Care
Preparing for Your Electrolysis Appointment
Following these pre-care guidelines helps ensure your treatment is as comfortable, effective, and healing-friendly as possible. Proper preparation also supports better long-term results.
Please review the following before your appointment:
- Hydrate well.
Well-hydrated skin responds better to electrolysis. Begin increasing your water intake at least 24 hours before your appointment, and aim to drink at least 24 ounces in the hours leading up to your visit. This can significantly improve comfort and healing. - Shave or clip the treatment area 3–4 days prior.
Please shave or clip hairs as close to the skin as possible 3–4 days before treatment. This timing helps ensure hairs are in an active growth phase and easier to treat effectively. - Moisturize regularly.
Continue moisturizing the area to be treated as part of your normal skincare routine leading up to your appointment. - Arrive with clean skin.
On the day of your appointment, please arrive with clean skin free of makeup, heavy lotions, oils, self-tanner, deodorant (for underarms), or active products such as retinoids or exfoliating acids on the treatment area. - Be mindful of your diet.
Certain foods and stimulants can increase sensitivity. Please try to avoid caffeine, chocolate, and excess sugar before your appointment. A calmer nervous system often leads to a more comfortable treatment. - Menstrual cycle awareness (for female clients).
Sensitivity may be higher before and during menstruation. If possible, schedule appointments outside of this time. - Eat beforehand.
Many clients find that having a light meal before treatment helps reduce discomfort. - Pain relief (optional).
If you choose, an over-the-counter pain reliever that you already tolerate well may be taken about 30 minutes before treatment. - Topical numbing options.
Several topical numbing creams are available:- Prescription: EMLA, BLT (20% Benzocaine, 8% Lidocaine, 4% Tetracaine)
- Non-prescription: LMX, Topicaine
Please follow all manufacturer or prescribing instructions and notify us if you plan to use a numbing product.
- Medication & skin considerations.
Certain medications and skin conditions may increase sensitivity or affect healing. Please inform us of any new medications, skin reactions, rashes, active breakouts, or recent procedures prior to your appointment. - Relax and breathe.
Reducing stress helps your body respond better to treatment. It’s normal to feel a little nervous — we will always work at a pace that feels safe and respectful to your body. You’re beginning your journey toward permanent hair removal. Celebrate this step.
Important to Remember
Some regrowth is normal and expected. Returning for treatment when new growth first appears allows hairs to be treated while they are shorter, weaker, and more responsive, leading to better long-term results.
Electrolysis Post-Treatment Care Instructions
Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing, reduced irritation, and the best long-term results. Please follow these guidelines after your electrolysis treatment.
- Keep the treated area clean.
Avoid sweating, touching, rubbing, scratching, or squeezing the treated area(s). Bacteria exists on everyday surfaces, and touching the skin can transfer bacteria and lead to irritation or breakouts (whiteheads). - Do not squeeze or pick.
If tenderness, small whiteheads, or minor scabbing occur, do not squeeze or scratch. These are normal healing responses. Allow scabs to fall off naturally, as this is your body’s way of healing the follicles.
Epsom Salt Compress (if needed):- Mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt with ½ cup warm water
- Allow the salt to dissolve completely
- Soak a clean washcloth in the solution
- Apply to the treated area for 10–15 minutes, up to twice daily
- Avoid alcohol-based products.
Alcohol-based products are drying and may delay healing. - Avoid retinoids.
Do not use retinol or retinoid products for at least one week before and one week after treatment, as they increase skin sensitivity. - Avoid exfoliating acids.
Products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or other exfoliants should not be used on the treated area, as they thin and exfoliate the skin. - Protect treated skin from the sun.
Minimize sun exposure to treated areas for one week following treatment to help prevent pigmentation changes. Always wear sunscreen. Use a moisturizer or sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. - Avoid washing or makeup for 24 hours.
Do not wash the treated area or apply makeup for 24 hours after treatment. If necessary, you may gently wipe the area with witch hazel. Your skin needs time to breathe and heal. - Support healing and soothe the skin.
- Apply Bacitracin, Polysporin, Neosporin, or another antibacterial ointment to the treated area for the first two nights following your appointment.
- If redness or swelling persists, a 1% hydrocortisone cream (Cortisone, Cortaid, etc.) may be used to help reduce inflammation.
- For additional relief, you may apply pure aloe vera gel, calendula cream, or a clean cold compress/ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) for up to 20 minutes at a time, as needed.
- Avoid heat and bacteria exposure.
Refrain from hot tubs, pools, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts for at least 48 hours after treatment. - Underarm treatments.
Avoid deodorant or antiperspirant for at least 24 hours following underarm electrolysis. - Wear loose-fitting clothing.
Choose loose, breathable clothing around treated areas to minimize irritation and promote healing.
Managing regrowth between appointments.
If you are unable to return for your next appointment as soon as planned, you may shave, clip, or use a depilatory cream between visits. Please avoid tweezing or waxing.
What’s Normal After Electrolysis
The following reactions are common and usually resolve on their own:
- Mild redness, swelling, or warmth
- Tenderness or sensitivity
- Small whiteheads or pinpoint scabbing
- Temporary regrowth between treatments
When to Contact Us
Please reach out if you experience any of the following:
- Increasing redness, swelling, or pain after 48–72 hours
- Signs of infection (spreading redness, pus, warmth, fever)
- Persistent scabbing, blistering, or oozing
- Any reaction that feels unusual or concerning to you