First Appointment With An Electrologist

[Guest Risu]

Hi all I have a few questions and I was hoping you all can help.

I had laser in 06. 10 treatments with no results at... 170 a piece I think. 1.7k. I also used a home electrolysis kit with the galvanized tweezers for about 3 months if not more and since then my skin is extremely sensitive on my face. I have good pain tolerance but now, 5 years later and I can't even tolerate shaving hardly.

So my first question is, what can I do to help numb the pain? Does it hurt much? Anything OTC I can do as I cannot afford a doctors visit right now.

Also are there any questions I should ask my electrologist?

How long should I go without shaving before my appointment? My facial hair grows quick. Its a daily thing needing to shave. But because of the pain I normally wait 2 days.

I plan to arrive early, pay cash and tip her... how much is anappropriate tip? $5? 10%?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom you have to offer

~Risu.

[Guest Donna Jean]

Hi all I have a few questions and I was hoping you all can help.

I've had 65 hours of electrolysis....let me see if I can answer any of your questions..

I had laser in 06. 10 treatments with no results at... 170 a piece I think. 1.7k. I also used a home electrolysis kit with the galvanized tweezers for about 3 months if not more and since then my skin is extremely sensitive on my face. I have good pain tolerance but now, 5 years later and I can't even tolerate shaving hardly.

Why has your pain tolerance changed?

So my first question is, what can I do to help numb the pain? Does it hurt much? Anything OTC I can do as I cannot afford a doctors visit right now.

There are over the counter gels and creams that contain agents, such as Lidocaine, that do a fair job of numbing...I used that for under my upper lip (DANG! That smarts!)

Some doctors will give you a shot of Novacaine right before you go to your Electrolysis appointment.I've never done that, though...

One important thing to remember is to hydrate (drink lots of liquids) before you go...that makes for a better contact and less time on the hair...

Also are there any questions I should ask my electrologist?

Well, ....":How much do you charge?" would be a good question...lol

I was getting a three hour session on Saturday mornings...it all depends on what you can stand..

Ask them how long does she want the hair for the appointment...that will let you know how long not to shave (I HATED that part...I didn't like walking with a stubble!)

How long should I go without shaving before my appointment? My facial hair grows quick. Its a daily thing needing to shave. But because of the pain I normally wait 2 days.

Well, obviously they have to get hold of each hair with tweezers, so see how long after you shave you can grab the hairs...

I plan to arrive early, pay cash and tip her... how much is anappropriate tip? $5? 10%?

HMmmm......I'll pass on this one...My electrologist asked me not to tip her...

Thanks in advance for any wisdom you have to offer

I hope that it helped a little bit!

Huggs

Donna Jean

~Risu.

[Paula ult]

Hi all I have a few questions and I was hoping you all can help.

I had laser in 06. 10 treatments with no results at... 170 a piece I think. 1.7k. I also used a home electrolysis kit with the galvanized tweezers for about 3 months if not more and since then my skin is extremely sensitive on my face. I have good pain tolerance but now, 5 years later and I can't even tolerate shaving hardly.

I had 10 laser sessions in 08/09, it did get rid of my dark hairs, i am doing electrolysis on the white/grey ones 97 hours so far, after over 2-1/2 years on hormones my skin has thinned some and when i shave i have to be careful not to cut myself.

So my first question is, what can I do to help numb the pain? Does it hurt much? Anything OTC I can do as I cannot afford a doctors visit right now.

I got Lidocane cream 4%, it is over the counter at most drug stores, i mainly used it on my upper lip and just below my lower lip, i put it on 20 minutes before my session and cover it with plastic wrap, looks funny driving with it on but it did the trick in the beginning, now i do not use anything as there are only a couple hairs she needs to get once in awhile.

Also are there any questions I should ask my electrologist?

How much do they charge an hour, rates vary from as low as $45 to around $90 an hour, ask them if there are any packages x number of sessions for x amount $, it might be cheaper going that route. What method do they use, there are 3, galvanic, themolysis and blend which is a combination of both the previous two, my electrologist uses blend and says it is best, ask how many years they have been doing electrolysis.

How long should I go without shaving before my appointment? My facial hair grows quick. Its a daily thing needing to shave. But because of the pain I normally wait 2 days.

If your hair grows as quick as you say you might need to let it grow a couple days, i use a small hair trimmer, it leaves the hair long enough for her to see, but i would ask

I plan to arrive early, pay cash and tip her... how much is anappropriate tip? $5? 10%?

My electrologist owns the shop, so i do not tip, when she was working for someone else i would tip her, generally you do not need to tip the owner, but do what you feel is right.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom you have to offer

~Risu.

Paula

[Guest Risu]

Very informative and helpful Thank you! I should have asked how much she charges when I made the appointment >.< But I will see how I like her, how I tolerate the treatment and be sure to ask about packages and such. The first one is only 30 minutes. Unfortunately I was only able to speak with the girl who makes the appointments on the phone and I Just made the appointment. I called once many years back and this was the only place that was friendly and helpful on the phone.

I believe my pain tolerance has changed in my face because I used a home electrolysis kit and fried my skin >.< I was like it was blistered and as it healed it looked like I had bad acne. Even after it healed it remained bright red for almost 2 years afterwards, especially on my upper lip which was more dark red, which made trying to be femme in public even more difficult because I had to wear excessive amounts of make up, not only to cover the beard shadow after I shaved, but also to cover the redness. I put as many different colors on my face as a painting. Light green shades applied lightly over foundation help even out redness by the way lol. Prior to using the vector home electrolysis system (Properly and as reccomended)I had no trouble shaving. It wasn't pain free but it wasn't excruciating as it is now. And Laser treatments were like torture! But if I knew any secrets I still wouldn't have talked. It was almost as had on my laser tech as it was on me. She said every time I squirmed or tensed (Which was the whole time) she felt bad.

Anyways, it will all be worth it if it finally goes away for good. Male or female, I don't care, I HATE shaving!!