FAQs About Electrolysis

What is Electrolysis?

  • Electrolysis is the only FDA approved permanent hair removal method. An electrolysis probe (a very fine needle) is inserted into each hair follicle and delivers direct current, alternating current or a combination of the two to the root of the hair. This process destroys the hair growth cells in the follicle, thus preventing further hair growth when the follicle is treated appropriately.

Who can get Electrolysis?

  • Everyone! Women, men, transgender individuals who are seeking hair removal prior to gender affirming surgeries, athletes, people with PCOS/Hirsutism and anyone with excessive or unwanted hair.

Can I get Electrolysis if I have curly, wavy or straight hair?

  • Yes! Your electrologist will choose the right setting and modality to target the shape of your hair and provide effective hair removal treatments.

What color hair can be treated with Electrolysis?

  • Unlike laser that targets dark pigments in the hair, electrolysis can treat all hair colors including white, blonde, red, brown, black and all shades in-between.

What skin colors can safely be treated with Electrolysis?

  • Since Electrolysis targets the hair follicles and not the dark pigment in the hair or skin, it is safe for everyone of all skin tones.

How many Electrolysis treatments will I need?

  • The number of treatments will vary based off the size of the body area to be treated, how much hair is in the area to be treated, and frequency of treatments. During your initial consult your Electrologist will evaluate your hair removal needs to create a treatment plan with a recommended treatment schedule. For effective treatments, hairs need to be treated in the growth phase of the hair cycle.

  • To begin it is normally recommended to get treatments weekly or bi-weekly depending on your rate of hair growth and the area being treated.

Does Electrolysis hurt?

  • Electrolysis does have a sensation associated with treatment, your sensitivity to treatment will depend on your pain tolerance. Most say it is more comfortable than getting laser treatments and feels like a light rubber band sensation. If you have concerns, please talk to your Electrologist about numbing creams prior to your treatment.

Should I shave or tweeze before my Electrolysis appointment?

  • No! Unlike laser hair removal, you do not need to shave before your appointment.

  • If your hair is too long then you can shave or trim as desired. Shaving or trimming your hair can be beneficial as it stimulates the hair to re-grow. In the hair cycle, the best phase to treat the hair follicle is the growth phase, this creates permanent long lasting results.

  • Although shaving or trimming is fine, in order to treat and remove the hairs effectively, it is best if they are at least 1/4” long for your appointment.

  • Tweezing hairs should be stopped prior to getting electrolysis, we know it’s hard, but lock up your tweezers and let your hair grow. Let us take care of them permanently for you with electrolysis!

Can I get Electrolysis if I just got a laser treatment?

  • No, if you just got laser hair removal done and want to work on the same body area, then you do need to wait at least 2 weeks to allow your skin to heal from the laser treatment first.

  • Yes, if you are looking to have electrolysis done on a different body part, you can be treated anytime.

What should I do after my Electrolysis treatment?

  • Avoid touching the treated area for 24 hours.

  • Avoid sun exposure on the treated areas for 48 hours, sunscreen is recommended when going outside.

  • Avoid using make-up, and any scented or artificially colored moisturizers on treated areas for 48 hours.

  • Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans and other bodies of water for 48 hours.

  • Avoid deodorant for 48 hours post-treatment if you have had hair removed on your underarms. As a safe alternative you can use witch hazel as an astringent to help with odor causing bacteria.

  • Post treatment care instructions will also be discussed and a printed copy given to you during your consultation!

What should I do if my skin is irritated after Electrolysis?

  • This is the most common side-effect of electrolysis. Some redness and swelling at the treated hair follicles can be expected after treatment but should calm down within a couple hours and should be completely resolved in 24-48 hours. You can use aloe vera gel or a cold compress to help soothe your skin after treatment. It’s always recommended to inform your Electrologist of any post treatment skin reactions.

I have pimple like bumps after treatment, is this normal?

  • Yes, this can be a normal side effect of electrolysis. Pustules can appear at the hair follicles a day or two post-treatment. These are red, inflamed, pus-filled bumps, You can use an epsom salt compress to help soothe the area. Epsom salt also has the potential to help soften the skin and assist with releasing ingrown hairs.

Does Electrolysis leave scars?

  • Electrolysis does not typically leave scars, but getting electrolysis while taking certain medications can cause permanent scars. This is why your electrologist will look over your client intake form and ensure there are no contraindications to get treatment. Please inform your electrologist of any medications you are taking and any skin care products you use.

  • Electrolysis can leave eschars, which are scab-like, reddish-brown circular marks at the treated hair follicles. This can be a side effect seen on treated areas where the hair follicles are not very deep like the upper lip, or skin over bony areas like the knuckles, toes, eyebrows, ankles and knees. These act like scabs and will fall off and resolve on their own in a week or two.

I have discolored spots where I got Electrolysis that aren’t going away, is this normal?

  • Although not as common as the above mentioned post-treatment side effects, these spots can develop on some clients. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (red, tan, or brown colored spots) and post-inflammatory hypo-pigmentation (white spots) can occur. Although these spots are not typically permanent, when it does occur, these spots can last several weeks to several months after treatment.

    • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur, this can be red or brown discolored circles at the site of the hair follicles treated. This is more prevalent with light skin tones. These spots can last several weeks to several months after treatment but typically go away on their own.

    • Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation (PIH) can occur, this can be white discolored circles at the site of the hair follicles treated. This is more prevalent with darker skin tones. These spots can last several weeks to several months after treatment but typically go away on their own.

Have other Electrolysis questions?

  • If you have any questions or concerns about electrolysis or potential post-treatment side effects please contact Not So Standard Electrolysis:

    Call/Text: 603-305-9041

    Email: Melanie@NSSElectrolysis.com