Coastal Electrolysis

Coastal Electrolysis is run by its owner, Shawna Campbell, a licensed electrologist who has worked in skincare since 2009. The practice is in a suite on South Vulcan Avenue in Encinitas, and the business describes its location as central to Coastal North County in San Diego. The site notes ample parking and a dedicated treatment room.

The method is electrolysis, which the business describes as combining electrolysis and thermolysis. A small electrical current is applied at the base of each hair follicle to destroy the tissue that grows the hair. The probe insertion is not felt by the client, though the current may be felt, and the current is adjusted to each client's comfort. The business states that several treatments are usually needed per area, and that the total number cannot be known in advance.

New clients can book a free 15-minute consultation by phone or Zoom before their first appointment. Small-area sessions run about 15 to 20 minutes and larger-area sessions about 45 to 50 minutes. Pricing is set by area: $85 for small areas such as the upper lip, eyebrows and ears, $125 for medium areas such as the chin, cheeks and neck, and $155 for larger areas such as the bikini, belly and chest. A five-minute quick treatment for a few stray hairs is listed at $65.

According to the business, electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal and is effective on all skin and hair types. It also says electrolysis can treat areas laser may not reach, including under the eyebrow, around the ears, over tattooed areas and on darker skin, and that laser is generally less effective on gray, red or blonde hair. These are the business's own claims. The owner says she keeps up with new permanent hair removal technology and aims to help each client choose the least invasive and least expensive approach.

Electrolysis is the core method, with the current adjusted to each client's comfort and treatments planned per area.