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 Electrolysis Machine Do You Use?

I use the Silhouet-Tone Blend ST 250, which can be customized from pre-programmed options or can be set manually. While I typically use it for Blend Electrolysis, sometimes I set it for Flash Thermolysis. This machine is great for reduced discomfort during treatment. I personally have a low tolerance for electrolysis and love this unit!

“Performance and Simplicity All In One Unit. The ideal permanent hair removal system for all electrologists. The ST-250 has 18 specific face and body areas that are pre-programmed according to different parameters of mode, intensity, and time.”

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 (PCOS, Hirsutism, heredity)
Athletes (usually underarm, legs)

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. Moles require a doctor's note to remove hair in them. And certain unusual areas may also 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 now able to accept OHP Care Oregon and OHP Pacific Source medical card holder clients (Oregon Health Plan-Medicaid). Please DO NOT book via my scheduler. As there are additional steps to get started, please contact me instead for details.

For anyone on another OHP medical plan who is having trouble getting electrolysis through your OHP provider (including being on a long wait list), please contact me for options.

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 based insurance providers as per HB 2002 (passed 2023, effective January 1, 2024). Note that there are rare exceptions to this coverage like self-funded employer insurance.

If you need help navigating this, ask me! I am part of a network dedicated to ensuring this coverage is implemented.

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 is 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. For under 24 hours cancellation notice, there is a $35 fee to help partially cover the lost time slot (per state rules does not apply to OHP clients). Repeatedly being late, missing appointments, cancelling or rescheduling short notice can lead to a deposit being required for booking, or dismissal as a client. Thank you for understanding in service of all clients.

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 required to work in certain areas (moles etc) or for insurance coverage. Also, people with pacemakers and pregnant women should not be treated. And certain contraindications can make treatment not possible. Ask me if you are unsure.

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, hair characteristics, 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, skin 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