Serene Skin Electrolysis

Serene Skin Electrolysis is a studio in Tigard, Oregon, focused on permanent hair removal through electrolysis. The owner, Natalie, is the only electrologist listed, so each appointment is with her. The business describes its method as safe and effective and states that electrolysis is an FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal. According to the business, electrolysis has been in use since 1875.

Because the probe does not break the skin, no blood is taken. A mild electric current travels down to the follicle's germ cells, where it disables them, so the hair stops regrowing there. Mild discomfort is common, and the device settings can be changed to make a session more tolerable. The studio works with four methods, galvanic, blend, thermolysis and flash, and selects the one that suits each client's skin type, hair type and specific needs.

Sessions run 15, 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes, priced from $45 for 15 minutes to $190 for 90 minutes. A 15-minute consultation is free when booked with a first one-hour session, and costs $25 otherwise. Clearing an area can take 18 to 24 months, depending on how often treatments happen. Sessions are usually weekly at first and spaced further apart as treatment progresses, and consistent scheduling is said to give the best results.

The studio does not bill insurance directly. Many insurers may reimburse electrolysis when the client has proper receipts and a doctor's referral, and the business provides documents to help with that process. Between visits, clients are asked to stop tweezing and waxing, since the business says those methods encourage hair to grow deeper, thicker and faster, and to use only shaving or trimming. Hair should grow a few millimeters and be at least three days old before each appointment. After a session, clients should avoid touching the area, avoid sun and keep it out of water. For treated facial areas, makeup is avoided for at least 24 hours. Mild redness or swelling is considered normal, and aloe or ice may help. Texting is the preferred way to reach the studio, since voicemails receive slower replies. Hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm.

Matches the electrolysis modality to each client's skin and hair type and particular needs, with settings adjustable for comfort.