Do you have unwanted hair?
For a permanent solution ask about
Electrolysis - it works!

Unwanted hair is a common problem affecting most women to varying degrees throughout their lives and prompting the use of various temporary methods of hair reduction or hair management systems. However Electrolysis is still the only proven permanent method of hair removal and many women and indeed many men, have benefited from this tried and trusted treatment.

"Electrolysis is a gentle, comfortable, effective and affordable modern treatment increasingly popular today."

 

 

 

What exactly is electrolysis, and how is it different from laser hair removal?

Electrolysis is the only method of hair removal that is recognised as permanent by regulatory bodies including the FDA. A very fine, sterile probe is inserted into the natural opening of each hair follicle, and a small amount of electrical energy is delivered to destroy the follicle's ability to produce hair.

Laser hair removal uses light energy to target the pigment (melanin) in the hair shaft, which means it works best on dark hair and lighter skin tones. Electrolysis, by contrast, works on all hair colours — including white, grey, blonde, and red — and on all skin tones, because it targets the follicle directly rather than relying on pigment contrast.

Clients who have been told laser "won't work" for their hair or skin type are often ideal electrolysis candidates. This is a good reframing point to use in consultations.

‼️Electrolysis is a safe, effective, progressive and permanent method of removing unwanted hair.

What are the different electrolysis methods?

Short wave diathermy or thermolysis uses an alternating current at a high frequency and low voltage. This causes the water molecules around the follicle to vibrate resulting in the production of heat, stopping the blood supply to the root, which weakens and eventually destroys the hair.

The galvanic DC (Direct Current) method causes a chemical reaction in the salt and water in the follicle. This reaction creates a chemical called Sodium Hydroxide or Lye, the Lye stops the nourishment to the cells that cause hair growth.

The Blend is the most recent method combines Galvanic (DC) and Thermolysis (AC). This is the most effective method because the lye is more efficient at weakening the hair when heated. This is said to be the quickest and most comfortable method especially good for curly or distorted hair follicles.

For successful and effective results, each individual hair requires repeated treatments. This is because each individual hair has its' own growing cycle called Anagen, Catagen and Telogen. This is not unlike the 'cycle of life' with Anagen being the 'alive' and growing stage, Catagen the 'collapsing' stage where the hair collapses away from its source of food and nourishment (the dermal papilla) and the Telogen stage where the hair is 'tired' and dying and disconnected completely from its dermal papilla. Successful treatment for electrolysis has to target the hair in Anagen to achieve optimum results as it is the destruction of the dermal papilla which is required. Therefore results are not immediate and take a little time... but electrolysis does work and it is permanent.

Do you need Electrolysis?

Unwanted hair causes enormous distress, as anyone who has suffered with it will understand, and often brings with it a sense of isolation, low self worth and poor-self esteem. Unwanted hair can be genetic or inherited or one of the symptoms for disorders such as polycystic ovary system. There are also many medications and drugs that cause or stimulate unwanted hair growth as well as hormonal changes within the body such as during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. It is often in the case that electrolysists are privileged to witness a dramatic transformation in their clients, from a self conscious deeply demoralised individual at the beginning of a course of treatments, to confident and happy individual once treatment is under way and making progress. Many women and indeed many men have benefited from this tried and trusted treatment.

How does Electrolysis work?

A fine probe (about the size of an eyelash) is inserted into the hair follicle where a tiny burst of energy is targeted at the root of the hair. This burst of energy prevents nutrients feeding the hair and the hair becomes weaker and finer. After repeated treatments the hair is no longer able to grow and complete hair free results are obtained.

Each hair requires repeated treatment because each individual hair has its own growing cycle and blood supply. Electrolysis works by weakening the hair and eventually destroying it. Results take a little time, but, just like dieting, it's not the crash diet but the healthy eating plan that works in the long run.

Is Electrolysis Safe?

First invented in 1875 it is proven both effective and totally safe when performed correctly. Ask to see the electrolysists certificates in Epilation and any updated training certificates they may have had recently if you feel unsure in any way. Modern technology has meant Electrolysis has become more gentle, comfortable, even more effective and is an affordable treatment increasingly popular today.

What will happen during the first appointment?

You will have a thorough consultation to ensure if treatment is suitable for you and which method is best for you. You will have a chance to ask questions about the treatment and to experience a 'taster' session. Your electrolysist will discuss with you a 'treatment plan'.

 

Does electrolysis hurt?

Most clients describe the sensation as a mild sting, pinch, or a rubber band snap. The level of discomfort varies depending on the area being treated, your individual pain threshold, and the modality being used. More sensitive areas such as the upper lip, bikini line, or underarms tend to feel more intense than the legs or arms.

While it’s not completely pain-free, modern electrolysis machines like the Apilus XCell precisely control the electric current and destroy the hair follicle so fast that any discomfort only lasts for a fraction of a second. For sensitive areas and clients, remind them that their feedback throughout the session is important. If the discomfort becomes harder to tolerate, lower machine settings may be possible, or shorter sessions might be better suited to some clients.

 

Is it a big needle?

This is a common point of concern and confusion among first-time clients. Despite being referred to as a “needle”, electrolysis treatments shouldn’t actually pierce the skin. The needles used are incredibly fine and actually insert into the naturally occurring opening of the hair follicle, right alongside the hair that has grown out of it.
The insertion of the needle is almost imperceptible and shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort.

 

How long does each session take, and how many will I need?

Session length depends on the area being treated. A small area such as the upper lip may take 30 minutes per session, while larger areas like the full legs or back require considerably longer appointments.

The total number of sessions varies significantly from person to person and depends on factors including the size of the treatment area, hair density, hair coarseness, hormonal influences, and how consistently you attend appointments.

Why do some hairs seem to come back after treatment?

This is one of the most common questions. There are a few reasons a hair may appear to regrow after treatment:

• Hairs go through different phases, and it may not have been fully susceptible to the first treatment. It’s important to follow the instructions given by your electrologist (such as no plucking between appointments) to avoid unnecessary re-treatments.
• What looks like regrowth can be a previously dormant follicle that hasn’t yet been treated.
• In some cases, hormonal activity and conditions (such as PCOS or certain medications) can stimulate new follicles to become active.

This is why consistent, regular sessions are essential. We are working to systematically treat every active follicle over its full growth cycle.

 

When will I start to see results?

Many clients notice a visible reduction in hair density quite early in treatment, often after just a few sessions. That said, it's important to have realistic expectations. Electrolysis is a course of treatments, not a single procedure, and the timeline to visible results and full clearance varies significantly between individuals and the area being treated. Electrolysis is a classic example of “trust the process”.

 

I've had laser in the past. Can I still have electrolysis?

Absolutely. In fact, this is a very common situation. Many clients use laser to achieve an initial reduction in hair density across a large area, and then transition to electrolysis to permanently clear the finer, lighter, or more stubborn hairs that laser cannot effectively target.

There is no clinical reason why you cannot move from laser to electrolysis. We would simply treat the area in the same way as any new client, assessing the hair that remains and building a treatment plan accordingly. Some clients also have electrolysis and laser treatments for different areas simultaneously.

 

What about hygiene?

Medical hypodermic disposable probes are used to totally eliminate any risk of cross infection and therefore for each client a brand new, sterile probe will be used.