Electrolysis Guide: Pain, Sessions, Preparation, and Aftercare

This guide answers the most common questions about electrolysis: how it works, how much it hurts, how many sessions you need, how to prepare, and how to care for your skin afterward.

How electrolysis works

An electrologist slides a very fine sterile probe into the natural opening of the hair follicle, beside the hair. A small amount of energy destroys the part of the follicle that grows hair. The hair then slides out, and that follicle cannot grow hair again.

There are three methods:

Thermolysis (shortwave): uses heat. It is fast, which makes it efficient for many face and body areas. This is our specialty.
Galvanic: uses a chemical reaction. It is slower, but useful for curved or distorted follicles.
Blend: combines both.

We use the Apilus xCell Pur, a professional thermolysis device that treats follicles in thousandths of a second, for faster and more comfortable sessions.

Does electrolysis hurt?

Most people feel a quick heat or sting at each hair. The upper lip and genital area are usually the most sensitive; the chin and neck are often easier. To reduce discomfort:

Numbing cream. Many clients apply a topical numbing cream about 45–60 minutes before the session. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which product is right for you.
Timing. Skin can be more sensitive around your period and when you are tired.
Short breaks. You can ask for a break at any time.

How many sessions do I need?

Hair grows in cycles, and only active follicles can be treated. Each follicle is treated when it appears, so most people need a series of sessions:

Small areas (a few chin hairs): short sessions over several months.
Larger areas (chin and jaw, upper lip): regular sessions for about a year.
Full beard or surgical areas: many hours over 1–3 years, or 6–12 months or more before surgery.

At first, most clients come every 1–2 weeks. Visits get shorter and less frequent as the hair clears.

How to prepare

Let the hair grow. Come with about 1–3 days of growth, so the hairs are visible.
Do not pluck, wax, or thread between sessions. Shaving or trimming is fine.
Come with clean skin, without makeup or lotion on the area.
Drink water and eat beforehand. Well-hydrated skin is easier to treat.

Aftercare

Mild redness, small bumps, or pinpoint marks are normal and usually fade within hours to a few days.

Keep hands off. Do not touch, scratch, or pick the area.
Keep it clean. Wash gently and apply a soothing product such as aloe or a recommended aftercare gel.
Skip makeup on the area for about 24 hours if you can.
Avoid heat and sweat (gym, sauna, hot tubs) for about 24 hours.
Use sunscreen on treated skin for several days.

Is electrolysis safe? Side effects

When done by a licensed electrologist with sterile, single-use probes, electrolysis is very safe. Temporary redness and small scabs are the most common effects. Scarring and long-lasting color changes are rare with good technique and good aftercare. Tell us about any skin conditions, pacemakers, or pregnancy before treatment.

Why can't I pluck after electrolysis?

Plucking removes the hair we need to see and treat, and it can distort the follicle. A distorted follicle is harder to treat. If a hair bothers you between sessions, trim or shave it.