Electrolysis
What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the ONLY British Medical Association (BMA) approved method of permanent hair removal. Suitable for all hair colours even White hairs! It’s also suitable for all skin tones & all genders. All other hair removal methods are classified as Hair Reduction.
It’s particularly effective and most commonly used for facial hair or stubborn areas of hair growth, but is suitable for all areas of the body (except mucosal areas such as inside the nose).
Electrolysis uses a fine, sterile, disposable probe that is inserted into the hair follicle & treats the hair at the source. A small amount of current is applied to the follicle, destroying the growth centre in which it starts. Electrolysis treats each hair individually, as we are treating the follicle with precise current and skill.
Electrolysis is NOT laser or IPL, and is not the same technology
How does Electrolysis Work?
Electrolysis permanent hair removal has the longest known track record -over 150 years! Did you know
Electrolysis was originally invented in 1875 – WOW!
1875: Dr. Charles Michel, an ophthalmologist from St. Louis, Missouri, pioneered the use of a galvanic current to destroy hair follicles to treat ingrown eyelashes, resulting in permanent hair removal.
1880s: Dermatologist William Hardaway popularized the technique for cosmetic use
It fell out of fashion in the last couple decades, with some practitioners retiring and the popularity & marketing of Laser taking the forefront– but it’s having an amazing resurgence currently – with more therapists, learning the trade today than ever. Which is amazing, as it’s truly a skilled amazing & life changing, confidence building treatment. It’s a skill that requires constant learning, updates and masterclasses and a passionate therapist.
Together with the most effective results for tricky stubborn hair. Electrolysis is effective for all skin tones and hair types – including grey, white, red, and blonde hair – which makes it unique in its field unlike other hair reduction methods.
Electrolysis treats each individual hair with a fine, sterile and disposable probe. The thin filament, the width of the hair to be treated, passes into the follicle, which is a natural opening into the skin and down to the hair root, where a carefully measured amount of heat-producing electrical current is dispensed. This kills and detaches the hair, which is then lifted from the follicle with tweezers.
Electrolysis works below the surface level of the skin, this is why it’s so effective on treating any hair colour.
More than one treatment may be required, to destroy the growth factors in order to achieve permanent hair removal, and due to treating each hair individually this can require multiple sessions.
Book a Consultation
A full consultation is needed prior to any electrolysis treatment being offered and a patch test is included. Please be aware a full consultation and patch test is mandatory even if you have had electrolysis previously or elsewhere.
Hair needs to be visible and aprx 3-4mm for an effective patch test which is usually a few days growth.
Questions such as how many sessions will it take or how much will it cost, cannot be answered until we have seen you and done your consultation & photos. Please do read the FAQ’s below as I have tried to answer as many of the common questions in advance as possible. If your question is not on there, please feel free to let us know and we’ll add it or answer it if we can.
What’s included with a full consultation?
Personal Details, Medical History Check, Skin Analysis, Contra Indications Check, Clinical Photography, Evidence Gathering, an in depth talk about Electrolysis, Q&A Session, Suggested Treatment Plan, Written & Verbal Aftercare, Patch Test (where medically safe to proceed) & Aftercare products for home use.
Electrolysis FAQ’s
Does it Hurt?
Electrolysis treats one hair at a time, so the pain factor is very localised, and each hair is treated quickly, most clients find it very tolerable, however everyone’s pain threshold is different. Consultation is essential, so you can experience the sensation first hand. Most clients are very reassured, post consultation, & we can then work out the right length of session for you, everyone is different. Some clients report feeling a little tingling or stinging sensation, and there may be some residual heat in the skin post treatment. Following aftercare advice diligently, means less reaction and quicker healing cascade.
Which areas can be treated?
All areas of the face & body can be treated (except for mucosal areas), it’s most used to treat facial hair, but body hair can be treated as well.
Body hair will require longer sessions. It is effective but will take longer to achieve permanent results. Remember! As we treat each hair individually – the key factor will be time & patience, to get the results you want.
