Before and After Care Instructions

Before Electrolysis

  1. Hair Length: Ensure the hair to be treated is long enough—ideally with 3-4 days’ growth.
  2. Remove Makeup: Remove any makeup from the treatment areas. Treatment can only be performed on clean, healthy skin.
  3. Diet & Sensitivity: Diet affects sensitivity. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, chocolate, or sugar on treatment day. Eating a meal before treatment can help reduce discomfort.
  4. Hydration: Hydration is crucial. Avoid alcohol the night before your appointment, and drink plenty of water the day before, the day of, and the day after treatment. Hydrated follicles are easier to treat and usually result in less pain. Hydrated skin also heals faster after treatment than dry skin.
  5. Sun Exposure: Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours before treatment. Activated melanin can cause hyperpigmentation.
  6. Avoid Retinoids: Discontinue any strong retinoids (e.g., Retin-A, Tazorac) at least 1 week before treatment. Stop Accutane for at least 6 months before electrolysis.
  7. Manage Stress & Sensitivity: Minimize stress on the day of your appointment. Some clients are more sensitive right before or during their menstrual cycle. Consider any factors that could heighten sensitivity and plan accordingly, including any necessary pain management.
  8. Comfort During Treatment: Get as comfortable as possible during your session.
  9. Pain Management Options: We offer two primary methods of pain management:
    • BioScience: A non-prescription topical numbing cream available for purchase. Apply it 30 minutes before treatment and allow it to absorb fully.
    • Lidocaine Injections: These subdermal injections are administered by a registered nurse for an additional fee. They must be scheduled in advance to verify availability. Lidocaine injections and topical numbing cream should not be used together on the same day.

Electrolysis Aftercare

  1. Avoid Makeup or Perfume: Do not wear makeup or perfume over the treated area for 24 hours. Alcohol-based products will dry out the skin, and makeup can introduce bacteria. Use only gentle cleansers or witch hazel to avoid irritation.
  2. No Swimming: Avoid swimming in a chlorinated pool for the first 48 hours after treatment, as chlorine can further irritate the skin.
  3. Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid extended sun exposure for 72 hours after treatment. The skin defends against UV rays by producing pigment, but if the skin is irritated, it can overproduce pigment in those areas, leading to hyperpigmentation or brown spots.
  4. Moisturize for Healing: Apply Avene Thermal Cicalfate Balm or aloe vera to the treated area the night after treatment to support faster healing. Keeping the area moisturized will prevent scabs and promote healing. Use only clean hands or Q-tips.
  5. Treat Ongoing Irritation: If irritation persists on the second day, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream or hydrocortisone acetate to reduce redness and swelling. This can also help with any pimples.
  6. Allow Scabs to Heal Naturally: If small scabs appear, do not scratch them away. Scratching can lead to scarring or infection. Let them fall off naturally. If there’s discomfort in closely treated areas, a small amount of Avene Thermal Cicalfate Balm can help with healing.
  7. Avoid Tweezing: Tweezing is counterproductive to electrolysis and can cause hair to regrow thicker. If scheduling conflicts with treatment, clip or shave the hair without affecting results.
  8. Expect Some Regrowth: Some regrowth is normal. Scheduling the next treatment after the first regrowth makes treatment more effective since the hair roots are shorter and weaker.