BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT (Pre-Care)
1-2 weeks before
Skin health is the foundation of successful treatment.
- Quit all Retinol / Tretinoin / Isotretinoin/ Accutane, or prescription vitamin-A products. These should not be used during your electrolysis treatment plan within 2 inches of the area being treated. Stop at least 2 weeks in advance for Retinols. Accutane/Tretinoin must be stopped 6 months to a year prior to treatment. If you are working with a dr or dermatologist with these products, please be advised that you should not receive electrolysis in the area being treated until you have completed the treatment. These products increase skin sensitivity and can interfere with healing and comfort. Many anti-aging products contain these ingredients, please check your labels.
- Do NOT wax, tweeze, thread, or use epilators on the treatment area - these remove the hair root and can slow progress. Shaving/trimming is usually OK.
- Hair length: Allow hair to grow 3-5 days (depending on how quickly your hair grows). Hair needs to be long enough for us to grab with tweezers, but not so long that we have difficulty getting to the base. If you currently do not remove any hair, please trim the hair a few days prior to your appointment so it is not too long.
- Gentle physical exfoliation helps remove dead hairs, unclog pores and help your treatment go more smoothly. Please exfoliate one-two times per week up to the week prior to your appointment. Gentle exfoliation, using a gentle physical product (not chemical) or a regular, gentle soap and wash cloth or exfoliating cloth. Do not scrub or rub hard, this should not cause abbrasions on your skin, this is to remove dead, dry skin, loosen ingrown hairs, and allow your skin to better accept moisturizer. Do not use Apricot Scrub. An exfoliating product should have rounded beads, never sharp or gritty.
Health & skin status
Please tell your electrologist if any medications or medical conditions have changed.
If you have any active skin conditions, illness, or have had any invasive treatments, laser, microderm, chemical exfoliation or "peel" treatments in the area, please reschedule your appointment to allow your skin to fully heal.
24-48 hours before your appointment
- Avoid exfoliants or irritating products on the area being treated (scrubs, exfoliants, acids, peels, fragranced products).
- Continue using moisturizer. Well-hydrated, well-moisturized skin supports a more comfortable and effective treatment.
- Stay well-hydrated internally by drinking water.
- Avoid tanning/sun exposure 48 hours prior.
Day of your appointment
- Arrive with clean, moisturized skin. Please do not wear makeup on the area being treated.
- Make sure to eat prior to your appointment. This can help support comfort levels and pain tolerance during treatment.
- Avoid stimulants if you're sensitive (commonly advised: caffeine, chocolate, sugar) because they may increase sensitivity for some people.
- Wear comfortable clothing, especially for longer sessions and/or body treatments.
Pain Management Policy
Electrolysis sensations vary based on treatment area, hair type, skin sensitivity, and individual tolerance. Your comfort is important to us, and we are happy to discuss pain-management options with you.
Topical numbing
- Topical numbing products are permitted.
- Please follow all product directions closely, including application time and amount.
- Inform your electrologist of the exact product you are using prior to treatment.
We carry Zensa and LMX topical numbing creams, available for purchase. These need to be applied typically 30-60 minutes prior to your appointment.
Prescription options
- If additional pain management is needed, speak with your medical provider about prescription-strength topical anesthetic options.
- Any prescription product must be used exactly as directed and disclosed to your electrologist before treatment.
Important notes
- Overuse or improper use of numbing agents can affect skin response and safety.
- We reserve the right to modify or reschedule treatment if numbing products have been applied incorrectly or if skin integrity is compromised.
If you have questions about comfort, timing, or product selection, please reach out prior to your appointment - we're happy to help you plan.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
What's normal after electrolysis
You may have redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, "pin-point" crusting and/or tiny scabs in treated follicles. Your skin may feel like a mild sunburn for a few days. These reactions are usually temporary and are part of the normal healing process. Some of these reactions last longer on mid to lower body areas due to circulation. Some clients experience breakouts, this can be due to using improper products on the area, keeping it covered with too fitted clothing, or touching the area. Keeping your skin clean and allowing it to heal helps your treatments be more productive.
First 24-48 hours
Don't
- Exercise/heavy sweating, saunas, steam rooms.
- Swimming, hot tubs, baths, or soaking of the treated area.
- Direct sun exposure.
- Makeup on freshly treated skin.
- Avoid touching/rubbing/scratching the area treated.
- Exfoliating until the skin has calmed (wait at least 3-5 days).
- Avoid any ointments, or heavy creams for 48 hours.
Do
- Wear loose, breathable clothing for body treatments to avoid friction or smothering the skin.
- If facial work was performed, use a clean pillowcase the first night to reduce irritation and bacteria exposure.
- Wash the area with a gentle cleanser, hands or gentle washcloth only (No loofah, scrubbies or other rough materials,) pat dry with a clean towel, use witch hazel or astringent, and follow with a light, hydrating moisturizer or Aloe Vera gel.
Scabbing / crusting care
- Do not pick scabs or crusts. Picking can increase the risk of scarring or pigmentation changes.
- If the area feels tight, itchy, or uncomfortable, a warm compress with gentle pressing (not rubbing) may provide relief and support natural healing.
Product "OK" list
- Pure aloe vera gel (fragrance-free).
- Witch hazel (if tolerated; discontinue if stinging occurs).
- Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer (as directed).
- Mineral SPF once the skin has calmed - after 24 hours (wait up to 60 hours if irritation or tenderness lingers).
Your electrologist may have further suggestions based on your consultation, and/or post treatment reactions. Always follow your electrologists suggestions in order to support optimal treatment results.
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