Before, During and After Care

Before

24–48 Hours Before

  • Stay well hydrated, hydrated skin is easier to treat and can be less painful.

  • Aim for a good night's sleep before your appointment.

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning, or sunburn on the treatment area.

  • If possible, limit caffeine and alcohol before your appointment, as they may increase skin sensitivity.

  • Eat a light meal or snack before longer appointments.

Hair Growth

  • Do not wax, tweeze, thread, or use depilatory creams between treatments, as these remove the hair needed for electrolysis.

  • Shaving or trimming is okay unless otherwise discussed.

  • Leave enough visible hair for your electrologist to grasp with tweezers (typically 2–4 days of growth, depending on the area).

Skin Care

  • Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, lotions, oils, sunscreen, or deodorant on the treatment area.

  • Avoid strong exfoliants, retinoids (Retin-A/tretinoin), glycolic acids, salicylic acid, or other irritating skincare products on the treatment area for 2–3 days before treatment, unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

  • Let your electrologist know about any new medications, recent cosmetic procedures, or changes to your health.

During

During Your Appointment

At Zip Zap, your comfort is just as important as your results. Electrolysis is a personal process, and we want you to feel relaxed, respected, and in control throughout your treatment.

Comfort & Pain Management

Everyone experiences electrolysis differently. Most clients describe the sensation as a quick pinch, warmth, or a small zap. We will always check in with you and adjust as needed to help you stay comfortable.

  • Over-the-counter numbing creams are available and can be applied before your appointment to help minimize discomfort. Follow product instructions carefully.

  • You can also talk with your healthcare provider about prescription-strength topical numbing options if needed.

  • Let us know your comfort level at any point—we can adjust timing, settings, and technique to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Your Time, Your Treatment

Your appointment is your time, and we want you to feel at ease.

  • We can chat as much or as little as you’d like. Some clients enjoy conversation, while others prefer a quiet, relaxing experience. (And if we're working around your mouth, we may take a few talking breaks.)

  • Bring your own headphones and listen to whatever helps you relax, music, podcasts, audiobooks, or your favorite comfort show.

  • We can also connect to the office Bluetooth if you’d like to share your audio.

  • Feel free to watch a show, movie, or videos on your phone during treatment when the treatment area allows.

  • Need a break? Just ask. We are happy to pause whenever you need.

A Collaborative Experience

Electrolysis works best when we work together. We will create a treatment plan based on your goals, adjust as your needs change, and make sure you understand what to expect at every step.

Whether you’re here for a small area, gender-affirming care, managing unwanted hair, or simply feeling more comfortable in your body, Zip Zap is here to support you through the process.

After

Mild redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness are normal and usually resolve within a few hours to a couple of days.

For the First 24–48 Hours

Do:

  • Keep the treated area clean.

  • Wash gently with mild soap and water.

  • Apply a cool compress if needed for comfort.

  • Keep the area moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer if recommended.

  • Wear sunscreen (SPF 30+) on treated areas exposed to the sun.

Avoid:

  • Touching, scratching, or picking at the treated area.

  • Makeup on facial treatments for at least 24 hours (or as advised).

  • Heavy sweating, strenuous exercise, hot yoga, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms.

  • Swimming pools, lakes, or oceans.

  • Excessive sun exposure or tanning.

  • Harsh skincare products, exfoliants, retinoids, or acids until the skin has fully calmed.

Healing

Small scabs or tiny pinpoint crusts may occasionally form. This is a normal part of healing.

Please:

  • Allow them to heal naturally.

  • Do not pick or scratch them, as this may increase the risk of pigmentation changes or scarring.

Between Appointments

  • Shaving is okay.

  • Do not tweeze, wax, or thread, as these disrupt the hair growth cycle and can delay permanent results.

  • Stay consistent with your treatment schedule for the best long-term outcome.

  • Continue practicing good sun protection.

When to Contact Zip Zap

Please reach out if you experience:

  • Increasing redness after 48 hours

  • Significant swelling that worsens instead of improving

  • Signs of infection (pus, increasing warmth, severe pain, or fever)

  • Any unexpected skin reaction or concerns

We're always happy to answer questions and help you through the healing process.