Before your appointment

There are a few things that might be helpful to know/remember ahead of your electrolysis consultation/appointments.

Preparing the hairs to be treated

  • Make sure that all of the hair you’d like treated (or as much as possible) is between 2 and 5mm long. Hairs need to be long enough to pull with tweezers as this is how treated hairs are removed.

  • Remove any make up. Your skin should be clean before treatment to help prevent infection.

  • Using a gentle exfoliant a day or two before your appointment, to remove any dead skin, can make your treatment more efficient.

  • Avoid plucking, tweezing or waxing between appointments. Hair can be trimmed or shaved between appointments (outside of the 48 hour aftercare period you’ll read about later in this document).

Methods that may help to minimise/manage discomfort

  • Avoiding caffeine, sugar and other stimulants on the day of an appointment.

  • Eating a meal an hour or two before your appointment

  • Being well hydrated can help, drinking plenty of water on the day of, and the day before your appointment can help.

  • Medications: Some people use Emla cream or other painkillers prior to an appointment. Please ask the advice of a GP or Pharmacist before taking medications, and avoid anything blood thinning, as this can increase the risk of infection.

Your consultation

  • - First of all I’ll talk you through the process of electrolysis, to ensure you understand the method of treatment and know what to expect in terms of results.

  • - I’ll ask you to fill in a fairly standard consent form with some basic details about yourself, your health, emergency contact details and any access needs. Once this is completed, we’ll discuss any aspects of the treatment that can be adapted to meet your needs.

  • - We’ll discuss your goals and expectations in terms of the treatment and results.

  • - I’ll talk you through the aftercare and answer any questions you have.

  • - You’ll lie down on the treatment couch and I’ll assess the area to be treated.

  • - I’ll treat a small area as a test patch, which will give you a feel for the treatment, allow me to work out your best levels for treatment, and than I’ll ask you to monitor the area for the next couple of days for any reactions.

  • - I’ll apply some aloe vera to the treated skin, answer any final questions you have and we’ll discuss treatment plans, and book in your first full appointment.

  • - You’re welcome to text or email at any point if you have any further questions!

Aftercare

Aftercare is important following any electrolysis treatment and the first 48 hours following a treatment are the most important. Following your treatment you may experience redness, swelling, skin sensitivity, a warm sensation, itching and a very small amount of scabbing. We will have discussed this at your consultation

Immediate aftercare (the first 48 hours)

  • - Avoid touching the treated skin as this can cause infection.

  • - Do not pluck or wax the hairs between appointments.

  • - Apply aloe vera gel to the treated skin using clean hands or cotton pads at least twice a day.

  • - Do not wear make up or fake tan on the treated area.

  • - Avoid using perfumed/alcohol based products on treated skin.

  • - Do not scratch or pick at the treated area as this can cause scarring and pitting. If the skin feels itchy or uncomfortable, try applying chilling some aloe gel in the fridge.

  • - Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning beds. If you have to go out in the sun, wear sun protection of at least spf 30.

  • - Avoid swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and any other sustained contact with warm water.

  • - Avoid heavy exercise, sweating and tight clothing, and take breaks from wearing a face covering when it’s safe and legal to do so. Excessive moisture can promote infection.

  • - Do not shave over treated skin.

  • - Keep long hair off the face, so it isn’t brushing the treated skin to avoid irritation and contamination


  • Longer term aftercare

    The skin can take up to 21 days for the skin to fully recover from electrolysis, which is why we allow a four week break between treatments on a given area.

    To promote effective longer term healing and skin health:

    • - Continue to apply aloe gel or other light moisturiser throughout the rest of the four week cycle.

    • - Continue to stay out of direct sunlight or wearing sun protection of spf 30 or higher

    If you have any questions or concerns you can text me at

    07952 651 807 or electrolysisbysiobhan@outlook.com