What to Expect at a Consultation with

an Electrolysis Professional?

• Practitioners will usually have a website advertising their business.

  There should be information about treatments offered, prices, opening hours, how to book a consultation etc. There may also be photos showing before and after treatments on past or existing clients.

• You may need to call or email the practitioner to arrange an appointment.

  Online booking is becoming more common. It is a quick and easy way to book your appointments.

• You must book a consultation before starting treatment with any practitioner, regardless of whether you have received treatment previously with someone else.

  Your electrolysist will need information about relevant medical conditions or medication.

  A patch test will be required (electrolysis on a few hairs in the area you wish to have treated), to gauge your skin sensation, reaction, and settings for successfully removing the hairs.

  It also allows you to experience the treatment before deciding whether to choose electrolysis as your preferred treatment method. You cannot have treatment immediately following your patch test, as your electrolysist will want to monitor your skin’s healing for a couple of days.

  When you attend the consultation, bringing a list of any medical conditions and names of prescribed medications you take regularly is very helpful. This will help the electrolysist determine your suitability for treatment.

• If you have any questions you’d like answered, write them down and bring them with you. Professionals are always happy to give you information: understanding how the treatment works benefits both of you.

• A professional electrolysist should display their qualifications at their practice, either at reception or in their treatment room. Don’t be afraid to ask about their qualifications: when they were awarded and what treatments it enables them to carry out.

• All practising electrolysists must hold a license issued by their local authority. This should also be displayed. As part of their license application, proof of qualifications is checked, and their premises are inspected to meet the health and safety requirements of the relevant council.

• Your electrolysist will explain how the treatment works, including an explanation of hair growth and what to expect as your treatment progresses.

  If you do not understand all the information discussed, don’t be afraid to ask if the electrolysist can explain it again.

• By the end of your consultation, you should be fully aware of the procedure and how electrolysis works, any reactions or side effects to expect, how to manage growth between treatments and what to do in the event of any problems.

• Discuss your requirements: your budget and time constraints will dictate the length and regularity of your sessions.

  If you have financial or other commitments, inform your electrolysist. They will consider this when creating your treatment plan.

• Your electrolysist will give you written information to take home regarding looking after your skin following each treatment.

  You will also be advised to use an aftercare product for home use, which you may need to purchase at your consultation or first treatment from that particular salon.

• An aftercare routine is essential to ensure full skin healing between electrolysis sessions. They may also recommend an appropriate skincare routine to complement your treatment and improve skin health if necessary. It doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing more products, especially if you already have a good skincare routine.

• If you don’t feel fully comfortable with this practitioner, see another!

  You need to trust your chosen electrolysist: after all, you may spend a lot of time together.

  Everybody is different, and it’s better to see someone you have an affinity with than not enjoy your sessions. A good practitioner will appreciate your honesty and encourage you to find the right fit.

• Don’t feel obliged or pressured to start treatment:

  A good electrolysist will discuss other treatments, such as laser hair reductio, if deemed more appropriate for your hair type or needs.

  Take all the information given, consider your options and choose electrolysis at a time that is right for you, even if it’s a couple of years later! Be prepared to have another consultation if time has elapsed, as your skin, general health etc., may have changed in the meantime.