Frequently Asked Questions

Electrolysis is the only Health Canada recognized method of permanent hair removal and works by treating individual hair follicles.

Yes. When performed by a properly trained and experienced professional using appropriate sterilization and infection control procedures, electrolysis is considered a safe and well established method of permanent hair removal. 

Yes. Electrolysis is the only FDA recognized method of permanent hair removal. It works by treating individual hair follicles with a fine probe and electrical energy, destroying the follicle’s ability to produce hair.

Because each follicle is treated individually, multiple sessions are usually needed to achieve optimal results.

Yes! Electrolysis is effective on all hair types and colours, regardless of skin tone. Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis does not depend on the colour or pigment of the hair or skin. Each individual hair follicle is treated directly, making electrolysis suitable for blonde, white, grey, red, brown, and black hair. 

There are three recognized methods of electrolysis: Thermolysis, Galvanic, and Blend. Each method uses a different approach to target and permanently disable the hair follicle.

• Thermolysis uses high frequency electrical energy to generate heat within the follicle, effectively treating the hair follicle.
• Galvanic uses a direct electrical current to create a chemical reaction within the follicle that destroys the cells responsible for hair growth.
• Blend combines both thermolysis and galvanic methods, using heat and a chemical reaction to treat the follicle.

The most appropriate modality depends on factors such as the hair type, follicle characteristics, treatment area, and your individual needs. An experienced electrologist will select the technique best suited to each client and treatment area.

Electrolysis is suitable for anyone seeking permanent removal of unwanted hair, regardless of hair colour or skin tone.

It can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing excessive or unwanted hair growth associated with hormonal changes, hirsutism, or PCOS. Electrolysis can also be an effective option for facial hair that persists after laser hair removal.

In some cases, laser hair removal may be associated with paradoxical hypertrichosis, a rare response in which increased or thicker hair growth occurs in or around the treated area. Electrolysis can be used to target and permanently treat these individual hairs.

Electrolysis can be performed on most areas of the face and body where unwanted hair grows. Common treatment areas include the eyebrows, upper lip, chin, jawline, neck, sideburns, breasts, abdomen, arms, legs, and other areas of unwanted hair growth. 

Immediately following an electrolysis treatment, it is normal to experience some redness, slight swelling, or tenderness in the treated area. The skin may look similar to a mild sunburn, and small bumps around the follicles may appear.

These temporary reactions are a normal response to treatment and typically subside within a few hours. Depending on your individual skin sensitivity and the length of the treatment, redness or minor irritation may occasionally last up to a day or two.

Less commonly, you may experience small pustules or minor bruising. These reactions are temporary and generally resolve on their own. Avoid picking, scratching, or squeezing the treated area, and keep the skin clean while it heals.

Aftercare: Follow the aftercare instructions provided following your treatment and avoid applying unnecessary products to the treated area immediately afterward.

If you have concerns about an unusual or prolonged reaction, please contact your practitioner for guidance. If your practitioner is unavailable and you experience a severe or concerning reaction, seek medical attention promptly or visit your nearest emergency department. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Electrolysis is a gradual process because hair grows in different cycles and each follicle must be treated individually. Your treatment plan will be personalized based on the area being treated, the amount and density of hair, your hair growth cycle, and your individual goals.

During the first few months, treatments are generally more frequent. When you stop tweezing, waxing, threading, or other methods that remove hair from the root, previously untreated hairs may become visible as they enter their natural growth cycle. This can make the beginning of treatment feel like there is more hair before you begin to see a noticeable reduction.

1. Facial hair
Facial areas are commonly treated every 10–14 days during the initial stage, depending on your individual growth pattern and treatment goals. The first few months can require more frequent appointments, but with consistent treatment, you should gradually begin to notice less visible hair and shorter treatment sessions. Many clients begin to see a noticeable reduction in hair growth within the first several months.

2. As hair growth decreases
As treatment progresses and fewer hairs return, facial appointments can generally become less frequent and shorter. Your electrologist will adjust your treatment schedule according to your progress.

