Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt? Really?
The short answer is: it depends. It is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without sensation, because each hair follicle is surrounded by its own network of nerve endings. The sensation, which may or may not be felt, is assurance that destructive activity is taking place. Some clients sleep through hours of treatments, and other honestly find 15 minutes to be uncomfortable. We utilize advanced Apilus technology ensuring our clients a gentler and more comfortable path to permanent hair removal. If you have tried electrolysis before, try it again and feel the Apilus difference.
What does it feel like?
The sensation you might experience depends on many things, including: where one is having the treatment and what method is used. Some parts of the body are more sensitive than others. If you have ever waxed or plucked, you’ll likely find electrolysis to be surprisingly comfortable. Some clients describe the sensation as a pinch, a mosquito bite, a quick snap, or building warmth. Many adjustments can be made to make the treatment more comfortable. Some clients choose to take an over the counter analgesic such as Tylenol, Aspirin, or Advil, 30 - 45 minutes before treatment. We also have topical anesthetics available.
Where can I have electrolysis done?
Just about anywhere! Unwanted hair can be safely removed from most body areas.
Common areas include the hairline, bridge of nose, eyebrows, upper and lower lip, cheeks, sideburns, ears, chin, neck, shoulders, arms and underarms, fingers, hands, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, legs, back and chest.
We treat people of all genders.
When are you available? How do I get a hold of you?
We work by appointment Monday through Saturday. That means we are here when clients need us. It also means that you can feel free to call 608-720-1212 anytime and we will be available to take your call and questions. We don’t have a receptionist so if you reach our answering service during these hours we are assisting another client, or in a treatment, and will return your call as soon as we can. Please leave a voice mail message as detailed as you need to and we will get right back to you. Our typical office hours are:
Monday : 11am - 7pm
Tuesday : 11am - 7pm
Wednesday : 11am - 7pm
Thursday : 9am - 7pm
Friday : 9am - 5pm
Saturday : 9am–3pm
Sunday : closed
We don’t have a receptionist so if you reach our answering service during these hours, we are assisting another client or in a treatment, and we will return your call as soon as we can.
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 us about any skin reactions so we 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. We do not treat the breasts, abdomen, or bikini line of pregnant women in their last trimester due to the increased sensation they experience.
Can hairs be removed from moles?
Yes they can. Your electrologist may 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 hair be removed from 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.
What do you mean my hair is “resting” under my 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.
Why do I have to come in so often? Does it make a difference if I “let them all grow in”?
Yes it makes a difference! It is important to follow your individual treatment schedule to get the fastest results. Hairs are most effectively treated in their early growth stages when the hairs are finer and straighter and the target zone is smaller helping us to reach all of the germinative cells that grow hairs. Regular treatments ensures catching hairs at this early growth stage and makes for a more effective treatment with less potential for regrowth. If you can make the time commitment at the beginning of treatment, you can think of it as taking time off the end so you get the best results in the shortest time frame.