Electrolysis FAQ

What Is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the only FDA approved permanent hair removal method. A thin probe is inserted into the hair follicle, then a current is applied. Afterward the hair is removed with tweezers.

What Electrolysis Methods Do You Use?

I typically use the Blend Method, which uses chemical AND heat energy to destroy the hair growth center. Sometimes I use Flash Thermolysis (heat only), mainly for fast initial clearing of an area.

What Clients Do You Typically Serve?

While I am open to serving a variety of people, my electrolysis clients often include:

Transgender (facial or surgery prep most common)
Women (mainly lip area, near chin)
Athletes (usually underarm, legs)
Women with hormonal imbalance (PCOS, Hirsutism, etc)

Do You Do Electrolysis For Minors?

Yes, within state of Oregon guidelines, rules and laws, which vary by the child's age and circumstances. Before booking a consultation or electrolysis for a minor, please contact me for more details.

What Body Areas Do You Work On?

Most clients seek electrolysis treatment in the following areas: facial, neck, underarm, chest, back, arms, legs, bikini, and surgery prep. Electrolysis is not allowed inside the earlobe, nor in the nose. Certain other unusual areas may require a doctor's note for treatment. Feel free to ask me before or during a new client consultation.

Do You Take OHP (Oregon Medicaid)?

I am in the process of registering to accept OHP with Care Oregon (Oregon Health Plan-Medicaid). When approved, it will be featured prominently on my website. If you have OHP Care Oregon feel free to contact me to join that wait list.

For anyone on OHP who is having trouble getting electrolysis through your OHP provider, you MUST exhaust your options there before I can take you as a cash client. And there is an OHP form for that. Please contact me for more details before booking.

Do You Take Private Health Insurance?

For private health insurance electrolysis coverage, you must have a gender dysphoria medical code. Gender affirming care is now required to be covered by Oregon insurance providers as per HB 2002 (passed 2023). You may need to be persistent with insurance for coverage, given this law is new. Note that there are rare exceptions to this coverage like self-funded employer insurance. Need help navigating this? Ask me!

Washington, California and other states may have similar laws as above, which could apply for example if you are a remote worker. For these states, check with me before booking.

Payment due at time of service. You will receive receipts to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, and I have a Superbill if your insurance requests it. I take self-funded clients as well.

What Is Your Scheduling and Cancellation Policy?

A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to reschedule or cancel. If less than 24 hours notice, or you are late for your appointment, please text 503-593-1933. Repeatedly being late, missing appointments, cancelling or rescheduling short notice can lead to a deposit being required for booking, or dismissal as a client. Thanks for your understanding.

Will Electrolysis Work For Me?

In most cases*, yes. Electrolysis will permanently remove the hair no matter the cause, body area, age, hair and skin type or color. This treatment will leave you with the hairless skin you seek.

*Note: A doctor's note may be necessary to work in certain areas or for insurance coverage. Also, people with pacemakers and pregnant women should not be treated.

Can I Do Anything To Help The Process?

Following the guidelines in pre-treatment and post-treatment care section of this website will aid the results.

How Long Will Electrolysis Take?

The number of electrolysis sessions to treat and permanently remove hair varies for each person. Length and frequency of appointments are more to start, and diminish over time with less hairs to be treated.

The treatment area size and amount of hair are factors. For smaller area issues and touch-ups, appointments might be as brief 30 minutes, infrequently. Larger areas, especially with more dense hair, may require many full hour sessions.

Sessions may need to be more often for areas previously tweezed or waxed. Additional factors involved in frequency or total treatments needed include: skin type and sensitivity, proper hydration, hormones, health, and genetics. The time to completely clear an area may be from 6 months to 2 years.

Carissa Hannigan LE