How to take care of yourself before your treatment

DRINK WATER.

Drink lots of water before, the day of, and the day after your appointment. It is very important to come to your appointment fully hydrated. Hydrated follicles will ensure a more effective treatment since electrolysis works by using the water content in the follicle. Dehydrated follicles are much more difficult to treat—the overall process will take longer and be less effective.

WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES.

Come to your appointment dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. If getting breast work done, a button-down top is appropriate. Proper draping technique is used for the client’s personal privacy and comfort.

SHOWER.

Please arrive with clean skin prior to any electrolysis work. Areas such as genitals and underarms can give off an unpleasant smell if unclean. In such case, your electrologist will kindly ask you to reschedule your appointment. Your electrologist has the right to refuse services, and you will be charged in full for the missed appointment. Repeated uncleanliness will result in cancellation of your contract.

TRIM HAIR.

 Please trim (do not shave) the treatment area on the day of your appointment. This can easily be done with a pair of clippers. If you do decide to shave the area, be sure to do so at least a few days prior to your appointment, allowing for enough hair growth for the tweezers to grab. Keeping hair trimmed makes it easier to access the hair follicle.

AVOID CAFFEINE.

Avoid stimulants, such as coffee, until after your appointment. If you can’t go the whole day until you’re appointment, please avoid it for the 4 hours before your appointment. Caffein will make you more sensitive and the higher your pain tolerance, the more effective your treatment will be. It is best to work as close to your pain threshold as possible for the most effective treatment.

AVOID SUN.

Avoid sun exposure 48 hours prior to your appointment. Exposing the treatment area to direct sunlight will dilate your blood vessels and will lengthen your recovery time. Sunburnt skin will not be treated. 

AVOID RETINOIDS.

Do not use Retin-A or any topical retinoid while receiving regular electrolysis treatments. Accutane should be discontinued for at least 6 months prior to your first appointment. Using retinoids while having electrolysis treatments can result in permanent pigment changes and scarring.

How to take care of your skin after treatment

DO NOT TOUCH THE TREATED AREA.

Bacteria is everywhere and on everything, so never touch the treated area unless hands are thoroughly washed. Touching your skin with unwashed hands will cause you to break out.

DO NOT SCRATCH. 

It is normal for your skin to feel itchy for a few days following your treatment…but resist the urge to scratch! If you do scratch, it can create tiny cuts in the skin, and bacteria from your nails could enter the cuts and cause infection. Not to mention, scratching will only cause more inflammation to the treated area, which means it will take longer to heal.

DO NOT PICK ANY SCABS. 

Picking at scabs can cause permanent scarring! Light scabbing is often a natural part of the healing process. Scabs are lymph fluid that has drained from the treated hair follicle and dried at the surface. If scabs do appear, allow them to fall off on their own. Using an antibiotic cream on the area for a few days after treatment can help prevent scabs from forming. You should also keep the treated area clean and moisturized.

APPLY A COLD COMPRESS.

Use an icepack on the treated area to help reduce swelling and inflammation.

STAY OUT OF THE SUN. 

Immediately after treatment, you must avoid going in the sun for at least 48 hours to prevent abnormal pigmentation. Sunscreen is always a good idea—but it’s even more important to apply while your skin heals to protect against UV damage. 

AVOID HOT TUBS, SAUNAS, AND POOLS.

Avoid hot water for the first 48 hours after treatment, while your pores are open and your skin is healing.

DON’T GET SWEATY.

Avoid strenuous exercise or any other activity that might cause excess sweating for the first 48 hours, since this could cause bacteria to enter the treated follicles and lead to a breakout.

GO MAKEUP-FREE.

Do not apply makeup for at least 24-48 hours after getting electrolysis, to further help you avoid breakouts. 

DO NOT SHAVE.

Avoid shaving the treated area for at least 24-48 hours after being treated. For optimal results, do not shave between appointments. 

AVOID ASTRINGENTS.

Avoid using any harsh products until your skin is fully healed. This includes perfumes, acne medications, astringents, or anything products with an alcohol base—all of which will dry out your skin. Witch hazel is recommended to cleanse the skin, and can also be used as a toner.

DO NOT TWEEZE OR PLUCK.

Tweezing hair causes trauma inside the follicle, supplying the follicle with a nutritious blood source and resulting in deeper, thicker regrowth. (Remember, some regrowth is to be expected because electrolysis is a progressive process.)

MAINTAIN A REGULAR TREATMENT SCHEDULE.

Sticking to a regular electrolysis maintenance schedule or treatment plan is extremely important. If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, trim or (if you must) shave, but be sure to let the hair grow out long enough to grab the hairs with a pair of tweezers before the next appointment.