Is electrolysis right for you?

Fighting unwanted hair growth is a long-standing challenging that’s been met with countless beauty products and services for generations. People of all genders spend time each week removing hair whether it’s by shaving, tweezing, waxing, or other methods.

And all that effort results in hours and dollars we’d rather not be bothered to count.

When all we really want is to just stop dealing with the hair!

So now you’re thinking of embarking on something more permanent. Maybe a friend told you about electrolysis, or you stumbled upon it yourself when aimlessly scrolling one night when you couldn’t sleep.

But is electrolysis the hair removal option for you?

In today’s post we’re walking through 6 different questions you want to ask yourself to help determine if electrolysis is the right solution for your unwanted hair:

1. What level of permanence are you looking for?

2. What is your pain tolerance?

3. How long are you willing to commit for?

4. What skin and hair color combination do you have on the area you’d like to work on?

5. What is your budget?

So let’s jump right into it!

Is electrolysis the right hair removal treatment for you?

What is electrolysis?

First let’s cover the basics. Whether this is the first time you’ve heard of electrolysis, or the 50th, we’ll all be on the same page.

Electrolysis is the only FDA recognized method of truly permanent hair removal. This method uses a very small needle-like probe that follows a single hair into into the hair follicle (that means there is no piercing of the skin) and uses an electrical current, heat, or a combination to kill the cells that produce the hair, and therefore stop new hair from growing.

Electrolysis has been a long standing treatment for permanent hair removal since its discovery in the late 1800’s.

While we don’t have as long of a history in our salon in Cedar Rapids (who does!), Teresa does has decades of experience. She has been providing electrolysis since the 90’s and is an expert electrologist in the area.

Question 1: What level of permanence are you looking for?

We all know that our at-home hair removal methods are just temporary. And many opt for extending their results with waxing or tweezing. But that still gives you just a few weeks, max.

What about laser treatments? Whether at home or at a laser hair removal treatment clinic?

According to the FDA, laser hair removal equipment is categorized as “permanent reduction”. While electrolysis is categorized as “permanent removal”.

Anecdotally, individuals report a mixed bag of results when it comes to laser hair removal, largely depending on the provider. So if you’re looking for a laser provider, make sure to gather personal recommendations and read reviews.

So determine for yourself what level of permanence you’re looking for. Is a permanent reduction enough for the area you’re seeking to treat? Or do you want to be confident of complete hair eradication? If you prefer the latter, then electrolysis is the choice for you in the permanence category.

Question 2: What is your pain tolerance?

No pain, no gain, right?

This does unfortunately apply to electrolysis, at least to a point.

Clients report a range of pain, or simply discomfort, when undergoing electrolysis treatment.

The treatment itself consists mainly of 3 steps: 1) the probe insertion, 2) the heat or electricity application, 3) the hair extraction.

The probe insertion does not cause any pain as the probe is being inserted into the hair follicle, a hole that is already present in the skin, and is therefor not piercing the skin. The hair extraction is also painless with nothing more than a light tugging sensation. There may be just the occasional “pluck”. The application of the electricity or heat is the step that will provide the most sensation. Different people react to this sensation differently, but at best, it is uncomfortable.

If you typically have a high pain tolerance, you may not have much to worry about. But even if you have a lower pain tolerance, hope is not lost if you’re highly motivated. Treatment sessions are set based on your pain tolerance, so you don’t have to have an entire hour, or even half hour of treatment.

Ultimately, you won’t be able to find out how much you can tolerate electrolysis treatment without giving it a try yourself. At an electrolysis consultation, ask your provider if you can experience a sample of the treatment. Most will be happy to oblige.

Then you can confidently determine if the pain or discomfort from electrolysis is enough to eliminate it from your hair removal options.

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Question 3: How long are you willing to commit for?

Electrolysis is a long game, and you need to be in it for the long-haul if you want the final result: no more hair.

But in exchange of a long-term commitment, you achieve truly permanent hair removal. (Although we hope that’s not the last time we see you! Be sure to come back for our skincare products and skincare treatments like our popular acne facials.)

