frequently asked questions
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electrolysis works by targeting each individual hair follicle with a very fine probe and a small amount of controlled energy. this process safely disables the follicle’s ability to grow new hair.
because each hair grows from its own follicle, and some follicles may be dormant at any given time, a series of treatments is needed to achieve permanent results over time.
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during your consultation, we will discuss your concerns, explain the treatment in detail, and outline what to expect.
a personalised treatment plan will be created based on your individual needs, and a patch test will be carried out to ensure the treatment is suitable for you.
this is also an opportunity to ask any questions and ensure you feel fully informed and comfortable before starting.
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to prepare for your appointment, we recommend drinking plenty of water the day before and on the day of treatment to help keep the skin well hydrated.
please avoid plucking, waxing, or threading, as these methods remove the hair from the follicle and can make treatment less effective. (hair should have at least around 5 days of growth to ensure it can be treated properly.)
avoid using retinols or acid-based skincare products for at least 7 days prior to your appointment.
we advise eating before your treatment to help maintain comfort, and paracetamol can be taken around an hour beforehand if needed.
a topical numbing cream can be applied approximately 45 minutes before your appointment to help reduce discomfort if desired.
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after treatment, the skin may appear slightly red and raised, and can feel warm, tender, or mildly swollen. this is a normal response and typically settles within 24 hours.
applying a cool compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel for short periods can help soothe the area if needed.
for the first 48 hours, it’s important to avoid activities that may irritate the skin, including intense exercise, saunas, sunbeds, and swimming.
make-up should be avoided for at least 24 hours, and perfumed products may also cause irritation.
please avoid using retinols or acid-based skincare for several days after treatment to allow the skin to fully recover.
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pain levels can vary from person to person, as everyone’s tolerance is different. some areas may feel more sensitive than others, and thicker hairs can require a higher intensity, which may increase discomfort slightly.
to help manage this, a topical numbing cream can be applied around 45 minutes before your appointment, and paracetamol can be taken 30–60 minutes prior if needed.
breaks can also be taken during treatment at any time to ensure you remain as comfortable as possible.
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treatment time can vary depending on the area being treated, hair density, and individual hair growth cycles.
while each session may last anywhere from a few minutes to longer appointments depending on your needs, achieving permanent results is a gradual process that typically takes several months to a couple of years.
this is because hair grows in different cycles, and electrolysis can only treat hairs that are actively growing at the time.
sessions are usually more frequent at the beginning, then become less regular as hair growth reduces and becomes finer over time.
consistency is key for the best results, and it’s important to avoid plucking, waxing, or threading between appointments, as this can disrupt the treatment process and make it less effective.
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the cost of electrolysis can vary depending on the area being treated, hair density, and individual hair growth patterns.
during your consultation, a personalised treatment plan will be created along with an estimated cost based on your specific needs.
if you have previously been plucking, waxing, or threading, additional hair growth may appear once these methods are stopped, as dormant follicles begin to grow—this can take up to around 12 weeks.
for denser areas, a more accurate estimate may become clearer after a few sessions as your hair growth pattern is better understood.
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hair should be long enough to be grasped easily with tweezers in order to be treated effectively.
as a guide, we recommend allowing at least 5 days of growth before your appointment.
if the hair is too short, it can be difficult to treat accurately and may increase the risk of skin irritation, as the natural angle of the hair cannot be clearly followed.
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electrolysis treats each hair individually, so it isn’t always possible (-or recommended) to remove all hair in one session, especially in areas with higher density.
treating too many hairs at once can increase the risk of skin irritation, inflammation, or delayed healing.
in addition, not all hairs are visible at the same time, as they grow in different cycles, meaning some follicles will only become treatable in future sessions.
your treatment plan will always be tailored to ensure effective results while keeping your skin comfortable and healthy.
for smaller or less dense areas, it may be possible to achieve a full clearance in one session, and longer appointments can be arranged where suitable.
however, most areas are best treated gradually over a series of sessions to achieve safe, thorough, and long-lasting results.
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there are three main methods of electrolysis: thermolysis, blend, and galvanic.
in our clinic, we use thermolysis and blend, selecting the most suitable method based on your hair type, thickness, and the area being treated.
thermolysis uses heat to effectively treat finer hairs, while the blend method combines heat and a mild chemical reaction, making it particularly effective for stronger or more stubborn hairs.
electrolysis is suitable for all skin tones and hair types, making it a versatile option for most clients.
the most appropriate technique will always be chosen during your treatment to ensure safe, effective, and comfortable results.
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electrolysis may not be suitable for everyone, and a full consultation will be carried out to ensure the treatment is safe for you.
it is not recommended for those with certain medical devices such as pacemakers, internal defibrillators, or cochlear implants.
treatment should also be avoided on areas affected by active skin conditions or infections, including psoriasis flare-ups, herpes simplex, fungal infections (such as ringworm), or bacterial infections like impetigo or severe acne.
certain medical conditions and medications may require caution or GP approval before proceeding, including diabetes, epilepsy, lupus, cancer, or a history of keloid scarring.
clients taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) or those who have used Roaccutane should also seek advice, with a general recommendation to wait at least 6 months after completing the course before treatment.
electrolysis is usually avoided during pregnancy as a precaution.
for hygiene and safety reasons, treatment may not be carried out for individuals with blood-borne conditions such as hepatitis or HIV.
clients under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Suitability will always be assessed on an individual basis during your consultation to ensure the safest and most appropriate treatment plan.
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electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal, as it works by targeting and disabling each individual hair follicle to prevent future growth.
laser hair removal, on the other hand, uses light energy to reduce hair growth over time by targeting pigment in the hair, but it does not guarantee permanent results and maintenance sessions are often required.
laser can be effective for some clients, particularly those with darker hair and lighter skin, but results vary and in some cases hair reduction may not be long-lasting.
in some cases, a reaction known as paradoxical hypertrichosis can occur, where laser treatment stimulates increased or thicker hair growth in certain areas instead of reducing it.
electrolysis treats all hair colours and skin types and is effective regardless of pigment, making it a more definitive solution.
however, it does require a series of regular sessions due to the natural hair growth cycle.
while electrolysis takes time and commitment, once a follicle has been successfully treated, the results are permanent.
patience and consistency are key to achieving long-lasting, permanent hair removal.
cancellation policy
we kindly ask that at least 24 hours’ notice is given if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. cancellations made within this time, as well as missed appointments (no-shows), will be charged the full treatment cost, as late changes have a significant impact on availability and clinic time.
we completely understand that unexpected situations can arise, so please get in touch as soon as possible if you need to make any changes. we will always do our best to be as flexible and accommodating as we can.