Frequently asked Questions
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Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method that uses a small fine probe to insert into the hair follicle to destroy the hair root cells with a small electrical current of heat, chemical, or a blend of both. Since every hair follicle grows in different cycles, we target hairs in the anagen phase (active growth phase) to permanently remove hair growth, this process requires time and multiple sessions. When performed by a licensed electrologist, electrolysis is safe, FDA-approved for all hair and skin types and can be treated on any part of the body where hair grows!
Please refer to our Introduction video of Electrolysis for more clarity or schedule a consultation with us!
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Electrolysis is Permanent hair removal. Works on all hair colors, hair textures, and skin types. Can be done anywhere on the body.
Laser is Semi-permanent hair reduction. Best for dark hair on light skin but may require maintenance. Can only be done on certain parts of the body.
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Discomfort varies from person to person. Most clients describe the sensation as a mild stinging or heat. Topical anesthetics such as numbing creams are recommended before treatment for sensitive areas, we recommend you apply 45 mins prior to appointment (refer to your topical anesthetic for instructions; only apply a small surface area and consult your doctor for questions/concerns). If you’re concerned about discomfort, you may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen about 30 minutes before your session (consult your doctor first).
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Avoid caffeine, sugars, and alcohol before your appointment, as they can increase sensitivity and dehydrate your skin.
Drink water, hydrate well for at least 24 hours before treatment.
Gently exfoliate and moisturize the area a day before to remove dead skin cells. NO harsh chemicals.
Do not shave, pluck, or wax for at least 5–7 days before treatment—hair needs to be (2mm) long enough for the probe to reach the follicle.
Apply numbing cream (recommended not required) 30–45 minutes before your session if you have sensitive skin, low pain tolerance, or starting menstruation, or on any hormone medication.
Avoid sun exposure 24-48hrs as much as possible before treating area.
Arrive with clean, makeup-free, product-free skin (besides numbing cream) to avoid irritation on treated area.
STOP all retinoids (Tretinoin/Retinol), AHAs & BHAs (Glycolic/Salicylic acid), chemical peels/scrubs, & prescription skin care/topical acne medications 7-14 DAYS before starting electrolysis. Inform electrologists about recent skin treatments or any medications.
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Apply aloe vera or witch hazel to soothe the skin (or apply our aftercare products), the area may feel slightly irritated. After treatment, you can expect redness, slight swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area for a few hours to a day.
Avoid touching or scratching the treated area. If tiny scabs form, don’t pick them as they help healing process.
No makeup, lotions, or deodorant on treated skin for 24 hours.
No sun exposure or tanning for at least 48 hours—wear SPF, if necessary, on treated area.
Avoid excessive sweating, hot showers, and saunas for 24 hours.
Do not exfoliate or scrub the area until fully healed.
*Healing can take up to a week, depending on skin sensitivity, most irritation subsides within 24–48 hours*
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The number of sessions varies based on hair type, density, and treatment area. On average, clients need multiple sessions over several months to ensure all hairs in the growth cycle are treated. Most clients return every 1–2 weeks with 30-minute to 3-hour sessions depending on the treatment area and hair growth cycle. You will start to see a significant drop in hair density within several months and full results can take a year or two.
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We are currently accepting Kaiser and VA patients, if these don’t apply to you, you can contact your insurance or doctor to ask if Electrolysis Epilation hair removal service is covered. Another method is to book a session with us, pay full amount and we can send a claim to your insurance to see if treatment is eligible for coverage (not a guaranteed method). Kaiser and VA patients will need to be referred to our office by your physician/specialist, we will then receive an authorization with your information to schedule your first visit! We recommend insurance patients to schedule the first session for 2 hours. Insurance coverage usually applies to patients with medical conditions such as PCOS, hormone imbalances, or seen as medically necessary.
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For your first visit, please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to session time. New clients will be asked to fill out office forms for our records, please bring your ID, and insurance card if you were referred. You will then meet with your scheduled electrologist, discuss your health history and areas you want treated. If you booked a consultation (30mins), our electrologist will explain what electrolysis is, test which method is best for you, and answer any questions you may have + option to begin treatment. Your service will then begin by our electrologist utilizing one or more of the three modalities we provide: thermolysis, galvanic, and blend. We prioritize your utmost comfort for every session at Golden Touch!
Please refer to “how to prepare before your session” and Office policies
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There are 3 different methods:
1. Galvanic: Uses a chemical reaction to destroy germinative cells. Timing is in seconds, and it needs the right stage of hair growth.
2. Thermolysis: Uses heat energy to destroy germinative cells and the current is very fast (hundreds to thousands of seconds).
3. Blend: Uses both Thermolysis and Galvanic at the same time. Using the heat to help the spread of the lye in a more effective manner.
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Electrolysis is an extremely safe procedure and has very little down time. Right after treatment you may experience some redness, swelling, or slight scabbing in the treated area. Some people have occasional bruising, tenderness, and on darker skin tones: temporary pigmentation may occur. This is perfectly normal and it is our body’s way of healing itself, our electrologists apply an aftercare treatment after sessions to help the skin heal and feel good after electrolysis.
Please refer to, “What after care steps should I follow?” for guidance.
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Price rates vary between electrologists according to seniority, experience, and specialties.
All of our electrologists are actively licensed in the state of CA and are active licensed Estheticians in CA. Our electrologists work with the same equipment in office, specialties differ in the modalities used or types of medically necessary hair removal work.
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A Security deposit is only required for the first initial visit to the office as a new client. We ask for a security deposit of $45 to accept your first appointment, it ensures your time slot is reserved for you and it confirms you are meeting with your scheduled Electrologist. Without a security deposit, our office has no assurance of you showing up to your scheduled time and respecting the time of our electrologist to show up for said time. The deposit goes towards the total session price at checkout, is honored if you need to reschedule, and is nonrefundable for No-Shows/Cancellations made day of appointment. Thank you for respecting your time and supporting Golden Touch!
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If menstruating: Not recommended, you may start or continue electrolysis treatment if you choose to do so on any area besides bottom (Brazilian or bikini), although sensitivity will be at your highest and you may feel uncomfortable during treatment (numbing cream may not be effective). If your desired area to treat is Brazilian/bikini, then please wait to be done with menstruation to do electrolysis, we understand if rescheduling is needed.
If pregnant: NO, you may not start or continue electrolysis treatment before completing your third trimester. After the third trimester, a doctors/provider note is required to start electrolysis treatment and your electrologist will use the appropriate setting for your safety. We will only do electrolysis as approved by your doctor, thank you for understanding.
PLEASE make sure to discuss with your electrologist whether you are testing for pregnancy or about to start menstruating, we prioritize your comfort and safety first.