Electrolysis

Your Questions,
Our Answers!

• About NIOS

  • How are Nios estheticians and electrologists trained?

    All of our facialists are certified estheticians who receive extra exclusive in-house training. Our electrologists receive what is likely the most rigorous and comprehensive electrolysis training in the country, developed and supervised by an M.D. They undergo exclusive and continuous in-house training and follow or exceed all procedures recommended by the American Electrology Association.

  • Can I choose my esthetician or electrologist?

    Yes. In fact, we encourage trying sessions with different providers to find the best fits for you. For electrologists in particular, techniques may vary slightly, so exploring different approaches can help you discover what feels best while also giving you more flexibility when booking.

  • Do you offer any packages or discounts?

    Purchase a 10-session package of uniform-length treatments (for example, ten 30-minute treatments), for 10% off. Package sessions cannot be split into multiple sessions. Our packages are risk-free, so if you don’t use all of your sessions, we’ll refund you for unused sessions at the pre-discounted rate.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    Cancel or reschedule 24+ hours before your appointment free-of-charge. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to charge.

  • How many Nios locations are there?

    There are 3 Nios Spa locations for your convenience: Manhattan near Columbus Circle (315 W. 57th St. Suite 308), Brooklyn near Barclays Center (567 Pacific St. Suite A) and Queens on the border of Astoria and Long Island City/LIC (31-76 Steinway St.)

• About electrolysis

  • How does electrolysis work?

    Electrolysis permanently destroys hairs by gently delivering a small amount of heat to the base of the hair follicle through a very fine, flexible probe.

  • Is electrolysis safe? Are there any side effects?

    Electrolysis has been used safely for about 135 years and has been well researched and evaluated. Like any cosmetic or medical treatment, side effects aren’t impossible, but they are rare. You are expected to see redness in the treated area, which on average lasts for 3-4 days, but in some cases may take longer to resolve.

  • Does electrolysis hurt?

    Electrolysis produces a small pricking sensation, which some clients rate equally or slightly higher to the feeling of a hair being plucked. This sensation is your guarantee that the hair base is actually being destroyed. Most people find it much more comfortable than waxing, and at Nios we provide a relaxing environment (Netflix included!) where your comfort is prioritized.

  • How long of an appointment should I book?

    Electrolysis goes by time. The amount of time varies from person to person; for example, one person removing underarm hair may need 30 minutes because they have sparse hair, but a second may need 60 minutes or more. That said, if you’re about average, most small areas (lip, chin, eyebrows, fingers, etc) may take 15 minutes (range from 5-30 minutes), underarms may average 45-60 minutes (range from 15-120 minutes), and so on. Since we can’t see how much hair you have over the phone (even if we’d like to!), we offer free consultations to do just that—and we’ll be able to give a far more accurate estimate regarding the number and length of treatments in person.

  • How should I prepare for my electrolysis appointment?

    The best way to prepare is by doing less — or nothing at all. Don’t wax, pluck, tweeze at all, and avoid shaving or using depilatory products for at least 4 days before your scheduled appointment.

  • How many sessions do I need?

    The number of sessions required for permanent hair removal varies. Some people achieve permanent removal in just a few treatments (such as when a few sparse hairs grow on the face), while others require a longer course. Factors influencing treatment length include which area is being treated, area, hair density, and type of hair. Typically, most people achieve permanent results within 12-18 months of regular sessions (often once or twice a month to begin with, then every 1-2 months). It’s nuanced! Consult with our qualified electrologists for a personalized estimate.

  • Does electrolysis always work?

    The short answer: Yes. But there is a catch: Electrolysis is only effective at a certain point within the hair growth cycle, and if you tweeze or wax even once during treatment, you may completely reset the clock. But keeping a regular treatment schedule ensures you’ll capture every hair at the perfect stage over time. We can only treat hair that exists; people tend to grow new hair as they age.

  • Is electrolysis really permanent?

    Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal! Follicles treated by electrolysis are gone for good. But keep in mind, you’ll see better results if you follow a recommended treatment schedule. Electrolysis also does not account for hair growth in new areas, which happens naturally as we age.

  • Is electrolysis better than laser hair removal?

    We don’t think of electrolysis as better or worse than any other treatment or grooming ritual. However, if you’re looking for results that last, electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal for a reason, while laser can only offer permanent hair reduction. Electrolysis tackles hair follicles directly, making it truly permanent and uniquely effective on all hair colors (blonde, gray and red included!) and skin tones. Laser targets pigment and isn’t isn’t equally effective on different skin and hair types like electrolysis is. For universal effectiveness and guaranteed permanence, electrolysis wins.

  • How much downtime will I need after electrolysis?

    After treatment, the treated follicles may be slightly red. This usually goes away after about 3-4 days, though some may require 1-2 weeks.

  • Do I have to do anything after electrolysis treatment?

    You should avoid the sun for 1-2 days post treatment and use a heavy SPF 30+ sunscreen. Keeping the treated area clean and dry is incredibly important, so switch to a mild cleanser and avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours. You should also avoid scratching or using any products that will irritate the area (e.g. exfoliating scrubs, bleaching creams, etc.) until skin returns to normal.

  • What areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis?

    Short answer: Anywhere unwanted hair appears (except for the nose and deep inside the ear canal). Common areas include the face (brows, upper lip, chin), underarms, bikini line, legs, chest and back. Its precision is perfect for both small, delicate areas and larger zones. Hair can be removed from certain moles after examination from a dermatologist.

  • Does electrolysis stop new growth?

    No. Electrolysis was designed to stop existing hair follicles from producing more hair. Hair growth in new areas can happen as we age — we can’t transport into the future (yet!).

