FAQs
What is electrolysis hair removal?
Electrolysis is the only form of permanent hair removal, approved by the British Medical Association (BMA) in the U.K and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA.
Electrolysis destroys the bulb at the hair root which stops hair growth through three different methods:
Galvanic - a small direct current is applied to the base of the hair follicle using a fine needle which triggers a chemical reaction producing lye which kills the hair follicle
Short Wave Diathermy (SWD) - also known as thermolysis. An alternating current creates heat at the base of the needle killing the base of the hair follicle
Blend - this method combines both methods for optimum results
How do I prepare the area for treatment?
Electrolysis hair removal works by targeting the base of the hair follicle, therefore I require hair to be visible during treatment.
This means you must use all your strength to resist the urge to tweeze, thread or wax the area. Any method which removes the hair from the root cannot be used i.e waxing, tweezing, threading etc.
It is recommended to trim the hair and allow at least a week of hair growth before your first appointment. We will then gauge the right length for you.
Why electrolysis over laser hair removal?
Laser is a form of hair reduction. See the difference? It does not guarantee permanent hair removal. The hair follicle is essentially put to sleep and this means that regular top ups will be needed to maintain the reduction. Furthermore, contrary to what you may have been told it might not be a suitable treatment for your skin and hair type.
It’s important to be informed about the consequences of laser, particularly if you have any underlying hormonal conditions causing hirsutism/excessive hair growth e.g PCOS, or hereditary hair. With laser, you risk stimulating additional hair in the surrounding area being treated. This is called laser-induced hair growth (‘Paradoxical hypertrichosis’) and the results are often heart-breaking for individuals as hair growth is unpredictable and the beginning of a vicious cycle.
How many treatments of electrolysis are needed for permanent hair removal?
The process of hair removal using electrolysis involves treating one hair at a time and therefore treatment length is dependent on the area being treated, individual hair/skin types and frequency of treatments the individual can commit to.
At Miss Electrolysis London, I like to focus on achieving a ‘first pass clearance’ which is when all the hairs in the treatment area have been cleared, and schedule follow up appointments to treat new hairs that come in.
Depending on individual tolerance and discomfort levels, some clients of mine opt for marathon session which involve multiple hours of treatment to achieve a first-pass clearance sooner, while others break this up into shorter appointments more frequently. Either is fine for me and we can work together to find your sweet spot :)
What side effects can I expect from electrolysis hair removal?
During and after treatment, there will be noticeable redness in the area treated and this will take a few days to return to normal as the body naturally heals.
You will be provided with aftercare and homecare instructions which will help healing and prevent infection between treatments.
Will electrolysis work on any area of the face and body, and any hair/skin type?
Yes, yes and yes! It works equally well for white, grey, silver, blonde, red, curly and thick hairs.
Electrolysis truly does not discriminate ;)
I just ask that you arrive for your treatment with at least a week of hair growth to allow the most effective and efficient treatment