Electrolysis 101: Everything You Need to Know About Permanent Hair Removal in Leduc

Nov 5

If you’ve ever felt frustrated, embarrassed, or just tired of constantly managing unwanted hair, you’re not alone. For many of us, it’s not just a cosmetic concern, it’s emotional too. Hormonal changes, genetics, and conditions like PCOS, thyroid imbalances, or menopause can all cause stubborn or excessive hair growth.

Our team proudly offers electrolysis for every body, including our trans and gender-diverse community. We’re also preparing to expand our services in the coming months to include full gender-affirming surgery preparation for those who require it.

At Nüd, we want you to know that we see you, we hear you, and we’re here to support you. Whether you’re managing hormonal changes, exploring gender-affirming care, or simply ready for something permanent.

This guide will help you get to know what electrolysis is, how it works, and why so many of our clients choose it for permanent hair removal.

What Is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal. Unlike other treatments that reduce or slow growth, electrolysis completely and permanently destroys the follicle’s ability to produce new hair.

Each hair is treated individually with a tiny sterile probe that gently delivers high-frequency energy to the follicle, targeting its growth cells. Once destroyed, that follicle can never grow hair again, ever.

At Nüd, we use the Apilus xCell Pro, a 27.12 MHz device known for being one of the most advanced and comfortable technologies available. It delivers energy faster and more efficiently, allowing for effective results with minimal discomfort, even on sensitive areas like the upper lip or bikini line.

Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal

Both options can give amazing results and each has their place, but they work very differently.

Laser hair removal targets pigment (melanin) in the hair, which makes it most effective on darker hair and lighter skin. It’s great for quickly treating large areas and can offer long-term reduction — typically around 80–90% — but it’s not a full removal method. Light, red, or grey hairs don’t respond to laser, and maintenance sessions are usually needed over time.

Electrolysis works on any hair colour or skin tone and is safe for every area of the body, including small or sensitive zones. It’s especially helpful for hormonal hair growth caused by PCOS, thyroid changes, or menopause. Because each follicle is treated individually, it offers complete and permanent results.

Some clients choose to combine both: laser to thin dense areas first, followed by electrolysis for total clearance.

Treatment Methods

At Nüd, every electrolysis session is customized, there’s no “one setting fits all” approach here. Many electrologists tend to use the same probe size and treatment settings for every client, but that’s not how electrolysis is meant to be performed.

We carefully select both the probe size and type based on several factors: the size and depth of the hair, the size of the follicle opening (ostium), and whether the growth is hormonally influenced. The treatment modality — thermolysis or blend — is also chosen specifically for the type of hair being treated and your sensitivity level.

Our advanced device gives us the flexibility to adjust how energy is delivered within each method, with options that control exactly how the energy is applied. This means your treatment is fully customized to you.

Our team has been trained and guided by an incredible educator from Dectro International, an internationally renowned electrolysis school known for its advanced education and one of the largest manufacturers in electrolysis machines and supplies. We’re also continuously updating our knowledge and techniques with continued education, so you can rest assured that you’re always in experienced hands.

Depending on the area being treated and the type of hair, we use one of the following methods:

• Thermolysis (Short-Wave Method) – Uses heat to gently coagulate (or denature) the growth cells within each follicle. This method is ideal for fine to medium hairs and for treating larger or denser areas efficiently.

• Blend (Combined Method) – Combines thermolysis and galvanic currents to create a chemical and thermal reaction within the follicle. This approach is best suited for coarse, deep-rooted hairs or hormonal hair growth.

We don’t use pure galvanic alone, as it’s significantly slower (taking minutes per hair). The blend method allows us to use a low-intensity thermolysis current first to create porosity within the follicle, helping the galvanic current work more effectively. This combination provides much faster results.

Your electrologist will choose the most suitable method for your needs based on your hair type, skin, and treatment area, and any other factors that will come into play.

Does Electrolysis Hurt?

Everyone experiences electrolysis a little differently, but most describe it as a quick, warm sensation or like a tiny zing or tingle in each follicle. With thermolysis, it’s over in a fraction of a second, while blend treatments can feel slightly stronger or last a few seconds longer as the energy works deeper in the follicle.

Some areas (like the upper lip, chin, or bikini line) can feel more sensitive, but the feeling is brief and completely manageable. Most clients find they adjust quickly as their treatments progress and hair density decreases.

As your hair growth thins out over time, the energy levels needed to treat each follicle also decrease, which means treatments naturally become more comfortable the further you go in your plan.

For those who prefer a little extra comfort, we also offer Zensa Numbing Cream, which can be applied before your treatment to help minimize the sensation.

Understanding Your Treatment Plan

Permanent hair removal is a process, not a one-time treatment. Hair grows in cycles, and only the hairs currently visible and active can be treated during each session.

In any given area, only a portion of follicles are in their active growth stage (anagen), which is when electrolysis is most effective. Beneath the surface, many dormant follicles are waiting to grow in future cycles, which is why multiple treatments are needed.

When you do notice new hairs growing back a week or two after we’ve done a full clearance, those aren’t the same hairs returning. They’re different follicles that have just entered their active growth phase. Once a follicle has been treated and the hair is removed from the root, it physically can’t regrow that quickly. What you’re seeing is another group of follicles beginning their cycle, and those will be treated in your next session.

You’ll start noticing visible results around six to eight months of regular treatments, once we’ve treated multiple rounds of active growth, and most treatment plans are complete within 18–24 months (this is a general guideline, factors such as hormonal influence can extend the time needed for your treatment plan). Every clearance builds on the last, gradually reducing the number and thickness of hairs until your treatment plan is complete.

