Electrolysis treatments works different for each client and so I treat each client slightly different depending on the type of skin, hair and results desired. I work very hard to understand each client's goals, background and pain tolerance so that the treatments are effective, as painless as possible and cost-efficient. If I do my job right, your goals will be met with as little time, pain and money as possible!
For new clients I like to find out the following information before starting treatment:
1) Treatment Timing Depending on the client, this could be one to two times per week to as infrequently as once a month. It really depends on the client, the hair and the amount of hair to treat. During the first contact I like to learn from my client what their goals are and plan with them accordingly and with realistic expectations.
2) Effects of Electrolysis I explain electrolysis and how I approach treatment, and then try and learn from them how much of a concern redness and swelling might be to them. Sometimes this is a major concern, sometimes minor. It is better to explain that an extensive treatment to the upper lip will cause redness and swelling now rather than after the treatment! For gender clients this is a biggie. If they aren't ready to share their transition, we can plan accordingly.
3) For Gender Clients : Do the people in their life know they are transitioning? As mentioned above, if this is a concern, better I know right away. This way we can create a treatment plan that maybe is a little less noticeable if they are planning on keeping that information confidential for the time being.
4) For Gender Clients : Hormones A common question I get is: "If I take hormones will it make the hair go away faster?" It’s the Androgen blockers that really slow down the hair. Hormones play a very large part in how hair grows, and as time goes by and treatment progresses, hair growth can slow and become more sparse on the body, but it doesn't disappear. I try to recommend to clients to start with the face first and let the hormones work the magic! Once the face is cleared during each session we can branch off to other parts of the body.
5) For Gender Clients : Surgeries This is also something to keep in mind if surgeries loom on the horizon. Sometimes surgeries can take a lot out of a patient and some surgeons request that their patients hold off on electrolysis while they heal. This is especially important when dealing with a client who may be considering jaw reconstruction or genital reassignment surgery. I want my clients to get the results they want, and knowing this is coming helps us devise the best treatment plan.
6) Treatment Plan Once I get a clear picture of where each client is coming from and where they are going we decide where to start treatment. In the case of some of my local men and women it is a clear cut choice as they only have one or two areas of treatment. However, with my gender clients sometimes they have five, six or even more areas they would like to see hair free. Choosing the most logical strategy in this case is key.