Does it hurt?

Before having that first treatment many clients express concern that it will hurt too much, but after the first hair is removed they relax.  Most people will say, "Is that all it is?"  In truth, the stories of pain are exaggerated. The treatment sensation is compared to a sting - since a split second of heat is applied to the follicle.   Many clients become so relaxed they fall asleep.  If you are concerned or skeptical, please don't worry - Barbara has a topical that can desensitize the treatment area, although less than 1% of Barbara's clients ever need this product. 

Can it damage my skin?

Scarring was common in the early days of electrolysis, when epilators used the electrical currents that were not as easily controlled as they are today.  In the hands of a competent electrologist with a computerized epilator, scarring is a rare occurance. It is very important that you take care of your skin after the treatment, as most problems result from improper aftercare.

How will my skin look after a treatment? 

Immediately after a treatment, the treated follicles will sometimes be red and puffy, much like a mosquito bite.  This usually subsides within a few hours.  Occasionally, there will be some tiny pinpoint scabs at the site of each follicle.  This is usually seen on body areas and very rarely seen on the face. 

Is it expensive?

Cost is relative to the number of hairs to be removed.  Small areas will take less time, thus cost less than larger areas.  If treatments are irregularly scheduled, the completion is delayed accordingly, resulting in more cost overall. 

How many treatments will I need?  How long does it take?

Factors that determine the number and length of your treatments include the number of hairs in the area to be treated, the specific area to be treated and the previous methods you have used to remove hair.  Following the recommended treatment schedule will help you reach your goals in the shortest time. 

What caused this hair to grow? 

Heredity, hormones, medications and life cycles are factors in excess hair growth.

How do I prepare for a treatment?

Hair needs to be emerging from the skin so that Barbara can treat it.  Once treatments have begun, all tweezing, threading, waxing and picking must stop.  Hairs can be shaved between treatments. 

What if I don't think it's working?

Communication is very important.  If you think the treatments are not working, talk to Barbara.  She will make recommendations for a treatment plan at your first appointment.  Following that plan will help you get done in the quickest manner.  The hair did not grow in overnight and it can't be gone overnight.  If Barbara believes that the treatments are not going as they should, she will make suggestions for medical referrals. 

Other hair removal methods.

Tweezing, threading and waxing are temporary methods that can result in skin problems and worsening of the hair.  When the hair is repeatedly ripped out of the skin with tweezing, threading or waxing, it can become coarser over time, which can make electrolysis take longer.   

Laser is good for reducing the hair in large areas, but the skin and hair conditions must be perfect for the specific laser chosen.  Laser will not remove light colored hairs, and is not good for scattered hairs.

Shaving is best for hiding the hair between treatments.  Shaving does not cause hair to grow in heavier, nor does it make it grow faster.