Electrolysis Frequently Asked Questions

Before Care & Aftercare

Proper preparation and aftercare can help make your electrolysis appointment more comfortable and support healthy skin recovery. Please review these instructions before your appointment and follow the aftercare guidance provided by Robin.
 

Before Your Treatment

1. Make sure the hair is long enough.
   For most people, this is approximately three to four days’ worth of growth.

2. Remove any makeup from the areas to be treated.

3. Get as comfortable as possible during the treatment.

4. Eliminate as much stress as possible on the day of your appointment.

5. Be aware that your diet can affect your sensitivity.
   Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, chocolate, or sugar on the day of your appointment.

6. Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours before your treatment to help prevent dilation of the blood vessels.

7. Avoid strong retinoids before electrolysis.
   Do not use Retin-A, Tazorac, or other strong retinoid products for at least one week before your electrolysis treatment. Accutane should be discontinued for at least six months before receiving electrolysis.

8. Consider changes in sensitivity related to your menstrual cycle.
   Some clients may find that they are more sensitive during or immediately before their menstrual cycle and may prefer not to schedule appointments during that time.

9. Topical numbing creams may be available.
   Many topical numbing creams are available with or without a prescription. EMLA, which requires a prescription, and Greencaine, which is available without a prescription, are commonly used. Follow the product or prescriber instructions and let Robin know before treatment if you have applied a numbing product.

10. Consider eating a meal before your appointment.
    Some clients find that eating shortly before treatment helps reduce discomfort.

11. Drink plenty of water.
    Stay hydrated the day before, the day of, and the day after your treatment. Dehydrated follicles can be more difficult to treat, and hydration may help your skin heal more quickly. Keep in mind that drinking alcohol the night before an appointment can dehydrate you.
     

After Your Treatment

1. Do not touch or scratch the treated area.
   Touching the area can transfer bacteria to the skin and may cause breakouts or whiteheads.

2. Moisturize the treatment area daily between sessions with a gentle, unscented moisturizer.

3. Do not wear makeup over the treated area for 24 hours.
   Even washing the area with soap may cause irritation and possible infection immediately following treatment.

4. Avoid perfume or alcohol-based products.
   These products can dry out your skin. You may gently wipe the area with witch hazel if needed.

5. Apply a soothing product as needed.
   You may apply aloe vera or Vaseline to the treated area on the night following treatment. This may help the skin heal more quickly, especially in facial areas. Apply the product using clean hands or a clean cotton swab.

   If the skin is still irritated on the second day, a 1% hydrocortisone cream, such as Cortisone or Cortaid, may help reduce redness and swelling. Follow the product label and avoid using it longer than directed.

6. Avoid sun exposure for the next 72 hours.
   This helps reduce the risk of brown spots or hyperpigmentation. Your skin protects itself from ultraviolet rays by producing pigment. When skin is irritated or healing, it may produce extra pigment in the treated area.

7. Do not swim in a chlorinated pool for at least 48 hours following treatment.

8. Do not scratch or pick at small scabs.
   Allow them to fall off naturally. Small scabs can be part of the follicle’s normal healing process. Keeping the area moisturized may help reduce their formation.

   If discomfort occurs in closely treated areas, you may use an Epsom salt compress:

   • Add one teaspoon of Epsom salt to one-half cup of warm water.

   • Soak a clean washcloth in the mixture.

   • Place the washcloth over the treated area for approximately 10 minutes.

   • Repeat as needed until the discomfort subsides.

9. Do not tweeze between appointments.
   If you cannot return as soon as you would like for your next treatment, the hair may be carefully clipped with small scissors or shaved.

10. Remember that some regrowth is expected.
    When possible, schedule your next treatment when the first regrowth appears. At this stage, the roots may be shorter and weaker and can often be treated more effectively.
     

Questions or Concerns

Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or small scabs may occur after electrolysis. Contact Blue Sky Electrolysis if you have questions about your skin response or experience symptoms that seem unusual or become worse rather than improving.
 

Phone: 505-221-6309
Email: info@bluesky-electrolysis.com