Aftercare

What to Expect After Electrolysis Hair Removal

At Sibu Skin and Beauty, we offer electrolysis – a precise, proven method of permanent hair removal that treats each hair follicle individually. A fine filament is gently inserted into the follicle, and a small current is applied to stop future growth.

Because hair grows in cycles, only hairs in the active growth phase can be effectively treated during a session. This means most clients need multiple electrolysis treatments to achieve their desired results. Many notice visible improvement within 3 months, while full results can take 12 months or more.

It’s important to understand that electrolysis treats the outcome – the existing hair – not the cause of hair growth. Hormones, genetics, medications, and other life changes can stimulate new hairs in previously inactive follicles, even after your treatment plan is complete. This is normal and does not mean your results have “worn off” – it simply reflects how the body’s natural processes work.

Hair Growth Explained

Hair growth is influenced by hormones, genetics, medications, and other factors outside our control. Electrolysis treats the outcome (the visible hair), not the underlying triggers.

Dormant follicles can become active over time, which is why ongoing maintenance may be required even after your main course of treatments.

Your individual results will depend on:

  • Hair density and thickness

  • Skin hydration levels

  • Hormonal influences (including medications)

  • Natural hair growth cycles

  • Treatment area and size

  • How still you remain during the session (yes, chatting can slow things down!)

Immediately After Treatment

It’s normal to experience temporary redness, swelling, or pinpoint scabbing in the treated area. This usually subsides within 24–48 hours.

For Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV–VI (olive to deep brown/black skin), there is a higher risk of temporary or permanent pigmentation changes or scarring. Your therapist will adjust treatment settings and provide extra aftercare instructions to minimise these risks.

Aftercare Instructions – The First 48 Hours

To promote healing and reduce the risk of irritation or infection:

Do’s:

  • Apply a soothing, fragrance-free gel or aloe vera as recommended by your therapist

  • Keep the area clean and dry

  • Use cool compresses to reduce redness or swelling

  • Follow any personalised product recommendations provided by your therapist

Don’ts:

  • Touching or scratching the treated area

  • Heat treatments (saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, spa baths)

  • Swimming (chlorine or salt water can irritate the skin)

  • Sun exposure and tanning beds

  • Makeup, perfumed products, or skincare actives (AHAs, BHAs, retinol) on the treated area

  • Heavy exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating

Why Aftercare Matters

Proper aftercare helps to:

  • Reduce the risk of infection, pigmentation, or scarring

  • Support the skin’s natural healing process

  • Maximise the effectiveness of your electrolysis treatments

Before Your Next Appointment

To ensure the safest and most effective results:

  • Arrive with clean skin – no makeup, oils, or creams.

  • Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for 48 hours prior.

  • Do not wax, tweeze, or thread the area for at least 2 weeks before.

  • Stay well-hydrated – hydrated skin responds better to treatment.

  • Tell your therapist about any new medications or health changes.

Ongoing Care

  • Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to treated areas exposed to the sun

  • Avoid exfoliating the treated area until fully healed

  • Follow your recommended treatment schedule for best results

  • Report any unusual or prolonged side effects to your therapist immediately