What to Expect

Understanding Electrolysis

Electrolysis has a long and proven history. First documented for successful hair removal in 1875, the basic principles of electrolysis have been used for more than 150 years, while today’s technology has continued to make treatments more precise, efficient and comfortable.

Unlike laser, which uses light energy to target pigment and is designed to provide permanent hair reduction, electrolysis treats each individual hair follicle directly. A very fine probe is carefully inserted into the natural opening of the follicle, and a controlled amount of electrical energy is applied to treat the hair-producing tissue. The hair is then gently removed with tweezers.

Because electrolysis works follicle by follicle rather than relying on the pigment in the hair, it can treat hair regardless of its color—including blonde, gray, white and red hair.

There are three modalities of electrolysis, and treatment can be customized to the individual client and their specific needs. You don’t need to understand all of the technical details before getting started—that’s what your consultation is for. I’ll explain the process, answer your questions and determine the best approach for you.

Before Your Treatment

For electrolysis to be performed, the hair must be visible above the surface of the skin. Ideally, the hair should be approximately 3–4 millimeters long, allowing enough length to grasp it with tweezers and clearly see the direction of growth for proper probe insertion.

Once electrolysis treatment has begun, it’s important to avoid plucking, tweezing, waxing, or otherwise pulling the hair out by the root between appointments. Trimming or shaving is fine when necessary, but the hair needs to be visible again when you come in for treatment.

Electrolysis is a process, and consistency matters. Together, we can work toward your best possible results.

During Your Treatment

I use the advanced technology of the Silhouette Tone ST-350, which features vector modulation designed to distribute the current in a way that helps make treatment more comfortable and efficient.

Discomfort varies from person to person. During your consultation, we’ll begin with a small test patch of approximately 5–10 hairs. This gives you an opportunity to experience what the treatment feels like and allows me to adjust the settings based on your tolerance while still delivering the energy necessary to effectively treat the follicle.

Your consultation is also an opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns, and become familiar with the process before moving forward.

After Your Treatment

Immediately following treatment, some temporary redness, mild swelling, or small raised areas around the treated follicles are normal. These may look similar to tiny ant bites or small welts and typically begin to subside fairly quickly. Individual skin responses can vary from person to person and from one treatment area to another.

For a short time following treatment, it’s important to be gentle with the treated area. Avoid anything that significantly heats the skin, including steam and strenuous exercise, and avoid applying makeup immediately afterward. Freshly treated follicles can be more susceptible to irritation, so keeping the area clean and undisturbed can help minimize irritation or breakouts.

I’ll review your aftercare with you so you know what to expect and how to care for the treated area following your appointment.