Frequently Asked Questions

Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal that works by inserting a fine probe into each hair follicle and applying a small amount of electrical current to destroy the hair growth cells. Once treated, the hair follicle can no longer produce hair.

A consultation is mandatory if you've never had electrolysis done before or if you’ve had electrolysis done elsewhere but it's your first time with me. It provides an opportunity to discuss your goals and health history, and determine the most comfortable and effective settings for your skin and hair type. The consultation also includes a 15-minute treatment session, giving you a chance to experience electrolysis firsthand and know exactly what to expect moving forward.

Preparation is simple! Make sure the hair is grown out for about 3 days beforehand. We need the hairs long enough for us to grab and remove with tweezers after zapping the hair follicle. In addition, make sure the treatment area is clean, moisturized and free of makeup, oils, or heavy skincare products. Staying hydrated will also help with more seamless insertions into the hair follicle. We recommend exfoliating the area twice a week, but if anything, exfoliating a day before your session will help to release any ingrowns if present.

Laser targets pigment (color) in the hair, while electrolysis treats each follicle individually using an electrical current. That means electrolysis works on all hair colors and skin tones, including blonde, red, gray, and white hair, whereas laser works best on dark hair on light skin. Electrolysis also offers truly permanent results, while laser provides only reduction.

Yes, it can. This can happen when the hair that is being treated is already thin to begin with. This reaction is called paradoxical hypertrichosis, which happens when laser treatments stimulate hair follicles instead of destroying them. Instead of reducing growth, the laser’s heat can trigger dormant follicles to produce new hair, or make existing thin hair grow back thicker and darker. It’s more common in women, especially on the face and neck, and it often comes as a surprise because it’s not widely talked about. Electrolysis is the only permanent solution that can effectively treat and reverse this kind of laser-induced hair growth. We also do not recommend women get laser done on their face, or anywhere where the hair is already super thin.

Most clients describe the feeling as a quick, mild heat or “zap.” Everyone’s sensitivity is different, but the discomfort is minimal and temporary. In order to remove the hair correctly, we need to find a level that is high enough for the hair to come out as smoothly as possible, but balance it out with each individual’s tolerance as well. Most of my clients are able to tolerate electrolysis very nicely. I even have clients falling asleep at times! But if you find that electrolysis isn’t up to your pain tolerance, topical numbing creams can also be used if needed.

Session length depends on the area and your goals, it can range from 15 minutes for a small area to a maximum of 2 hours for larger areas. We’ll discuss what’s best for your needs during your consultation.

It varies from person to person. Because hair grows in cycles, multiple sessions are needed to treat each follicle at the right stage. Most clients begin to notice visible reduction within a few months, but complete permanent removal takes longer. It typically takes 1–3 years for women with PCOS or laser-stimulated hair, and 3–5 years plus on average for trans women. Everyone’s progress is unique, and factors like hair density, hormone levels, and session frequency all play a role. Staying consistent with appointments ensures the best and most lasting results.

Missing an occasional session won’t undo your progress, but staying consistent is very important for the best results. Electrolysis works by treating hairs during their active growth phase, and since each follicle grows at a different time, regular appointments help us catch more hairs at the right stage. If too much time passes between sessions, some hairs may grow back before they’ve been fully treated, which can slow down your overall progress. Life happens, though! If you need to reschedule, we’ll adjust your plan to keep you on track.

Almost! The only area I do not work on is the genital region. Otherwise, I offer services on any other part of the body, including the bikini line.

Unfortunately, no. Insurance companies classify electrolysis as a cosmetic procedure, so it isn’t covered, even when it’s for medical or gender-affirming reasons. This includes cases of hormonal hair growth, PCOS, or laser-induced stimulation. I understand how frustrating that can be, and I strive to make treatments as accessible, supportive, and transparent as possible.

Facial electrolysis is a long-term process that varies for everyone. For most trans women, full clearance can realistically take about 3-5 years or more. I recommend scheduling 2-hour sessions (my maximum session length) as frequently as possible at first to achieve a complete initial clearing. Because treatment scheduling depends on factors like hair density, consistency, and budget (and since electrolysis is not covered by insurance), some clients come weekly, while others come monthly. Although it’s a time commitment, electrolysis provides truly permanent results that make the effort worthwhile.