So, you’ve read up on hair removal methods and decided to have electrolysis treatment for your unwanted hair. What now? How do you pick the right professional for you? We will highlight what you should expect regarding consultation and treatment, what questions to ask, and how to ensure the best results.
- How to find your electrolysis professional: the British Institute and Association of Electrolysis (BIAE) is the UK’s professional body. If you visit https://www.electrolysis.co.uk/, you’ll find their register of members and details on how to contact them. Candidates must undergo both theoretical and practical assessments to qualify for membership. Once accepted, they must sign and agree to follow a professional code of conduct, including ongoing skills appraisals to gain Continuous Professional Development points (CPD).
You can also ask around your friends and family. Word of mouth is often a great way to find a practitioner in your area, as you can see their results yourself.
- 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, which 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 electrolysis will need information about you, particularly any relevant medical conditions or medication. A patch test will also be required (electrolysis on a few hairs in the area you wish to have treated) as part of the consultation 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 method. You cannot have treatment immediately following your patch test, as your electrolysis will want to first monitor your skin healing for a couple of days.
- When you attend the consultation, bringing a list of any medical conditions and the names of prescribed medications you take regularly is very helpful. This will help the electrolysis 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 electrolysis 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 the information, ask them to repeat or explain it in a manner that you can fully grasp. By the end of your consultation, you should be fully aware of the procedure, any reactions or side effects, 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 that take much of your time (such as your job or family), inform your electrolysis, who will take the information into consideration for your treatment plan.
- Your electrolysist will also 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. A home 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.
- 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 has a different personality, and it’s better to see someone you feel 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, if deemed more appropriate for your hair type or needs. You may take all the information, 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.