FAQ
The Answers You Need
IS ELECTROLYSIS REALLY PERMANENT?
Yes! Electrolysis is the only FDA approved PERMANENT hair removal method. Unlike laser (hair reduction therapy), electrolysis will permanently kill the hair follicles of every hair we treat. It has proven results for the last 140 years. The process involves inserting a tiny, microscopic like probe into the hair follicle shaft and emitting a sufficient electrical current that will destroy the follicle and its ability to regrow or support new hair growth.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELECTROLYSIS AND LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal uses pulses of light therapy to emit high heat radiation to reduce or stop hair growth. While laser is suitable for the majority of body areas, medical professionals do not recommend its use for the eye area (under brow) to avoid risks of retinal burn or permanent damage to the eye. Laser can also have other serious side affects to the skin such as burning, scarring, hypo- or hyper- pigmentation, blistering, skin crusting, and changes to skin texture. Traditionally laser has the best results with clients that possess the combination of lightly pigmented skin and darkly pigmented hair, not being able to provide results to patrons outside of this category, and sometimes even to patrons that do fall within the ideal combination of attributes. Although laser is a somewhat "faster" technique per each session as it treats a square inch (or size of a quarter) per pulse, it is often more costly upfront and often locks a client into a payment contract with varied results that are not guaranteed.
Electrolysis involves inserting a small probe into the hair follicle and destroying its ability to regrow by electric current. Electrolysis is able to treat any color of hair, on any color of skin tone, anywhere on the body (except for the inside of the nostril and deep inside the ear canal.) This method is slightly more laborious per session, as the electrologist has to treat each single hair follicle, but is able to provide permanent results. As this is a highly customizable service, because every individual is unique, the client is able to pay as you go per session. Electrolysis does have possible side affects as well, such as pinpoint scabbing, rare hypo- or hyperpigmentation, and scarring if the treated area is picked at. These risks are atypical, and if post treatment instructions are followed, do not result in any lasting effects.
DOES ELECTROLYSIS HURT?
The sensation of electrolysis is tolerable for the majority of people. The level of discomfort is relative to the body area being treated and per each individual person’s tolerance. Most people describe it as a small pinch, tiny shock, or hair pluck type sensation, but we also offer the MNG method which is able to deliver results at a lower intensity, similar to slow warming. This method is preferred for sensitive areas like the bikini line, and clients who prefer a more gentle method. Although pain is the single greatest drawback to electrolysis, “A painless treatment is probably a worthless treatment”, in the words of Arthur A. Hinkel. If pain is a concern for you, we recommend taking a normal dose of pain reliever thirty minutes prior to treatment. You can also apply a topical anesthetic to the area an hour before your appointment to lessen the treatment intensity. The actual pain level will vary on an individual basis. At the bottom of the FAQs is an illustration charting general treatment area intensities.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL IT TAKE TO PERMANENTLY REMOVE MY HAIR, AND HOW LONG ARE TREATMENTS?
The number and length of treatments necessary to achieve your desired results vary with each client. Treatment session times can range from fifteen minutes to more than an hour depending on the area being treated. Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair present, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, certain medications, and stress all influence each individual client’s treatment program. The AVERAGE time for full completion, without hormonal influences, is 18 months.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR ELECTROLYSIS?
Any person is a good candidate for electrolysis as it can permanently remove any color of hair on any skin color or tone.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS/RISKS?
As with all medical procedures, there are certain risks involved, such as the chance of resulting skin irritation, infection, bruising, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. There will be a procedure during which time there will likely be some transient redness and/or swelling, tiny bruises, and occasional pinpoint scabbing. Since electrolysis does break the skin barrier to bacteria, the chance of infection, which can cause scarring or other complications, is increased.
It is critical that you carefully follow post treatment care instructions to help minimize any complications from your procedure including:
-Do not touch or scratch the area treated to avoid transferring bacteria and causing a breakout.
-Do not wash or wear make-up over the treated area for 24 hours.
-Avoid the sun for the next 72 hours to avoid the formation of pigment spots. ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN.
