Electrolysis FAQ

What will my skin look like – will everyone know I've been in?

Immediately following treatment, there may be a slight redness and/or swelling which usually disappears within a few minutes to a few hours. Though not desirable on face work, small white dots or tiny red dots may occur. Ideally, by the next day no one should be able to tell you have had treatment. On body work a pinpoint film or crust may develop. It is important to remember that scabs are a part of the normal healing process in some people. If this does occur, the client is advised to not pick them off. Be sure and tell your Electrologist about any skin reactions so they can work with you to minimize their occurrence. When electrology is administered by a qualified electrologist using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, the results are exciting!

Can women begin or continue electrology treatments during pregnancy?

Yes. Electrology has never been proven harmful in any way to pregnant women for over 125 years. Our office does not treat the breasts, abdomen, or bikini line of pregnant women in their last trimester due to the increased sensation they experience. Our office is happy to treat existing clients who become pregnant but we are not able to serve new clients who are pregnant, we will be happy to schedule you after the birth of your child.

Can hairs be removed from moles?

Yes they can. Your electrologist will require a note (on a prescription pad is fine) from your healthcare provider stating it is a typical hairy nevus (mole with a hair) and safe to treat.

Can you work on my tattoo?

Yes. Electrology has never been a problem for tattoos. In fact it is one of the few hair removal methods that doesn't affect the design.

Should I be tipping?

At our practice, we feel that every client deserves outstanding service for every treatment and as such it is included in the fees you pay. While everyone loves extra money, tipping isn't expected at our office.

What forms of payment do you accept? Do you send a bill?

We accept cash, checks, Visa or MasterCard, Discover and American Express at the time of service. We are happy to provide a receipt for your records.

How should I choose an electrologist?

Regulation of electrology is on a state-by-state basis. States regulating the practice of electrology require a practitioner hold a valid license. Currently Minnesota and South Dakota do not regulate Electrologists at all. Illinois received licensure just a few years ago. In Wisconsin Electrologists must be State Licensed, they would hold an "RE" designation or "LE", both mean the same thing, that they have passed the state approved license examination.

Membership in a professional organization can indicate the electrologist is keeping current with their field. Look for certificates, with current dates. An electrologist with "CCE" designation is a Certified Clinical Electrologist. An electrologist with “CPE” designation is a Certified Professional Electrologist. Both are voluntary national certifications awarded with the passing of a written certification examination and indicates a willingness to pursue advanced opportunities.

Most electrologists offer a free consultation as we do.

Meet with them and look for a clean, professional office space and modern equipment. Find someone you trust and enjoy spending some quality hair-removal time with. Friends and family can often refer you to someone in your area or look in the local Chamber of Commerce or phone book.

Why should I choose electrology over temporary or long lasting hair removal methods?

Laser vs. Electrology:

While laser promoters compare laser to electrology it is actually not a permanent form of hair removal. Only a few laser devices have been cleared to claim a permanent reduction in hair by the FDA. Intense Pulsed Light (IPG) though often called laser, is NOT a true laser and not approved by the FDA to claim any efficacy. Electrology is cleared for permanent removal of hair. All laser assisted hair removal is considered a temporary or long lasting method of hair removal. Additionally, laser hair removal has not been evaluated for long-term safety of the patient's skin and health--new research is showing prolonged exposure to laser is capable of changing skin cells at the genetic level.

Essentially, laser targets the pigmented cells in hairs. It also takes a series of treatments (generally 6+ spaced out every 6 weeks or so) as all hair is not present at one time. On some body parts it takes up to a year to see a complete growth cycle--think about the hair on your head, if it all fell out and re-grew as fast as most people think, you'd have really, really short hair all the time! Clients shave prior to treatment, the laser is applied to the skin and heats the pigmented cells charring the moisture out of the hairs. The hairs slough/fall out on their own over the next few days or weeks. Skin looks sunburned after treatment and must be protected from the sun. The best results are very dark hair and very, very light skin. Darker skin tones or tanned skin must be treated with extreme caution as laser is attracted to pigment and may require bleaching and sun avoidance for 6 weeks prior to and following treatment if it can be treated at all. White, grey, and some red hairs are unaffected by laser. Laser does have potential to work with electrolysis. One could argue laser would be well used to initially clear large areas like legs and then follow up with electrolysis as the hair grows back in following a series of laser treatments.

