Before your electrolysis treatment
Simple steps to help your skin stay calm, hydrated, and ready for permanent hair removal.
- Avoid pulling hair from the root. Do not pluck, wax, thread, sugar, or epilate before your appointment. You can shave or trim as needed, up to 2 days before treatment.
- Skip harsh treatments. Avoid chemical peels for at least 1 week before your electrolysis session.
- Hydrate and moisturize. Drink plenty of water and use a gentle moisturizer in the days leading up to your appointment so your skin is well-hydrated.
- Manage discomfort if needed. You may take an oral pain medication about 30 minutes before treatment. If recommended by your healthcare provider, you can also apply a topical numbing cream 30–60 minutes before your appointment and cover it with plastic wrap.
After your treatment: first 24 hours
Your skin will be slightly sensitive after treatment. Following these guidelines helps reduce redness and irritation.
- Hands off. Avoid touching, rubbing, or picking at the treated area to prevent irritation or infection.
- Avoid heat and product buildup. Skip sun exposure, sweating, makeup, and sunscreen on the treated area for the first 24 hours.
- Keep it clean. Gently cleanse the skin with a mild cleanser and/or a small amount of alcohol to keep the area disinfected.
- Soothe the skin. You can use aloe gel, ice or a cold compress to calm the area. Polysporin can be applied if needed to support healing (unless you have sensitivities to it).
Between appointments: ongoing care
Consistent at-home care helps your skin stay healthy and supports the best long-term electrolysis results.
- Exfoliate regularly. Starting 24–48 hours after treatment, gently exfoliate the area 2–3 times per week between appointments. This helps prevent ingrown hairs and keeps follicles clear.
- Hydrate, inside and out. Drink water daily and use a gentle moisturizer to support barrier repair before and after each session.
- Pause active ingredients after treatment. Avoid products with strong active ingredients (like acids or retinoids) on the treated area for at least 24 hours after each session.
- Don’t pluck between visits. To keep your progress on track, continue to avoid pulling hair from the root. Shaving or trimming is allowed between treatments.
What to expect at your appointment
Every visit at Jeanine’s Electrolysis is designed to feel calm, clear, and supportive. Here’s how a typical session works for clients from Ottawa, Barrhaven, Nepean, South Keys, Greely, Findlay Creek, Mooney’s Bay, and Hunt Club.
Consultation & skin review
We begin with a short conversation about your goals, medical history, and any previous hair removal methods you’ve tried. We assess the area, your hair type, and your skin so we can plan realistic treatment timelines and choose the best approach for you.
This is your time to ask questions and share any concerns, whether you’re addressing a few facial hairs or planning full-body or gender-affirming hair removal.
Test treatment & comfort settings
We perform a small test or short treatment in the area we’re focusing on. During this time, I adjust settings to balance effectiveness with your comfort level.
You’ll get a feel for what the sensation is like, how your skin responds, and how to use your before and after care routine to keep the area calm.
Treatment session & plan
Once you’re comfortable, we move into a focused treatment session, working systematically through the area. Each hair is treated individually for precise, permanent removal.
Before you leave, we review how your skin may look over the next few days, when to book your next visit, and how our long-term plan will help you reach full clearance.
Is electrolysis right for you?
Electrolysis is a great option if you’re looking for permanent hair removal, have hair that laser can’t target (like blonde, grey, or red hair), or are experiencing hormonally driven growth from PCOS, menopause, or gender-affirming hormone therapy.
If you’re unsure, a consultation is the best place to start. We’ll review your skin, your goals, and any medications or conditions to make sure electrolysis is safe and appropriate for you.