Consistency is essential. Staying on schedule ensures we’re always treating hairs in their active growth stage, when electrolysis works best. If appointments are spaced too far apart, many hairs will shift out of that stage before we can treat them, which can slow your progress and increase the total amount of treatment sessions you need.

Treatment Phases: What to Expect

These phases are meant to give you a general idea of what to expect. Because everyone’s hair growth patterns and hormones are unique, your personal plan may vary. For example, clients with PCOS or those seeking full beard clearance may need a little extra time to reach full results.

1. Cleaning Phase – This is the initial period in which all visible hairs are treated for the first time.

Frequency: Every 1–2 weeks for about 1–2 months (depending on the area, your hair density, hormones, and how your skin responds).
Purpose: Quickly achieve your first “full clearance” of visible hairs.
Notes: The more consistently you come in during this stage, the faster we can treat hairs in their optimal growth phase and start seeing visible progress.

2. Control Phase – We now focus on treating regrowth as it appears, reducing both density and frequency.

Frequency: Every 2–4 weeks for 6–12 months (depending on the area, your hair density, and hormonal influences).
Expectation: You’ll notice regrowth becoming lighter and less frequent as more follicles are permanently treated.
Goal: Maintain control until the majority of follicles have been addressed.

3. Maintenance Phase – We’re nearing the end of your plan. Remaining hairs are more superficial, finer, and less noticeable.

Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks for approximately 4–6 months.
Duration: Appointments become shorter as fewer hairs remain.
Goal: Long-term maintenance until no active regrowth persists.

Why Hydration Matters

Hydration plays a much bigger role in electrolysis than most people realize. When your skin and follicles are well hydrated, the electrical current can move through the follicle more efficiently. This means we can treat each hair more effectively, often at lower settings, which makes the process gentler on your skin.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, creates resistance. This means that the current doesn’t travel as smoothly, which can make treatments less efficient and may increase sensitivity. Keeping your skin hydrated helps us achieve a cleaner release of the hair and supports faster healing afterward.

Drink water consistently throughout the day (not just right before your appointment) and add electrolytes when possible. Topically, moisturize after every shower while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in water. These small habits make a noticeable difference in how your skin responds to treatment, and your electrologist will absolutely notice the improvement too.

How to Heal Your Skin After Electrolysis

After each electrolysis session, treat the area as a micro wound. Your skin is in healing mode, and following proper post-care supports recovery while helping prevent irritation, pigmentation, or ingrown hairs.

✅ Do:
• Cleanse gently with a mild, non-stripping cleanser.
• Apply Zensa Healing Cream during the healing phase.
• Moisturize daily to keep the skin soft and hydrated.
• Exfoliate regularly once healed to help prevent ingrown hairs and maintain clear follicles. (Skip exfoliation if it’s less than 7 days before your next appointment.)
• Protect exposed areas with SPF daily.
• Stay hydrated! Healthy moisture levels support healing and improve treatment results.

🚫 Avoid:
• Excess heat (hot tubs, saunas, workouts) for 24–48 hours.
• Sun exposure or tanning for 72 hours.
• Exfoliating products or actives (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids) for 5–7 days.
• Picking, scratching, or removing crusts.
• Waxing, tweezing, or threading between sessions.
• Shaving is acceptable, but should be done no closer than 3–5 days before your next appointment.

Recommended Products for Between Sessions

Taking care of your skin between electrolysis appointments is just as important as showing up to your appointments consistently. Keeping your skin hydrated, protected, and gently exfoliated helps prevent irritation and ingrown hairs, supports healing, and improves your overall results.

Here are some products we know and trust to help support your skin throughout your journey:

Healing Phase – All Areas

• Zensa Healing Cream — apply during the first few days post-treatment to calm and soothe the skin post-electrolysis.

For the Face

• Green Envee Soothe Herbal Cleansing Cream — a gentle, creamy cleanser that calms, nourishes, and supports healing post-treatment.
• Green Envee H.A. Collagen Serum — deeply hydrates, strengthens, and plumps skin as it recovers.
• Green Envee Rejuvenate Brightening Enzyme Masque (once skin has healed) — a gentle, enzyme-based exfoliant made for sensitive skin.
• DermaQuest Tinted SPF — available in Nude, Sun-Kissed, and Tan. This hydrating mineral sunscreen reflects UV rays away from the skin (unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb rays and convert them into heat, something we want to avoid post-treatment).

For the Body

• Green Envee Body Lotion — restores moisture and supports a healthy skin barrier.
• Merben Dry Body Brushes (once skin has healed) — promote circulation and gentle exfoliation.

For the Intimate Areas

• Bushbalm Ingrown Hair Oils — hydrate and soothe delicate skin while helping prevent ingrown hairs.
• Bushbalm Exfoliating Scrubs (once skin has healed) — gentle sugar-based scrubs great for underarms and the bikini line.
• Merben Dry Bikini Brushes (once skin has healed) — promote circulation and gentle exfoliation.

Shop Pre + Post-Care

Ready to Start Your Journey to Permanent Hair Removal?

We hope this guide helped you with understanding electrolysis and what the process looks like. If you’d like to learn more, ask questions, or talk through whether electrolysis is the right fit for you, we invite you to book a consultation with us. We’ll take the time to review your goals, look at your hair growth patterns, and help you plan your first steps if you decide to move forward.

To make it even easier to get started, when you book your first electrolysis session with us, use code FREE15 to receive a complimentary 15-minute add-on with your initial appointment.

Mercedes + The Nüd Team ☺️

About Nüd Sugaring + Laser Studio

Proudly Indigenous and woman-owned, Nüd Sugaring + Laser Studio is located in Leduc, AB and specializes in expert hair removal, laser, and intimate skincare. We’re a body-positive, judgment-free space where every body is welcome, supported, and celebrated.

You belong here. ✨