Electrolysis Pre-Treatment Care
To ensure the best results, follow these suggestions:
- If the hair gets too long before your treatment, trim with small scissors, shave with a razor or use a FlawlessⓇ tool. TWEEZING AND WAXING WILL STIMULATE MORE HAIR GROWTH.
- Approximately 3 days before your treatment let the hair grow out ⅛” – ¼”. Your electrologist needs to see enough length of hair in order to choose the correct size probe and to properly line up that probe with the actively growing follicle.
- Drink plenty of water prior to your appointment. Keeping your skin hydrated means your follicles have plenty of moisture in them which is needed for the treatment to work.
- Exfoliate the morning of your treatment to remove debris from the opening of your follicles and to ease probe insertions. Exfoliation will also assist in releasing ingrown hairs so they can be properly treated.
- Daily moisturizing is very important to maintain the health of the skin. We recommend using a small amount of AquaphorⓇ and thoroughly massaging it into the treatment area. This will help the skin stay hydrated and allow the probe to be easily inserted into the follicle.
- Do not use retinol or glycolic acid 24 hrs prior to your treatment.
- Refrain from drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages before your treatment, as well as smoking, because these will dehydrate your skin. Caffeine can increase anxiety, making your treatment less comfortable. If you consume caffeine, drink the minimum necessary along with additional water to rehydrate.
- If you are being treated in a sensitive area, taking TylenolⓇ 45-60 minutes prior to your treatment can help minimize discomfort.
Electrolysis Post-Treatment Care
- Apply ice in a clean plastic baggie to the treated area to reduce any swelling or redness. Move the ice around, holding the ice in one spot can harm the skin as well.
- Keep the area clean with gentle soap and cool water. Apply Witch Hazel after cleansing, then a small amount of topicals such as AquaphorⓇ, BacitracinⓇ , or hydrocortisone cream. Aloe is also helpful.
- Keep the area cool. Avoid sweating, vigorous activity, hot tubs, saunas, steam, or direct sun exposure for 24 hours post-treatment.
- Do not use any abrasive scrubbing or exfoliating action on the treatment area for at least 48 hours.
- If scabs appear, do not pick them off as this encourages scarring. Instead, deeply massage into the skin a small amount of AquaphorⓇ 4-5 times per day until the area is healed. Tell your electrologist about the scabbing at your next appointment.
- Daily moisturizing is very important as well as using SPF 30+ sunscreen daily.
- Do not visit a tanning salon or get sunburned on the treated area for at least 48 hours after treatment.
- Touch the area with only freshly washed hands. Bacteria are transferred this way. If advised, apply an antibiotic ointment to help minimize infection in the treatment area.
- Avoid exposure to bacteria. Do not swim in the ocean or use a hot tub for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
- Use only fresh make-up, purchased within the last 90 days to minimize the chance of infection in the treatment area.
- If there are any concerns or infections that appear, related to your treatment, contact your electrologist for further care instructions.
