FAQ's
Unwanted hair is a problem for many, and the distress it can cause is vastly underestimated. More people have hair permanently removed by electrolysis than you might imagine.​ Find out more about how it works in the requently asked questions below.
Yvonne will explain the process to you, carry out a skin patch test and set out an individual plan for treatment for you.
Electrolysis treatment involves the insertion of a very fine probe (the same diameter as an eyelash) into the hair follicle. The insertion of this probe is not felt, as the hair follicle is a natural opening in the skin. The probe is passed into the follicle and therefore does not pierce the skin. Heat is then passed through the probe to seal off the hair at the root. The hair is then removed. Electrolysis can treat any hair type, colour (including red, blond, grey and white), any density, on any area of the body and any skin colour. Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal that is approved by the British Medical Association.
Laser treatment works by using light which is absorbed by the melanin (the pigment in the hair), causing the cells which stimulate hair growth to be heated and damaged. It is really only suitable for individuals with darker hair who have a pale complexion. Generally speaking, laser treatment leads to a reduction in hair growth, as long as treatment is ongoing. Once you stop having laser treatment, there is a likelihood that the hair growth may return to its former state. Also worth noting, is that for some individuals, laser can cause paradoxical hypertrichosis, which is a further stimulation of the follicle, leading to denser, thicker hair growth.
Without seeing someone in person this is impossible to ascertain. Also there is a huge variation in individuals’ hair colour, density, coarseness and response to treatment. Therefore the number of sessions and length of session time shall vary from person to person.
Electrolysis treatment treats the client for that snapshot of their life at that point in time. For example, if a client presents with facial hair due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as a teenager and is treated at this stage, they should see a permanent removal of that hair until perhaps they have a futuristic hormonal change due to either pregnancy or menopause. Hair may also return due to a futuristic medical condition, change of lifestyle, severe stress, severe weight gain/loss; which may make hair grow perhaps in a different area of the anatomy from the original area of anatomy treated as a teenager.
Electrolysis hair removal works by permanently destroying each individual hair follicle with a very fine, disposable and sterile probe combined with direct current. After this process, the hair follicle can no longer reproduce. Because of this, on completion of your course of treatment, hair growth will be completely eradicated. This makes electrolysis one of the only permanent hair removal treatments around.
Please arrive at your appointment with clean skin, free of any makeup or products. It is important that you stop using any retinol/retinoid treatments or chemical exfoliators for at least 4-6 weeks before your appointment.
During treatment, the fine probe will be inserted into the hair follicle, cauterising the blood supply.
Current passes through the follicle for about 0.2 seconds, destroying it and preventing future growth. The hair can then be gently removed using sterile tweezers.
After treatment, the skin may be slightly red and swollen. This normally settles within 24 hours, but it is important that you do not rub or touch the treated area during this time. You can expect some mild scabbing and a sensation that feels similar to mild sunburn. This is completely normal and will only be experienced for a short period of time.
No, you should not shave before electrolysis hair removal. As a fine probe is used to destroy the hair follicle, the hair must be visible. Please do not pluck or wax 2-3 weeks before treatment, and do not shave 3-5 days before.
Electrolysis is a safe, permanent hair removal method. It can be carried out on most areas of the face, including the eyebrows, upper and lower lip, chin, side of face and hairline.
Essentially, electrolysis can be used anywhere on the face or body. The more popular areas are the underarms, face and bikini line. For larger areas such as the legs and back, you will need to attend for multiple sessions as the treatment targets one hair at a time.
Popular areas include:
Face
Underarms
Breasts
Bikini line, thighs & lower legs
Back
Arms
Fingers & toes
Most hairs will need more than one treatment, but there will be a constant, gradual decrease in the growth of the hair until it has all been permanently removed. The number of treatments required to achieve permanent hair removal will naturally differ from person to person.