How long of a commitment are we talking about?

This comes down to the size of the area you want to treat and the hair density of that area.

For example, working on eyebrows or separating a unibrow will take much less time than treating entire legs.

If you’re treating a large area like the leg or back, you will be visiting your electrolysis regularly for up to 1.5-2 years. Treating a small area like eyebrows can take just a number weeks to months. These time frames of course depend on each treatment duration and your treatment frequency.

Additionally, your hair density can be very different from the next person’s. So how long it will take to complete the treatment of one area will be different from how long it takes another client treating the same area. This is because electrolysis is done by treating each individual hair one at a time. While this means that it can take a long time to achieve a large area or if you have dense hair growth, it is also what ensures 100% hair removal of that area.

But regardless of what area you’re treating or how many treatments you ultimately will need, the point is that in order to achieve true complete permanent hair removal, you need to commit to the complete process. If you’re willing to do that, electrolysis could be for you!

Question 4: What area of skin do you want to work on?

some areas are more sensitive than others, some electrologists only work on certain areas (like our salon)

As eluded to in the previous section, you can perform electrolysis on a variety of areas: legs, back, underarm, eyebrows, beard line, hairline, knuckles, chin, and face.

What you want to keep in mind is that some areas are more sensitive to work on than others. For example, you may be able to tolerate longer electrolysis sessions on the leg better than on your knuckles. So talk with your electrologist about the area you want to treat and how sensitive it may be to treat. This is a great conversation to have during your initial consultation.

Secondly, not all electrologists work on all areas. In our Cedar Rapids salon, we do not work on private areas or bikini lines. This is a personal preference of the treatment provider, so you may need to shop around if you’re seeking treatment on a particularly intimate area.

Question 5: What skin and hair color combination do you have on the area you’d like to work on?

Do you have light skin with dark hair? Dark skin and dark hair? Light skin and light hair?

Electrology is good fit for any skin/hair color combination. It even works for those hair or skin color which laser does not.

Laser hair removal targets the hair by targeting the melanin, the compound that gives hair and skin its color, present inside the hair. If your hair doesn’t have much melanin to target, like with grey, blond, or red hair, the laser will have a very hard time targeting those hairs.

If your skin is darker, then the opposite problem occurs. Due to the additional melanin present in the skin, the laser will target the skin itself which can be damaging.

In either case, laser isn’t a good option for you.

Electrolysis, however, is more precise as it targets one single specific hair at a time. It works on any color of hair, and there is no difference in treatment results whether you have darker or lighter skin. So regardless of your color of hair or skin, electrolysis can work for you.

Question 6: What is your budget?

How much electrolysis costs will depend on your number of treatments and length of those treatments. And as discussed under question 3, this is based on the size of the area you want to treat, and your specific density of hair.

For example, working on a small area like eyebrows or knuckles will cost much less than treating your entire back.

And when considering hair density, your cost of treating one area will be different from another client’s cost from treating the same area.

For a rough idea, electrolysis is charged by the duration of a treatment session. And in our salon, we offer treatments in 5 minute increments (15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, and so on). At the time of this writing, sessions average $1.30-$2.00 a minute, with the lower rates corresponding to longer sessions (kind of like getting a bulk discount).

One thing to consider when thinking about your budget, is how much you’re spending on your hair removal now. Shaving, waxing, etc., aren’t free and come with a cost of their own. Moreover, it’s a cost that will only end when you decide to live with the hair that comes back.

In contrast, electrolysis is a cost that ends when all the hair is gone and then does not return. You will not incur that cost repeatedly, unlike with temporary hair removal options. So when you pay for electrolysis, you’re exchanging not only what you’re spending now for your hair removal, but what you will continue to spend for the years to come using temporary methods.

SO Who is a good candidate for electrolysis?

In summary of our questions and discussions above, who is a good fit for electrolysis?