How many sessions will I need?
Many factors influence hair growth. The total number of sessions required will vary from person to person, and every client is different. It also depends on how long & how frequent your sessions are.
Hair grows in cycles and there is an optimum growth phase for hairs to be treated in – this is called the “Active” Stage. Above the skin, the hairs all look the same, but underneath there a whole life cycle happening, & there is no way of knowing, what’s stage the hair is in. This is why regular treatments are recommended, so that we treat as many hairs as possible, getting a higher percentage of the optimum Active stage hairs & killing em! If you want me to explain the hair growth cycle and sciencey bit in Salon, I’m happy to explain in consult, “why?” so you have a better understanding of the process.
Electrolysis isn’t a “quick fix” (unless you only have a few annoying chin hairs – which I’m more than happy to zap for you, but even then it can take a few sessions to get it done). Patience & consistency sees the best results the quickest, but just because it requires patience, doesn’t mean you won’t see a difference, because you absolutely will! The texture, thickness & structure of the hair on each treatment will change, as we cut off that hairs food source with cauterizing the vessel. It’s almost the only question here I can’t answer with accuracy. The more relevant question is does it work & is it worth it? – The answer there is absolutely!
What will my skin look like after treatment?
Electrolysis uses heat to remove hair growth, so redness (Erythema) & sometimes mild swelling immediately after treatment is completely normal. This is down to residual heat in your skin. Some clients say skin may feel or appear bumpy for a while and some tiny pin prick scabbing may occur. Some clients have neither. Everyone reacts differently, and this is okay. This is your skins natural healing cascade.
Follow your aftercare for a few days post treatment after each session. Any scabs will appear approximately 3-5 days after treatment and can last around 10 days.
Is Electrolysis Safe?
Yes absolutely. It’s been around for over 100 years and technology is improving all the time.
I’m VCTC Level 3 Electrolysis & Level 4 Advanced Electrolysis qualified. I am fully licenced by Cheshire West & Chester Council, as well as having strict hygiene protocols in place. I also like to attend a minimum of 1-2 refresher courses every year to keep my skills current and update practices.
If your pregnant, breastfeeding, or postnatal, although it is safe to carry out treatment. Your hormones are wreaking havoc, it is best to wait 3-6 months post birth before starting electrolysis for this to settle down to get the most from treatments. See Electrolysis page for Contraindications to treatment; (Medical conditions that mean electrolysis is not suitable).
Why can’t I wear make-up or fake tan to my appointment?
For both electrolysis and advanced electrolysis we are working on the skin or just under the surface. Make up clogs pores, meaning if you’re having hair removal your natural follicle opening is no longer easily accessible. If we need to remove your make up with astringent make up remover, this will shrink the pores and then that makes probing more difficult and can lead to difficult insertion or the pore not being wide enough during treatment and therefore the hair is not able to be fully killed, meaning that it will take longer to get to your desired results. In addition it is then easier for dirt and old make up to sink into the pores and this can lead to an infection in post healing. The same also applies for Fake tan, all tan must be fully removed for treatments to ensure the best visibility of the hair or blemish you’d like removing, and to ensure the healing cascade is not impeded.
Could anything stop me from having a treatment?
Yes, like anything in life certain conditions or medical histories may deem electrolysis unsafe to proceed. Consultation is also essential, as well as medical conditions, we need to do a patch test, to rule out allergies, and assess suitability for treatment plan.
See the list below for a quick guide to those conditions which unfortunately, rule out electrolysis.
- Accutane (needs to have ceased for 12 mnths) Retinoids (prescription strength)
- Active Cancer (all forms)
- Active Herpes Virus / Cold Sores
- Blood Thinning Medication or Blood disorders or Haemophilia
- Keloid Scarring anywhere or Recent Scar Tissue (in the treatment area)
- Pacemaker
- Pregnancy ( your hormones are in flux)
- Skin Diseases / Disorders
- Sunburn (in the treatment area) or use of tanning beds.
