PNW Electrology Tigard

Pacific Northwest Electrology LLC is owned by Audrey Jones, a licensed electrologist and permanent hair removal specialist who also holds an esthetician license. The business runs clinics in Tigard and Vancouver, and its electrologists have completed electrolysis education courses and may hold electrolysis certification in other states. The business describes itself as a premier electrolysis permanent hair removal center for Oregon and Washington. According to the team page, Washington has no state regulatory authority for electrolysis.

Each client starts with a personal consultation, after which an electrologist builds a treatment plan. During treatment, a fine needle is placed into each hair follicle and a small current is applied to destroy the growth cells. Most people who follow the recommended plan finish or nearly finish within 18 to 24 months. Sessions are usually weekly or every two weeks for the first couple of months and then less often. Electrolysis does not prevent future growth, since new follicles can activate over time, so touch-ups may be needed. Maintenance visits are common for clients with hormone-related hair growth, because hair can grow thicker over time. Clients are asked to avoid tanning and sun exposure for at least 24 hours after a session.

The clinics offer electrolysis for the face, including eyebrows, chin, lip and jaw, and for body areas such as underarms, shoulders, back, abdomen, breast and legs. Bikini and genital treatments carry a $30 up-charge per appointment. Electrolysis is also offered to transgender clients for hair removal on any part of the body, including before gender affirming surgery. The business recommends at least 12 months of treatment before vaginoplasty, labiaplasty or phalloplasty. For gender affirming surgery prep, the first session to clear the mapped area typically takes an average of 10 or more hours. Electrolysis is offered for excess hormone-linked hair growth, including PCOS-related growth and hirsutism.

Most insurers require a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria to cover electrolysis, and some accept a PCOS diagnosis. Insurance visits require prior authorization before booking. Clients who are out of network can pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement. New clients text their first and last name and email to the office to arrange a 15 to 30 minute phone consultation, since consultations are not held in the clinic. Only current clients can book hair removal treatments online. Numbing cream is sold in the clinic and can be applied before a visit. All sales are final with no refunds or exchanges. Online shop orders ship by USPS flat rate box, and online orders picked up in store must be collected within 7 days.

Quick Thermolysis is the one electrolysis technique the salon uses, and each client's treatment plan is set after a personal consultation. Sanitation follows American Electrology Association standards: tweezers and probe caps go through an autoclave, probes are disposable and come sterile, and surfaces are wiped down with a high-level disinfectant.