• If you have unwanted hair on your face or body

• If you’re looking for permanent removal over permanent reduction of hair

• You have a decent pain tolerance, or are willing to exchange the discomfort for permanent results

• If you are committed to the treatment process for the long-term in order to achieve completed results

• If you have any color of skin or hair

• If you are willing to trade the expense of repeated temporary hair removal for the finite cost of permanent removal

If you answered yes to all of these statements, then you are a great candidate for electrolysis!

If you’re located in Eastern Iowa and ready to get started, then give us a call or schedule your first appointment online to get started.

And Who isn’t a good candidate for electrolysis?

And conversely, who isn’t the best fit for electrolysis and may want to consider other methods of hair removal?

• You value treatment speed over 100% permanent hair removal

• If you’re very pain sensitive

• If you’re looking for a quick hair removal solution

• If you prefer the lower cost of temporary solutions repeated as long as you want to remove the hair

• If you have certain medical conditions or are undergoing certain medical treatments

If any of the statements above apply to you, you may not be the best candidate for electrolysis. But it’s not a guarantee, so consider speaking directly with an electrologist to see if your situation is a good fit for electrolysis. Our electrolysis consultations in Cedar Rapids are completely free and come with no further booking obligations.

Conclusion

How did you do with our questions? Were you able to determine if electrolysis is right for you?

If you need some more personal insight, then as a next step, we’d recommend setting up a 1-on-1 consultation with an electrologist to further answer your questions and perhaps provide a sample of treatment. Then you can decide once and for all if electrolysis is the end-all-be-all treatment for you.

Further Reading:

• What’s the difference between laser hair removal and electrolysis?

• How do you choose an electrolysis?

• How to prepare for your electrolysis hair removal appointment

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Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:

Teresa Dove

Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.

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How to choose an electrologist

So, you’ve just moved to a new city! You’ve unpacked the necessities, but are still partially living out of boxes. The immediate chaos of the move has calmed, and you have a chance to look around and realize -- you need a new plumber. And car mechanic, handyman, go-to coffee shop, and not least of all, someone to pick up where your last tech left off with your electrolysis treatments.

Or you’re finally done dealing with regular hair removal. The waxing, the tweezing, the shaving, the bleaching… You’re ready for a more long-term solution, and have decided that electrolysis is the permanent hair removal treatment for you. Now it’s time to get started!

All of us are very familiar with the trial and error that ensues when we’re looking for a new service provider, whether it’s a hair stylist or a handyman.  

But this is your skin we’re talking about!
It’s not exactly like fixing a bad paint job in your living room.

So to help you get you to a winning tech the first time, here is how to find your first, or next, electrologist.

How to Choose the Right Electrologist

Why is it important to choose the right electrologist?

Well, to be blunt - you want your treatments to be effective so you can achieve your hair removal goals, and you don’t want to cause avoidable damage to your skin. So, you want to be sure you’re taking the time to search for and find a good electrolysis technician to avoid these less-than-ideal outcomes. Who wants to blindly choose a mechanic to later find that your oil did not, in fact, stop leaking?

Not to mention, electrolysis treatments can often be costly, especially when you add up all your sessions over weeks and months of treatment. So just like anything else, we want to be sure we’re getting the most “bang for our buck”.

If your electrolysis tech isn’t using proper technique, your minutes and hours in the chair might not be working very well. 

How does this happen? 

Performing electrolysis correctly and skillfully involves choosing the right kind and amount of current for each type of skin and hair. Some hair is more coarse, some skin is more delicate. These different attributes require a precise and catered approach to the electrolysis treatment. Mismatching the needed electrical current and the kind of hair being treated can result in less-optimal results, or worse.

It all comes down to education, experience, and skills, which we'll talk about more in a later section.

That being said, it is important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, and some individuals are more prone to different types of reactions to their electrolysis treatment than others. A good electrologist will talk you through this and explain what you can expect post-treatment.

Personal Recommendations & Reviews

The first place many of us turn to when searching for anything new, is to our friends and family for personal experience and recommendations. This is a great way to fast filter to service providers who may already be a close fit for you. Then you’ll start your search with a ready-made shortlist you can further research and meet for consultations.

