes of a free consultation and then 1/2 hour of a treatment. If the area needs less time or more time, that will be determined for the next appointment. 

You will pay each time you have treatment.  Cash, check, or Venmo. 

A 24-hour notice for cancellations is required, and your appointment starts right at the time you are scheduled.

1. Before your first treatment, you need to grow the hair out at least 3 days if shaving.  If waxing or tweezing, stop 2 weeks prior and just trim or shave up to 3 days before the appointment.

2. Immediate Side Effects: Redness, swelling, and slight tenderness are normal, usually fading within a few hours to 48 hours. 

3. Post-Treatment Care: Place ice on the treated area or a cold washcloth.  Keep hands away from the treated area.  Apply witch hazel or alcohol and apply antiseptic cream or aloe vera to speed up the healing for 48 hours.  Keep the area clean and dry.  Avoid makeup, sun exposure, hot tubs, and dusty areas for 48 hours. 

4. Avoid Picking: Small pin-dot scabs may form or a small white head, which is part of the healing process; do not pick them.  Electrolysis doesn't cause scarring; it is usually the client picking the skin and ingrowns.

1. Note from Dr. about removing hair from mole.

2. What hair removal method promotes more hair in the facial area?  Waxing and Tweezing.

3.  Do shaving and dermaplaning promote thicker, darker hair?  No, you are just cutting off the soft ends of the hair and making them shorter and stubby. You are not doing anything to the follicle itself, so it wouldn't affect the hair growth.

4. Arlene's Electrology Office is a home-based office.  Guaranteed confidentiality and privacy.