Mariposa Electrolysis

Mariposa Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal studio on Hawthorn Street in South Park, San Diego. It serves clients of all genders and ages, and there is plenty of free parking on site. Shops and coffeehouses in the neighborhood are within walking distance.

Treatments are done with the Apilus Platinum Pure, a 27 MHz epilator made by Dectro International, which the business describes as a leading innovator in electrolysis equipment. The device offers three modalities, PicoFlash, MultiPlex and Blend, and the practitioner chooses the one she judges best for each client. The business uses sealed, pre-sterilized disposable probes that are never reused, along with fresh latex-free gloves and sealed, sterilized tweezers for every treatment. It states that its cleanliness and safety practices surpass California state standards, and it calls electrolysis the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal.

Hair can be removed from most parts of the body, including the face, neck, underarms, bikini area, beard line, legs, arms, back, chest, breasts, abdomen, hands, fingers, feet and toes. The business prefers not to treat the inner ear canal, eyelashes or nostrils. It does not treat pregnant clients, people with pacemakers or defibrillators, people with diabetes (especially type 1), or people taking heavy anticoagulants without a physician's note.

Before a session, clients should not shave or wax for at least three days, though hair can be trimmed with scissors. Makeup should not be worn on the face and deodorant should not be applied under the arms. Between appointments, clients should not tweeze; shaving or bleaching is fine. Afterward, sun exposure should be avoided for 48 to 72 hours, and hot tubs, saunas and chlorinated pools should be avoided for 48 hours. A free consultation covers a treatment plan and the approximate number of sessions needed.

Treatment plans are built around each client, starting with a free consultation and an optional free 15-minute trial appointment.