Don’t have anyone in your circle to give you personalized electrologist recommendations? Public reviews are the next best thing. Some electrologists or electrology salons have reviews curated on their websites, although it’s always a good idea to check the more public, not editable sources like Google and Facebook.

You may want to consider taking these accounts in with a grain of salt. They sometimes lack context, and one person’s experience doesn’t guarantee your experience.

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Read reviews for
Professional Image Enhancement

Education & Experience

Electrology is a regulated industry in many, if not all, states. So you’ll want to make yourself familiar with what the education requirements and necessary licenses are to practice electrology in your state. Understanding this can help you check if a particular tech or clinic meets all those requirements and if they are up to date with any continuing education. This is one of the most important steps in choosing your electrologist as quality education can be the difference between a good and bad treatment experience.

Another element to consider is not only if they have the proper education, but how experienced they are. Typically the electrologist’s website will state how many years they have been in business and practicing electrolysis. If this information is absent, you can always ask during your consultation, or simply reach out to them via whatever contact method they provide (phone, email, social media, contact form, etc.).

Here at Professional Image Enhancement, owner Teresa has been performing electrolysis since 1995!

And while a number of years of experience can be important to consider, it’s more about the technician's education.

Experience teaches a lot, but what’s more vital is the accuracy of the tech who performs the electrolysis and their level of expertise.

An electrologist should be well informed on the ins and outs of the process of electrolysis, how it works, why it works, and other contributing factors. Techs should be aware of the initial causes of unwanted hair growth. It could be genetics, it could be a symptom of hormone imbalances or of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In some cases, some medications can be to blame for increased hair growth. The causes of unwanted hair are an important element of the whole client profile. You want an electrologist that is aware of, understands, and considers all the different causes of unwanted hair, regardless of how long they’ve been practicing.

Additionally, treating different hair types on different areas of the body requires a thorough understanding of how to correctly choose the level of current and size of needle for a specific job to achieve the desired results. A good tech will know how much electricity each hair will absorb, as not all hair will absorb the same amount.

A good electrolysis will also know the consequences of different hair removal methods a client has regularly used in the past on the process of electrolysis, and appropriately warn their client of possible negative consequences. Repeatedly plucking or waxing the hair will result in ingrown hairs, which can have a greater risk of injuring the skin. This is a conversation a well-educated electrology professional will have with you.

If the tech has the proper education and licensing, is clear on the process of electrolysis, can explain things to you in an informed and confident way, and can answer all your questions and concerns, don’t be afraid to visit a newly practicing electrologist.

Cleanliness & Sterilization

In line with education requirements held by various boards and states across the country, there are also cleanliness and sterilization requirements that electrologists and electrology clinics are held to. Electrology is a service that deals with the body, and uses needles, so beyond requirements, you want an electrologist who takes sterilization seriously for the genuine protection of their clients.

Any electrologist should be cleaning and sanitizing their work areas between each client.

This includes the chair the client sits in for treatment, either by cleaning with an appropriately graded disinfectant, and/or by replacing protective paper.

Tools and equipment should also be fresh and sterilized for each new client. Tweezers, needles, and gloves should be changed for each appointment. Needles and gloves should never be reused, and tweezers should be sanitized in an autoclave before their next use. And of course, especially after our collective experience with COVID-19, your technician should be washing their hands before beginning your appointment.

Don’t be afraid to ask the electrologist about their cleaning and sterilization procedures.

Any good practicing technician will be happy to share with you the ways they are keeping your health a top priority.

Personal Relationship

Electrology is a personal service, and like many other personal services (think hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians, doctors, dermatologists, chiropractors, dentists, etc.), you’re going to be spending a sum of hours and hours with this person one-on-one. In addition, these service providers are often helping us with things that many consider to be quite personal.

So, naturally, we want to feel comfortable with our provider. They should feel like someone we can build trust and a positive relationship with.

