FAQ

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.

Yes. In fact, we encourage you to work with more than one in order to find the best fit and to give yourself maximum flexibility when scheduling appointments.

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.

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

There are 3 Nios locations for your convenience: Manhattan (315 W. 57th St. Suite 308) and Brooklyn (567 Pacific St. Suite A), and Queens (31-76 Steinway St.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal! 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.

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. Not to mention laser hair removal isn’t equally effective on different skin and hair types like electrolysis is.

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.

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.

Short answer: Anywhere (except for the nose and deep inside the ear canal). Hair can be removed from certain moles after examination from a dermatologist.

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!).

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 use one week before electrolysis treatment.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

The truth is: it depends. Depending on the person, you may be able to get away with one facial every 6 weeks. But once you consider factors like climate — is your skin constantly getting battered by cold, dry winds?—or skin type—is your skin too dry? Too oily? Acne-prone? — you might find that more frequent facials can do wonders.

We offer three types of facials; Anti-Aging (targets fine lines and wrinkles), Microdermabrasion (reduces pore size and renews skin tone) and Skin Resurfacing (repairs and rejuvenates skin).

Approximately 60 minutes.

Facials aren’t “one-size-fits-all” (is anything really?). Therefore, you should choose one that’s beneficial to your particular skin type and goals. Combination skin can benefit from a chemical peel, while our Anti-Aging facial may work best if you suffer from dry or wrinkling skin. Not sure what would work best for you? Our staff is always ready to give their expert advice.

At Nios, we like to call those first few hours after a facial the “Glow Zone”. We recommend skipping those scalding hot showers, steering clear of the sauna or chlorinated pools, and avoiding the sun like a nosey neighbor. And since you want your skin to breathe, you’ll also want to give your makeup a rest.

Our facials lean toward the gentler side of life and you can return to work and social life right away. Nonetheless, you may experience mild redness, inflammation, or increased sensitivity. See the facial page for details on each.

Chemical peels and Microdermabrasion facials may reduce the appearance of dark spots by removing a microscopic layer of skin. But remember, you may need multiple sessions to see results.

You don’t have to make a deal with the devil to keep looking young. At Nios, we offer a specialized Anti-Aging facial that involves cleansing, exfoliation, steam, and a powerful microcurrent treatment to get fine lines and wrinkles under control.

Of course every person (and face) is different, so we recommend a consultation with a Nios technician, but cleansing facials that include extractions have helped many people reduce acne and prevent further scarring.

You’re in safe hands at Nios! Our technicians are educated on various conditions. Just speak with your technician to ensure that the products and facial treatment are safe for you.