  • Can I wax or tweeze between electrolysis treatments?

    No. Waxing will irritate the skin and make detecting hair growth more difficult. The golden rule of electrolysis: no tweezing or waxing.

  • Do you offer guarantees?

    Electrolysis outcomes depend on a variety of factors. Are you taking long breaks between treatments (we don’t recommend taking longer than 6 weeks)? Are you avoiding waxing or tweezing between appointments? Are you going through hormonal changes or beginning a new medication? Are you experiencing hair growth in new areas due to aging? Because many of these are under your control and out of our supervision, we cannot offer guarantees.

  • What’s included in the free consultation? Can I skip it?

    All new clients receive a free consultation during which an electrologist will explain how the process works, discuss your treatment plan, and address any questions or concerns. If you’re already familiar with electrolysis, we can schedule a shorter consultation so you can get treatment underway faster.

  • Is electrolysis expensive?

    Electrolysis sessions at Nios start at about $35 for a 5-minute session. We believe you’ll save time and money in the long run compared to temporary solutions like laser hair removal and waxing. Not to mention you’ll gain the psychological peace of mind of being hair free.

  • What’s the difference between senior and junior technicians?

    All our technicians receive the same rigorous training and testing! Our senior technicians offer the added benefit of years of hands-on experience.

• Who should get electrolysis and what can be treated

  • Will electrolysis work for my skin/hair type?

    Electrolysis is equally effective on all hair and skin colors. Unlike laser hair removal — which depends on a color contrast between skin and hair — electrolysis is perfectly effective on dark skin/dark hair and light skin/light hair combos, as well as everything in between.

  • Can I get electrolysis if I’m tan?

    Yes. Electrolysis does not rely on the color of your hair and skin and therefore works equally well when you are tan. You still shouldn’t treat sunburned skin, which is why we recommend avoiding harsh sun and wearing heavy sunscreen prior to treatment.

  • Can I get electrolysis anywhere on my body?

    All body areas can be treated with electrolysis except those near mucous membranes, most notably the nose and deep inside the ear canal.

  • Can I get electrolysis if I’m taking hormones?

    Electrolysis is a successful way to permanently remove hair growth resulting from hormonal fluctuations. Keep in mind that hormonal imbalances, natural hormonal changes (such as those that come with age), and some medications may cause additional hair growth, and we recommend consulting your doctor before deciding on any treatments.

  • Can I get electrolysis if I have diabetes?

    Yes. However, people with diabetes may heal slower than others. We ask that clients with diabetes bring a note from their physician clearing them for electrolysis before beginning treatment.

  • Can I get electrolysis if I’ve done laser hair removal?

    Yes. Many clients come to Nios after having done laser hair reduction, as electrolysis can target hair and patches missed by laser.

  • Can I get electrolysis after a facial or peel?

    Electrolysis should not be performed on skin that is irritated or inflamed. We suggest waiting at least 3 days after a facial and ten days after a peel, or more time if skin is not yet 100% back to normal.

  • Can I get electrolysis if I have sensitive skin?

    Electrolysis is safe for all skin types. If you’re concerned, schedule a consultation and get a free patch test, so you can get a better idea of how your skin will react before you start treating a larger area.

  • Is electrolysis safe if I’m taking retinoids or Accutane?

    Though we have yet to find reports of treatment issues stemming from use, retinoids can in theory lead to different increased skin sensitivity. We suggest discontinuing retinoid and Accutane use one week before electrolysis treatment.

  • Can I get electrolysis if I have a pacemaker or electronic implant?

    Clients with a pacemaker or electronic implant are required to get a written authorization from their treating cardiologist and must mention to their electrologist at every session that they have one and can only get thermolysis.

  • Can I get electrolysis if I am prone to keloid scarring?

    Those prone to keloid scars must mention it during their consultation and request to do a patch test followed by a 4-week waiting period before continuing.

  • Can children get electrolysis?

    We do not treat children under 10 years of age. A parent or legal guardian must accompany children under 18 for the first treatment and to sign an informed consent document. Approved children may attend subsequent appointments without supervision.

• Medical Electrolysis

  • Does Nios accept insurance?

    With prior approval, we accept Amida Care for medically necessary treatments (this typically applies to clients preparing for gender affirming surgery). If you have a different insurance and it will reimburse you for treatments with us, we can provide itemized receipt documentation for you to submit.

  • What treatments does Nios offer for clients in transition?

    Hair can play a pivotal role in someone’s gender identity, and electrolysis can help those transitioning address unwanted hair growth. Permanent hair removal is generally a prerequisite to gender affirming surgery, and our specialists have a great deal of experience working with pre-op clients to meet the requirements necessary to move forward with this important milestone. Areas typically treated prior to surgery include the genitals, and grafting area if it is being used.

  • Will electrolysis work if I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)?

    Yes. However, we recommend consulting your physician if your hormones are imbalanced as more hair growth may occur.

  • Is electrolysis safe during pregnancy?

    Yes. Hormonal changes may increase prenatal hair growth. While some hair may disappear after birth, electrolysis can help restore a smooth, hair-free look. Although there have been no reports of side effects from performing electrolysis during pregnancy, we ask that clients bring a note from their physician prior to undergoing electrolysis treatment. Treatment of the breasts should be avoided in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

  • Will electrolysis remove ingrown hairs/help with razor bumps?

    Yes. Electrolysis can treat ingrown hairs resulting from shaving, waxing and plucking.

  • Can electrolysis remove mole hairs?

    Nios can easily remove hair on moles with electrolysis. You must obtain an examination and approval from a dermatologist before undergoing treatment. We do not remove the mole itself (or skin tags, or anything beyond hair).