How do you find out if you will feel comfortable with a particular electrologist? This really isn’t something you can learn from only looking at a provider’s website or their reviews, although that can help. You need to meet, and spend a bit of time with the provider. Another reason why an in-person consultation is so important.

Comfort comes down to various things you can consider when meeting a potential electrologist.

• Do they make you feel welcome when you arrive?

• Are they kind and caring?

• Does their presence make you feel comfortable? Safe?

• Do they create a space that is free of judgment?

Yes, a lot of this is very subjective, and difficult to define. But just think back to various new people you’ve met over the course of your life. Most certainly some made you feel more comfortable or at ease than others. Sometimes it can’t be helped, and it really comes down to who you “vibe” with best, and this can only be discovered by meeting your potential electrologist.

In-Person Consultation

Most electrologists and electrology clinics offer consultations for new clients, even if those clients have had electrolysis done elsewhere before. In fact, it may be required before actual treatment can begin. And in some cases, you will find this informative consultation is even complementary and has no obligations for you to book any treatment sessions. 

An in-person consultation offers the opportunity for a new, or potential, client of electrolysis to meet the technician, learn about the electrolysis process, how it works, the kinds of results you might expect, and to help you determine if electrolysis is the right permanent hair removal option for you. This is a chance for you to come with all of your questions and concerns about electrolysis treatment and to receive personal, expert answers from a practicing professional. 

An initial consultation can also give you the opportunity to have a small session of electrolysis to experience the treatment for yourself. This will help you determine your level of pain tolerance, and consequently what length of sessions you are able to do. Once you know this, the electrologist can give you a better idea of how long it will take to reach your hair removal goals.

This is also a great time to ask about the electrologist’s education and experience. Especially any specific experience that directly relates to the kind of hair removal you’re seeking. For example, shaping eyebrows requires additional skills and training to do well. And working on coarse beard hair vs more fine, delicate hairs requires equally different settings and technique.

Finally, this is a chance to meet and get to know your possible electrologist, and see if you get along well and feel comfortable with them.

Specific questions about electrolysis? Call Teresa at Professional Image Enhancement at (319) 373-9596.

To help you be prepared and to make the most of your initial consultation, we’ve curated a list of questions to ask during your consultation.

Questions to ask at your initial electrolysis consultation:

• What is your education? Do you have [appropriate license for your area]?

• Can you spend some time walking me through the process of the electrolysis treatment and it works?

• What is the healing process like, and what should I expect after treatment? 

• What can I do to help the healing process?

• Do you work on [specific hair removal area of interest]?

• How much experience do you have with [specific type of electrolysis you’re looking for] OR [your specific hair removal situation]?

• Could you take a few minutes to walk me through your cleaning and sanitizing procedures, both before and after a client’s treatment?

• If they have a negative review that has you concerned: I’m really interested in your service, but I came across your review that mentions [XYZ complaint]. Could you shed some light on this situation and share why this should or shouldn’t be a concern for me?

• What are the modalities you use, and what would you recommend for my hair removal goals?

• Would we be able to try a few minutes of electrolysis [on area of interest, eg., chin, knuckles, back, upper lip, armpit]?

• These are my hair removal goals: ___. Given my pain tolerance during our test session and your experience, what treatment plan would you put together for me, and how long would you predict I could reach my goal? I understand that this is only a prediction and could change with time.

• What are the things you want all of your clients to understand about electrolysis?

• Are there any concerns you have or anything else I should know about regarding my treatment?

• What can I do to ensure I have a positive electrolysis experience?

Time to find your electrologist!

Now you are prepared to go out and find an electrologist that’s the perfect fit for you. If you still have electrolysis questions of your own, schedule an electrolysis consultation with Teresa at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.

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Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:

Teresa Dove

Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.

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Electrolysis Hair Removal After-Care

Congratulations!

