Is my electrolysis even working?
Why Progress Can Feel Slow — And Why You’re Closer Than You Think
Permanent hair removal is a journey, not a one-and-done situation. And listen… if you’ve ever left an appointment wondering, “Why am I not hairless yet?” or felt frustrated that progress isn’t happening fast enough, you are not alone.
As an electrologist, I hear it all the time…especially around months 3–6 when clients expect major changes but the follicle biology is still doing its thing. So let’s talk about why electrolysis sometimes feels slow, what’s actually happening beneath the skin, and how to stay optimistic when the results aren’t instantly giving what they need to give.
First, let’s keep it real: Electrolysis takes time.
Not because your electrologist isn’t doing their job…
Not because your hair is “stubborn”…
But because human biology doesn’t rush for anybody. NOBODY!
Every single hair on your body grows in cycles. Only the hairs in the active (anagen) phase can be permanently destroyed. That means the hairs you see today might not be the ones we need to treat for long-term results. New hairs will continue to appear for months and that’s not because treatment isn’t working, but because we haven’t seen (or treated) them yet. This is why progress can feel all over the place.
Why Some Clients Feel Discouraged
Even the most consistent clients have moments of doubt. Some common frustrations look like:
“It feels like the hair keeps coming back.”
“Some days it looks smoother, then it seems like there’s more again.”
“I thought I’d be further along by now.”
“The hair feels finer, but it’s still there.”
If any of this sounds familiar then you’re actually right on track. Just remember: Progress isn’t linear.
Some weeks will look better than others. Skin heals. New cycles appear. Hormones shift. Life happens. What matters most is consistency and trust in the process.
What’s Really Happening Beneath the Skin
Even if you don’t always see progress, your follicles absolutely do. Here’s what’s actually going on:
✔️ Weaker Hair = Real Progress
When hair starts coming in finer, lighter, or slower — that’s a sign the follicle is breaking down.
✔️ Less Density Over Time
You might still see hair, but the overall amount gradually decreases with every treatment cycle.
✔️ Hormones + Genetics Play Their Part
If you’re dealing with PCOS, menopause, testosterone, or other hormonal changes, your body may continue to stimulate new growth. That doesn’t stop electrolysis from working…it just means the timeline may be longer.
✔️ Your Follicles Don’t Sync Their Calendars
This is the biggest one. Every hair is on its own schedule. You’ll see new hair because…there is new hair. It’s not “regrowth,” it’s fresh cycles emerging.
How to Know Electrolysis Is Working
Look for these green flags:
The hair feels softer or less wiry
You can go longer between sessions without feeling overwhelmed
There’s less shadowing or darkness
Your skin heals faster after treatment
You’re noticing bare spots where you used to feel density
These are all signs your follicles are weakening and treatment is progressing, even if it doesn’t feel fast.
What Helps Speed Up Progress
You have more control than you think:
Stay consistent with your appointments
Skipping sessions gives hair cycles a chance to get ahead of us. I will give my recommendation but will never pressure or guilt-trip a client into committing to a plan that is not affordable or convenient.
Avoid tweezing between visits
Tweezing removes the hair but leaves the follicle untouched, setting your progress back.
Support your skin between sessions
Hydrated, healthy skin responds better to treatment.
Be honest about hormonal changes
If you’re noticing shifts — medication, cycles, stress, PCOS symptoms — tell your electrologist. We adjust strategy accordingly.
Let’s Talk About the Emotional Side
People don’t choose electrolysis for “fun.” They choose it because unwanted hair has impacted confidence, comfort, or quality of life. So when results feel slow, that emotional weight can hit hard.
If you ever feel frustrated or tempted to give up, please know:
👉🏾 You’re not failing.
👉🏾 Your electrologist isn’t failing you.
👉🏾 Your body is literally doing what it’s supposed to do.
Electrolysis is a marathon, but every single session moves you forward. You’re not starting over…you’re building on everything we’ve already treated.
The Takeaway
If you’re feeling discouraged, you are human. But don’t let temporary frustration distract you from long-term results. Electrolysis is permanent, science-backed, and absolutely worth the journey, especially when you’re working with someone who understands your skin, hair, goals, and your story.
Stay consistent. Trust the process. You are closer than you think. I’m always here to walk you through what’s happening, what’s normal, and what you can expect next. If you ever need reassurance or have questions about your results, just ask…this is a partnership, not a guessing game.