3. Body areas
Body areas such as the underarms and bikini area can often show noticeable improvement after concentrated treatment because the area is relatively small. Larger areas such as the arms and legs may require longer appointments and multiple treatment sessions.

For body areas, it is generally recommended to avoid removing hair from the root for at least 2–4 weeks before treatment, allowing visible hairs to emerge so they can be treated. Your electrologist will recommend the appropriate schedule for subsequent clearances based on your individual hair-growth cycle.

4. Consistency matters
Regular appointments are an important part of achieving the best possible results. Because hair grows in cycles, staying consistent with your treatment schedule allows new hairs to be treated as they become visible.

5. How long will treatment take?
There is no single timeline that applies to everyone. Some clients may complete their main treatment program within 12–18 months, while others may require longer depending on the amount of hair, previous hair removal methods, hormonal influences, treatment frequency, and individual hair growth cycles.

Once the majority of unwanted hair has been treated, appointments typically become much less frequent and may eventually consist only of occasional touch ups.

Your commitment matters. Keeping regular appointments, following your electrologist's recommendations, and following appropriate skin aftercare can help you achieve the best possible results.

The area being treated is an important factor in determining your electrolysis treatment schedule. Facial hair often requires more frequent appointments, particularly during the early stages of treatment, because facial hair can have multiple growth cycles and new hairs become visible at different times.

For many clients, facial treatments are scheduled approximately every 10–14 days during the initial phase, although the frequency and duration of appointments will depend on the amount and density of hair being treated.

Regular appointments are important because they allow newly emerging hairs to be treated as they become accessible. Long gaps between appointments can slow your progress, as new hairs may continue to emerge between treatments.

As treatment progresses and hair growth decreases, appointments will typically become shorter and less frequent.

Your electrologist will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment schedule based on your individual hair growth pattern and treatment goals.

The cost of electrolysis varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the amount and density of hair, the treatment area, and the time required for each appointment.

Because electrolysis is a gradual process, your total investment will depend on your individual hair growth pattern and treatment goals. During your consultation, we can assess the area being treated and provide guidance on the recommended treatment schedule.

While electrolysis involves an investment over time, it is designed to provide permanent hair removal, which means you can ultimately reduce or eliminate the ongoing costs and time associated with temporary hair removal methods such as waxing, threading, and shaving.

Your safety is our priority. Before treatment, we review your health history, medications, skin condition, and the area being treated to determine whether electrolysis is appropriate for you.

Electrolysis may need to be postponed, modified, or performed with medical clearance if you have certain medical conditions, take certain medications, or have recently undergone cosmetic or dermatological procedures.

Please let us know before your appointment if you have:

• A pacemaker, cochlear implant, or other implanted electronic device
• A bleeding or clotting disorder, or take blood-thinning medication
• Diabetes, epilepsy, lupus, or another significant medical condition
• A history of keloid or problematic scarring
• An active skin condition, infection, inflammation, sunburn, or irritation in the treatment area
• Recent laser, IPL, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, or other resurfacing treatment
• Recent surgery, significant bruising, swelling, or scar tissue in the treatment area
• Reduced sensation in the treatment area
• A history of cancer or current cancer treatment
• A tattoo, metal implant, or other factor that may affect the treatment area or treatment modality
• Pregnancy
• An active infectious or blood borne infection, such as HIV or hepatitis 

Please inform us before your appointment if you have an active infectious or blood borne infection, including HIV or hepatitis. This information is important so that appropriate infection control and safety precautions can be followed. 

Certain conditions do not necessarily prevent electrolysis, but may require modifications to the treatment or medical clearance depending on your individual circumstances and the electrolysis modality being used.

If you are unsure whether a medical condition, medication, or recent procedure may affect your treatment, please contact us before booking. Your safety and wellbeing always come first.

If you are pregnant, please inform us before your appointment. Electrolysis treatment may need to be modified or postponed depending on the stage of pregnancy, treatment area, and modality being used. When appropriate, medical clearance may be recommended.