You've completed your first electrolysis appointment! Your skin will likely be sensitive after undergoing electrolysis hair removal and will require some special care. You may experience symptoms ranging from slight irritation, sensitivity, or soreness to redness, small bumps, and minor swelling. These are all normal and expected symptoms, particularly if this has been your first treatment. Redness and swelling usually disappear in an hour or two but can last longer.  Other symptoms should clear up after one or two days, but if they persist, please reach out to us.

The following instructions are a helpful guideline for the first 48 hours after treatment.

• After an electrolysis treatment, the follicles in the treated area will be open and susceptible to bacteria, so it's very important to keep the area clean. Use a facial cleanser, and minimize contact with the area. Feel free to use your regular moisturizer. We can give you advice on specific products to use.

• Depending on where the electrolysis is done on the body, there may be some minor scabbing - do not pick them off. This is normal and they will go away in a few days.

• Avoid the sun and consistently wear a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. Do not go tanning or get a sunburn on the treated area for at least 2 days.

• Wait 24 hours to apply makeup on the treated area. Avoid makeup that may cause clogged pores (look for non-comedogenic), and do not use powder for 48 hours.

• If you experience any swelling, use ice on the area to bring it down.

• Use aloe or cortisone if desired to promote healing and to keep the area moisturized. You may apply an antibiotic cream at night if desired.

If you have any unusual reactions, are concerned by something you're seeing, or have any questions related to your treatment, please give us a call at (319) 373-9596.
 

What's the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal, and how do you choose the best one for you?

Most people have heard of laser hair removal, but electrolysis tends to be less familiar. You might be aware that it is also a form of hair removal, but what is the difference between electrolysis and laser, and how do you choose the right one for you? The answers come from the how and the for how long.

How Does Laser Hair Removal work?

Laser hair removal uses a device that treats an area of the skin using a laser targeting the melanin - or dark pigment - in the hair follicle. Once the laser penetrates the skin, it turns into heat and that heat will then damage the follicle. Multiple treatments over the same area of hair and skin are required before the hair eventually falls out on its own due to the follicle damage.

How Does Electrolysis Hair Removal Work?

Electrolysis is done with a small needle the width of a single human hair, and is preformed one hair at a time using heat, electricity, or a combination of both. The heat and/or electricity targets the hair follicle specifically, and effectively kills it. The hair is then removed with tweezers (there may be a small tugging, but it shouldn't feel like a pluck). Once that single hair has been removed, it doesn't need to be re-treated, and it will not grow back.

How long does laser hair removal last?

According to the FDA, laser hair removal can only be described as permanent reduction of the hair as opposed to full permanent hair removal. Some clients notice some hair regrowth months or years after their final treatment. 

How long does electrolysis hair removal last?

Electrolysis on the other hand is truly 100% permanent removal of the hair. When the heat/electricity attack the follicle, the hair is truly dead and will not grow back. And since electrolysis treats each hair individually, it can reach that 100%.

How to choose between electrolysis and laser hair removal

What is your skin tone?

Because the lasers used in laser hair removal treatments target the melanin (or color) in the hair, it isn't always suitable for clients with darker skin tones. The laser can't tell the difference between the melanin in the hair and the melanin in the skin. So those with darker complexions could experience burning on their skin.

Darker skin tones --> Electrolysis
Lighter skin tones --> Laser or Electrolysis

What color is the hair you want to remove?

This again comes back to laser hair removal targeting melanin. Blonde, white, or grey hair does not have much - if any - melanin. This makes it difficult or impossible for lasers to find the hair and therefore remove it. 

Darker hair color --> Laser or Electrolysis
Lighter hair color --> Electrolysis

There have been advancements in the world of lasers, and there are some new machines that claim they can perform laser hair removal on all skin tones or on all hair colors, but make sure to do your research and ask for testimonials from people with similar characteristics as you. The laser hair removal treatment specialist will also do a test patch on your skin.

Where do you want the hair removal performed?

Laser hair removal treats multiple hairs at once and can cover larger areas in a short amount of time, but can be less precise. And since it uses lasers that our eyes are very sensitive to, it's not recommended for eyebrows. With electrolysis treating one single hair at a time, it can be used to treat small detail areas of the face, including the eyebrows. You of course could also use electrolysis to treat large areas of the body; you would just need to be prepared for a longer commitment.

