Frequently asked questions

Electrolysis is the only hair removal method recognized by the FDA as permanent. During treatment, I insert a tiny, sterile probe into the natural opening of each hair follicle and apply a small amount of electrical current to destroy the cells responsible for hair growth. I then gently remove the hair with tweezers.

Yes! Electrolysis works on all hair colors and skin tones. Unlike laser hair removal, it doesn’t rely on pigment, so it can successfully destroys blonde, red, gray, white, and dark hairs on any complexion.

Absolutely not! Every probe is sterile, individually packaged, and used only once. I open a new probe in front of you and dispose of it in a medical sharps container after your appointment.

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but most people describe electrolysis as a quick sting or warming sensation. Some areas are more sensitive than others, and I can adjust the settings to help keep you comfortable. Following the before care instructions can also help minimize discomfort.

Temporary redness and minor swelling are common after electrolysis and usually improve within a few hours to a few days. You might notice tiny pinpoint scabs, small bumps, or occasional pustules as the skin heals. Following the aftercare instructions will help protect the treated area and support healing.

Please shave between appointments to keep the treatment area manageable. Stop shaving three to four days before your appointment so the hair is long enough for me to see and remove with tweezers. Avoid plucking, waxing, and threading because these methods remove the hair from the follicle and interfere with treatment.

Hair grows in three phases: growing, resting, and shedding. Electrolysis is most effective during the active growth phase, but not every hair is in that phase at the same time. Keeping your appointments helps us treat hairs as they emerge and work toward clearance as efficiently as possible.

I’m private-pay only and don’t bill insurance directly. I can provide a medical superbill so you can seek reimbursement, but coverage depends on your insurance plan. OHP generally does not allow members to pay an out-of-network provider and submit receipts for reimbursement. Please contact your insurance provider before booking to confirm your benefits.

Yes! I provide permanent hair removal for gender-affirming care and surgery prep. Try to start treatment at least 18 months before your surgery date to allow enough time for hair clearance.

Bring your surgeon’s hair removal template so we can map out the treatment area and plan your appointments. If you don’t have a template, we can discuss your options while you wait for your surgeon's instructions.

Treatment is typically completed four to eight weeks before surgery, but your surgeon’s instructions will determine how much is enough time for the skin to heal. If your surgery is sooner, let’s chat about what a realistic treatment plan might look like.

Testosterone cannot reverse your electrolysis results. Once a hair follicle is permanently destroyed, it will not grow another hair. However, testosterone can cause existing fine, nearly invisible hairs to become thicker and darker over time. These hairs may appear near areas we have already treated, but they are coming from different follicles.

No, testosterone can’t reverse or ruin your results because once a hair follicle is destroyed, it won’t grow another hair. However, at birth we have every hair follicle we will have in our lifetime and testosterone can turn nearly invisible peach fuzz into thicker, darker hair over time. While the hairs we treat will never come back, brand-new hair will grow from different follicles that haven’t been treated yet.

Most areas can be managed with occasional touch-ups, but surgical areas may need additional treatment to meet your surgeon’s hair clearance requirements.

Oregon law prohibits electrolysis inside the nostrils and ear canals.

Written authorization from a physician is required for hair growing from a mole or to provide treatment if you have a pacemaker, implantable neuromodulator, or another implanted electronic device.

Other health conditions, such as pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, hemophilia, or active cancer, certain medications, or a history of keloid scarring may require medical clearance, treatment modifications, or postponement.

We’ll review your health history before treatment to determine whether electrolysis is appropriate.