-If small scabs appear, do not scratch them away. This can cause scarring. Allow them to fall off naturally.
HOW MUCH DOES ELECTROLYSIS COST?
Session Prices are listed under our Services tab.
WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN BE TREATED?
Any area of the body and face can be treated with electrolysis except the inside of the nostrils and deep in the ear canal. At Bare Bliss, we work everywhere on the body EXCEPT the genital area. We will take a bikini line over pretty far, but we do not perform full Brazilians.
SHOULD I DO ANYTHING IN PREPARATION FOR HAVING ELECTROLYSIS?
1. To have the best results, we ask our clients to please stop plucking and switch to shaving or cream depilatories to manage hair between treatments. A plucked hair can take a minimum of 5 to 6 weeks to grow again, and only hairs that are presently growing above the skin can be treated.
2. We also ask our clients to consistently stay hydrated throughout the entire treatment process. Hydrated skin helps the electrologist to treat the hair more easily, and move quickly during each treatment, giving the best results. The best hydration begins long before your treatment, not a few hours before.
3. Taking a pain reliever 30 minutes prior to your appointment may make your treatment more comfortable.
4. Avoid sun exposure 48 hours prior to your treatment to avoid dilation of the blood vessels.
Also Note:
• Do not use Retin A, Tazorac, or any serious retinoid for at least 1 week prior to your treatment. Discontinue Accutane for at least 6 months prior to electrolysis.
• Female clients may find they are more sensitive during or right before their menstrual cycle and may want to avoid making appointments during that time.
HOW LONG DO THE HAIRS NEED TO BE BEFORE TREATMENT?
Only hairs that can be seen can be treated. We ask our clients to please allow 36-48 hours of hair growth before coming in for a treatment. This allows for the hair to be epilated with tweezers after it is treated. A hair cannot be removed if it is not long enough to grab with tweezers.
WHAT ARE THE DOS AND DO NOTS OF POST-TREATMENT CARE?
It is CRITICAL that you carefully follow these post-treatment care instructions to help minimize any complications from your procedure. It is normal following electrolysis for the treated area to be red and slightly swollen. Both of these conditions usually disappear in an hour or two but can last longer for some individuals.
The following post-treatment care suggestions should be followed for the first 2 weeks after each treatment:
In general, avoid any kind of activity that would subject the treated skin to irritating conditions (i.e. excessive sweating or dirt, lake swimming) while it is in the healing stage.
*** DO NOT TOUCH THE TREATED AREA FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS!!!! ***
The risk of infection increases greatly if the area is touched. Wash your hands before touching any area that was treated.
More Specifically:
1. Keep the area clean. You may use soap and water, aloe, sea breeze, witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide, or other suitable antiseptics. The treated skin of some individuals may become irritated by one or more of these products. If this should occur contact your electrologist, and switch to an alternate product.
2. Apply ice to the treated area to reduce any swelling if necessary.
3. If you are prone to acne or other skin infections, apply an antibiotic cream to help minimize infection in the treated area. Do not use ointments! Use creams only.
4. Keep your hands off the area. Scabs usually do not appear following treatment on the face. However, it is expected that tiny scabs will appear following treatment in other areas. Do not pick them off as this may result in scarring. Tell your electrologist about them at your next appointment.
5. Do not use any abrasive scrubbing action on the treated areas.
6. Do not visit a tanning salon or get a sunburn on the treated area for at least two days.
7. Do not use makeup for 48 hours. If you must, use only fresh make-up, purchased within the last 90 days, to minimize infection.
8. Do not use Retin A on treated area until all signs of irritation are gone.
If any reaction occurs which appears related to your electrolysis treatment, please contact your electrologist for further instructions.
POTENTIAL PAIN CHART
If pain is a concern for you, we recommend taking a normal dose of pain reliever 30 minutes prior to treatment. You can also apply a topical anesthetic to the area an hour before your appointment to lessen the treatment intensity. This illustration charts general treatment area intensities. The actual pain level will vary on an individual basis.