Hair treatments need hair to proceed, so if the hair isn’t visible or long enough that may mean the treatment cannot go ahead. I know that for most of you growing hair is the one thing you’ve been trying to avoid and having it visible isn’t easy! We are not immune to that fact. It’s tough and a bit daunting, but like everything in life worth doing, its always toughest at the start. The sooner you start, the sooner we can get you where you want to be – hair free!
If the pre-care is not followed we may not be able to go ahead with treatment.
Why Choose Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the only recognised method of hair removal to be approved as permanent by the BMA (British medical Association) – all other methods are reduction only. It’s brilliant for stubborn hair, it works on every hair colour, meaning it’s suitable for everyone. You will not have treatment forever. Other hair removal methods are temporary and you have to keep removing hair for as long as it is there. Electrolysis kills the hair follicle, so it cannot grow. You can shave in between! Electrolysis is suited for those areas you don’t want to wax or don’t want to grow for waxing, or are sick and tired of plucking endlessly, giving you options!
Is Electrolysis the same as Laser?
Simply put No.
Laser uses light or intense pulsed Light (IPL). The energy targets the hair’s pigment, which then travels down the hair shaft to the root. It treats large areas of skin and hair very quickly, it’s a speedier process, but not permanent, it’s classified as reduction only.
The optimum client for laser hair removal will be someone with paler skin and darker hair.
Laser certainly has its place, and can be useful in reducing a client’s hair levels, although there have been documented cases of laser-stimulating hair growth, this is called paradoxical hypertrichosis, in some clients. Laser has a tougher time reducing hormonal growth, so may not be enough.
Electrolysis works on any hair colour & any skin colour, but treats individual hairs, we target the follicle below skin level, with electrical current & so we destroy the hairs growth center.
Electrolysis can be used as a follow up to Laser or as an effective stand-alone treatment, however sessions are slower due to the process, but an experienced therapist will surprise you at how many hairs they can remove in a session.
Can I remove my hair between treatments?
Yes absolutely! You do not have to walk around hairy all the time. BUT ..and here’s the kicker! Shave or trim only! No plucking, or waxing or hair removal creams. Plucking or waxing, messes with the root and can affect your results taking longer to get to what you want to achieve. Creams, contain chemicals that can affect the skin, & hair so we don’t want anything to potentially be riskier in terms of the process that can lead to scarring or skin damage. It’s back to basics, as it preserves the hair for the electrolysis session, in order to remove it more effectively.
We need 3-4 days growth for the session, hair needs to be long enough to grab with tweezers.
What is the difference between Electrolysis & Advanced Electrolysis?
Electrolysis refers to hair removal.
Advanced Electrolysis is the treatment, removal or reduction of skin blemishes.
Can I use a numbing cream?
Yes, if that is what you would like to do. We can recommend a numbing cream for you to purchase yourselves prior to your appointment. Apply as directed and leave on, cover with a plaster or cling film where possible for maximum effectiveness.
How do I look after my skin post treatment?
Follow the aftercare given to you in session, the quickest way to quicker healing is to look after your skin and treat it with care.
You can also apply a cooling roller (available to purchase in salon), or a cool compress regularly to your skin every few hour’s if required, (as not always necessary) immediately post treatment, nothing too cold, as we don’t want to shock the skin, or ice burn it. Be diligent with your aftercare products and it will settle. Avoid the sun & heavy make-up for a couple days after treatment. Do not apply fake tan or retinol products in the areas treated. Try not to upset your skin post treatment, so avoid, hot showers, workouts, and steam rooms or hot tubs, as well as other beauty treatments or aesthetics -try not to give your skin too much to cope with and it will heal beautifully.
Can I have a treatment just before a holiday or special event?
It is not recommended. Due to post treatment healing time. For hair electrolysis up to 7-10 days. Blemish treatments from 4-6 weeks.
