Question 1

What To Expect

Accepted Answer

Each hair takes between 3 and 30 seconds to permanently remove. Because not all hairs grow at the same time, multiple sessions are required to fully clear an area. Most clients are treated over several months, and complete results may take 12 months or longer depending on the area. During your consultation, your electrologist will discuss a personalized treatment plan based on your goals and hair growth pattern.

Comfort varies from person to person, as hair thickness, depth, and density differ. Treatment settings are carefully adjusted to balance effectiveness with your tolerance. Our equipment allows full manual control over timing and intensity, so each follicle is treated precisely while minimizing impact on the surrounding skin.

We use gold plated filaments to reduce the likelihood of skin reactions and to support efficient energy delivery. Please inform us if you have a sensitivity to gold.

All treatments meet or exceed Alberta Health Services standards for cleanliness and sterility to ensure safe, professional care.

Question 2

How does Electrolysis work?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis is a precise method of permanent hair removal. A fine, pre-sterilized disposable probe is gently inserted into the natural opening of the hair follicle. The skin is not punctured. A small, controlled amount of electrical current is delivered to the base of the follicle to destroy the dermal papilla, which supplies the hair with nourishment. Once the dermal papilla is fully deactivated, that follicle cannot produce another hair.

If a hair is only partially treated during an early session, it may grow back finer and weaker, making it easier to permanently remove in subsequent treatments.

Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal recognized by Health Canada and the U.S. F.D.A. It is effective for all skin tones and hair types. If a hair is visible and has an active follicle, it can be treated.

Question 3

Who is electrolysis for?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis is for anyone dealing with unwanted hair. Whether you are preparing for surgery, removing body hair, or refining the edges of a beard line, we provide results that are smooth, precise, and permanent.
Unlike other hair removal methods, electrolysis is effective on all hair colors and skin tones, and is suitable at any age.

Question 4

Is electrolysis truly permanent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Electrolysis permanently destroys the treated hair follicle when it is fully and properly treated. Once a follicle is completely deactivated, it cannot produce another hair.

Because not all hair follicles are active at the same time, multiple treatments are required to clear an area. Electrolysis works by treating hairs in their active growth phase, so consistency over time is key to achieving full clearance.

New hair growth can still occur in previously cleared areas due to hormonal influences such as PCOS, gender affirming hormone therapy, stress, pregnancy, or menopause. This does not mean prior treatments failed. It simply means new follicles have been activated. These new hairs can be treated and cleared just as effectively.

Question 5

Does Electrolysis hurt?

Accepted Answer

Today, most of our clients describe the sensation of electrolysis as "quick warmth" or a “slight sting”. Some areas and even hairs may be more sensitive than others and, at certain times of the month, you may feel more sensitive. Over-the-counter products like numbing creams are also available for those who are more sensitive. Taking your favorite pain reliever 30 minutes before an appointment can also lessen the sensation of treatment.
 
There might be some lingering swelling or tenderness after treatment. These natural responses can be soothed with a cool compress, witch hazel, or aloe vera gel.

Question 6

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Electrolysis has been a safe and effective method of permanent hair removal since 1875.

All reusable instruments are thoroughly cleaned and high-level disinfected according to provincial infection control standards. A brand new, pre-sterilized disposable probe is used for every treatment and is discarded immediately after use. This ensures there is no risk of cross-contamination between clients.

All treatments meet or exceed Alberta Health Services standards for cleanliness and infection prevention.

Question 7

Are there any side effects?

Accepted Answer

Temporary redness and mild swelling in the treatment area are normal and usually resolve within a few hours to a few days. Occasionally, small scabs may form at individual treatment sites. This is an uncommon but normal part of the healing process. When left undisturbed, they typically heal without issue.

Less commonly, temporary changes in skin pigment can occur, especially in individuals prone to hyperpigmentation. These changes are usually gradual and fade over time. Permanent pigment changes or scarring are rare and are typically associated with improper aftercare or untreated infection.

To support proper healing, keep the area clean, avoid touching it unnecessarily, and follow the aftercare instructions provided.

Question 8

Is Electrolysis expensive?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis is an investment because it delivers permanent hair removal. Unlike temporary methods, once a follicle is fully treated it does not return.

Costs vary from person to person. The number and frequency of treatments depend on factors such as hair density, growth cycles, hormonal influences, and previous methods of hair removal. A consultation allows us to assess the area, answer your questions clearly, and outline a realistic treatment plan and schedule.

As a home based practice, I am able to keep overhead low and intentionally price services to remain accessible while maintaining high standards of care. My goal is to provide effective, professional treatment at rates that make long term results achievable.

Consistency is the most important factor in electrolysis. We will review your progress regularly and adjust your schedule as needed to help you reach your goal.

Question 9

Are there different kinds of Electrolysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are three different methods of Electrolysis; Galvanic, Thermolysis, and The Blend. All three modalities are safe and effective, and equally, destroy hair germ cells that cause hair growth. The modality used is the preference of the electrologist.
 
Galvanic – Direct current (DC). This is a chemical method that utilizes a direct current to convert normal body salt and water in the follicle into a compound capable of destroying the dermal papilla. The chemical is produced only in the follicle and does not affect any other area.

Thermolysis – Alternating current (AC), sometimes referred to as high frequency or short-wave: This is a method that uses a high-frequency current to produce heat in the hair follicle. This heat cauterizes and destroys the dermal papilla.

The Blend Method (also referred to as Dual Modality): The Blend method combines both currents (sequentially or simultaneously) in the same probe. Thermolysis enhances the action of the galvanic method to produce a faster process.

At Transcension Electrolysis Inc. we use primarily the blend method but will adjust based on the location, hair and skin being treated.

Question 10

Should I stop tweezing or waxing before starting electrolysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tweezing and waxing remove the hair from the follicle, which means the hair must fully regrow before it can be permanently treated.

For facial areas, it is recommended to stop tweezing or waxing at least 3 to 4 weeks before your consultation. For most body areas, 4 to 6 weeks is preferable, as growth cycles are longer. The key is allowing enough visible regrowth so active hairs can be treated effectively.

Shaving or trimming the hair is acceptable between treatments, as it does not disturb the follicle.

Question 11

What causes unwanted hair growth?

Accepted Answer

Hair growth is influenced by genetics, hormones, age, medications, and certain medical conditions. It is normal for new hairs to appear or for existing hairs to become thicker over time.

Hormonal changes are one of the most common causes. Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and gender affirming hormone therapy can all activate previously dormant follicles. Aging can also shift hormone balance in any body, sometimes leading to new facial or body hair growth.

Medications and some health conditions, such as PCOS, may also increase hair growth. Significant or prolonged stress can influence hormone levels and may contribute indirectly to changes in hair patterns.

Once a follicle has been permanently treated with electrolysis, it does not produce another hair. New growth typically means a different follicle has become active.

Question 12

I have a low pain threshold, or need work on a sensitive area. Can you work under anaesthetic?

Accepted Answer

It is important to know that an electrologist cannot legally provide numbing agents or any other medication. Topical numbing products can help reduce discomfort, but it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine which product is appropriate for you. Apply the product according to the instructions before your appointment to allow it to take full effect. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may also be taken about 30 minutes before your session to help ease sensation. Please let us know what you are using so we can adjust treatment settings if needed, as reduced sensation may affect how the current feels.

Because client feedback is essential for safe and effective treatment, we cannot work on patients under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and we do not operate under general anesthesia.

Frequently asked questions