Large areas (eg. legs, arms, back) --> Laser or Electrolysis
Detail areas, including eyebrows --> Electrolysis

What level of permanence are you looking for?

As stated above, laser offers permanent reduction of hair growth, with some clients experiencing grow back even after their final treatment. Electrolysis, however, gives truly permanent hair removal. Some clients are still satisfied with significant reduction of the hair and 100% removal isn't as important to them. Electrolysis can also be an option post laser hair removal to remove those hairs regrowing.

Permanent reduction --> Laser
Permanent removal --> Electrolysis

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We hope laying out these questions help you to decide if laser hair removal or electrolysis hair removal is the best choice for you. And of course, you could always do a combination of the two. Electrolysis for your eyebrows and chin, while using laser for your legs. To receive a free consultation, call or email us, or submit an appointment request from our website.

6 easy steps you need to take before your electrolysis appointment

You've done research on permanent hair removal, and perhaps you've even tried other treatments, like laser hair removal. Now you've made the decision to embark on electrolysis as your permanent hair removal solution. Now the question becomes, "How do I prepare for my electrolysis appointment?" Each salon may have different preparation suggestions, so these are the steps we tell our clients to take before their appointment.

How to Prepare for your Electrolysis Treatment

1. Come for a consultation:

   The very first step in the electrolysis journey is an electrolysis consultation. It's at this consultation where we'll discuss the process of the electrolysis treatment in depth, and how exactly it works to permanently remove hair. We'll discuss any concerns you may have and answer any lingering questions. Our electrolysis consultations in our Cedar Rapids salon are absolutely free and last 15-30 minutes. If you'd like to schedule yours, request an appointment online, or call our salon at (319) 373-9596.
   

2. Drink up:

   Well-hydrated skin can help the treatment be more comfortable. It's also better at conducting the electrical currents used in treatment. So drink plenty of water the week leading up to, and especially the day before your appointment. Try to avoid things that will dehydrate your skin, such as caffeine and alcohol.
   

3. Stop the pluck: 

   Refrain from short-term hair removal methods leading up to your appointment. Avoid plucking or waxing for 2-3 weeks before, and avoid shaving for 3-5 days before your electrolysis appointment. In order for the needle to follow the hair follicle and more easily remove the hair, there needs to be at least 1/8th of an inch of hair above the surface of the skin. 
   

4. Come as you are:

   Don't worry about coming with naked skin (no makeup, deodorants, lotions, or creams); Teresa will do all necessary skin prep for the treatment. The only products you should avoid before your appointment would be anything with strong ingredients that might cause irritation during the treatment, such as a prescription retinol. Tell us what products you're using, and we'll let you know if irritation might be a concern.
   

5. Prep for the pain:

   Yes, electrolysis can be a little uncomfortable. Everyone has their own reaction to pain and has different levels of pain tolerance. The sensation from electrolysis is often compared to that of plucking the hair or a small pinching feeling. If you know you have a lower tolerance for pain and are worried about feeling pain during your treatment, we recommend taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever about 30 minutes to an hour before your appointment. Before the treatment we also treat the area with a mild numbing agent to help manage any other pain. We'll do everything we can to make the process as comfortable as possible, so please let us know what you're feeling throughout the treatment.
   

6. Have open communication: 

   Finally, if you need to cancel or reschedule, remember to call or email us at least 24 hours ahead of time so someone else may have the opportunity to take your slot 😉

Now you're prepped, ready, and (hopefully) excited for your electrolysis appointment! Of course if you have any additional questions or concerns, please give us a call - (319) 373-9596. We hope to see you soon!

Ready for your next electrolysis session? Request your appointment at our Cedar Rapids salon on our website, or by calling us at (319) 373-9596.

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MEET YOUR CEDAR RAPIDS SKINCARE & ELECTROLYSIS SPECIALIST:

Teresa Dove

Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.

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