Do make sure your laser technician is a doctor (MD) and has appropriate training. There is no regulation for laser training. Yes, you read that right. A Dr. can take anyone of you and "train you" in her/his office without any program requirements. You too could take a weekend course and be a certified laser technician (CLT) and use the Allied Health Association "Rent a Medical Director" program and not have a doctor on site at all. Each state varies, some don't even require a medical director--not even one in name only! Treatments are only as good as your technician/operator in any hair removal method, but for safety reasons, especially important here given the larger expense of treatments and potential for tissue damage.

Electrology has proven itself safe, effective, and permanent for over 100 years.

Waxing, Sugaring, Nads, Epilady or Threading vs. Electrology:

Waxing, Sugaring, Nads, and threading will remove all of the visible hair by ripping it out by the root. Except in the case of threading, the outer layer of skin is often removed when the hair is removed. It can result in skin problems including ingrown hair, scarring, pigment changes, and bruising. To keep your skin clear, (and contrary to advertising claims) all of these methods must be done frequently forever. You must also wait until hair is at least 1/4" to 1/2" (about 3 weeks of growth) long for the wax/sugar/Nads "glue" to adhere to the removal strip.

Research has shown that any method that rips hair out by the root such as waxing, sugaring, and Nads type products can actually increase hair growth in hormonally dependent areas such as the upper lip, chin, breasts, and abdomen! This is not such an issue on areas like eyebrows and legs wax away if you must and your skin can tolerate it.

Tweezing vs. Electrology:

Tweezing is easy to do, and inexpensive too. However hair can become coarser from the repeated tweezing and skin problems including ingrown hair, pigment changes, and scaring can result. Obviously it is not a permanent solution to unwanted hair. NEVER tweeze the upper/lower lip, chin, breasts, or abdomen! You are stimulating growth in these areas. The hair will become thicker and darker. NEVER tweeze out ingrown hairs. You will make the situation worse. The hair will distort further and you will have a bigger lesion the next time it grows in, really, trust us. Stop performing self-surgery, we mean it.

Shaving vs. Electrology:

Shaving is inexpensive and easy. However, the hair does grow back quickly and feels coarse as it is cut off leaving a blunt tip. Shaving DOES NOT increase hair growth in any way. Seriously, this is the biggest myth in hair removal. Hair is dead above the skin surface. Anything you do at this level does not affect hair growth. Shaving is a safe temporary method of removal for basically anywhere.

Depilatories vs. Electrology:

Depilatories are essentially a chemical shave. It will remove the hair by dissolving it with a chemical. This can result in a chemical burning of the skin if you are not careful about patch testing and respecting timing.

Is Electrolysis safe?

Absolutely. Our office follows the American Electrology Association (AEA) Standards for Infection Control which ensure electrolysis is performed under the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. We utilize only sterile disposable probes for all treatments and always utilize fresh latex-free medical grade disposable gloves for each treatment.

What do you mean my hair is "resting" under the skin?

All hairs start as an empty hair follicle and then grow in to a fully mature hair. At some point, it separates from its blood supply, ascends toward the surface of the skin and falls out. Following active growing periods, most hair follicles go into a dormant or resting stage. The period of dormancy may last for an indefinite period of time, however, replacement hairs usually appear within 3 to 12 months. If you have ever brushed your hair and looked at the hairs in the brush you may have noticed the white tuft on the end of them. These are hairs that were naturally shed. As opposed to when you pluck, say an eyebrow hair, it might have a moist shinny ball at the end. This is a growing hair.

Not all hairs are visible on the surface of the skin at any one time. Depending on the area of the body, you may wait for 12 weeks or 12 months to see all of the dormant hairs come to the surface as your hair pattern fills in. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.

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We offer electrolysis, permanent hair removal services, to men, women, and young adults in a private, relaxed environment.
Electrolysis has been the ONLY FDA approved permanent method for removal of unwanted hair for over 130 years!
We are WisconsinState licensed electrologists (RE or LE designations). We seek continuing educational opportunities to ensure our clients' comfort and effective electrolysis treatment choices.
We utilize state-of-the-art electrolysis technology assuring our clients a gentler, more comfortable form of electrolysis. Apilus technology is absolutely the most comfortable way to permanent hair removal. If you've had electrolysis before and found it uncomfortable, you have to try the Apilus difference!
We offer electrolysis treatments by appointment to accommodate your schedule.
Please call ahead to schedule an electrolysis appointment or consultation with an electrologist. Extended treatment sessions are available for out-of-town clients or those desiring more treatment time.
For the convenience of our clients we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express and of course cash.
We are pleased to offer electrolysis services for both face and body work. We really can permanently remove hair from just about anywhere. Call for your complimentary electrolysis consultation with an electrologist today! GLBTS/TG clients welcome.