Electrolysis for Hair Removal

Electrolysis is a safe and effective method of removing individual unwanted hairs from the face or body. It is the only proven, permanent method of hair removal. A very fine, disposable probe (about the size of an eyelash) is inserted into the hair follicle, where a short burst of heat energy is released. This destroys the growth centre of the hair follicle and the hair is removed from its follicle with tweezers.

Hair has three stages of hair growth, at any one time one third is growing, one third is resting and one third of your hair is shedding as is the normal hair growth cycle. Electrolysis is effective on active growing hairs. For this reason, you will need to be committed to your treatment plan as your electrolysis sessions must be carried out on a regular cycle in order to catch all the hairs when they are in the active growing stage.

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.

Electrolysis is effective on all colours of hair including white, red, blonde & grey hairs that laser & IPL leave behind.

This really is a how long is a piece of string type question. Many factors influence hair growth, so you will need to return for several sessions on a regular basis. The total number of sessions needed will vary from person to person and will depend on the density and texture of your hair growth, the skin’s sensitivity and the size of the area to be treated.

We work efficiently and systematically so that your treatment time is used in the most effective way possible. During your initial consultation we will discuss your treatment plan.

Again, the frequency of your treatments will depend on the size of the area you would like treated, the density of the hair growth and the time you have available. As we are working with the hair growth cycle it is very important that you attend for your treatments on a regular basis.

Electrolysis is progressively permanent which means you will come more frequently to start with, then the treatments become more spread out until you are coming only 2 or 3 times a year.

Each treatment session lasts between 15 minutes and 2 hours. For reducing the hair in larger areas longer sessions are available, depending on your tolerance to the treatment. This can be discussed at your consultation.

Caroline uses an Apilus xCell electrolysis machine. This is the most advanced electrolysis equipment available and offers the most comfortable and precise treatment possible.

However, electrolysis is not without a level of discomfort. Pain threshold varies from one area to another and from one person to another. It is affected by stress, fatigue, anxiety, general health and the menstrual cycle. She will always work at a level that you find comfortable.

Caroline also works wearing loupes. These magnify the hairs greatly giving her an enlarged view which enables very precise and accurate insertion of the probe into each hair follicle. The smoother the probe insertion the more comfortable the treatment.

In between your treatment sessions you may want to manage the hair growth in the area we are working on. You can either shave the area or cut the hairs using scissors. The hairs only need to be about 2mm in length for each treatment. As you progress through your treatments you will find that you are less conscious of them between each session.

Waxing, plucking and threading are not suitable as they will interfere with the hair growth cycle. They can also cause the hair follicles to twist which makes the hairs more difficult to treat. Using any of these methods will hinder your treatments and will cause it to take longer for the hair to go.

Your skin may be red and feel hot to the touch, possibly a little swollen straight after the treatment. This is normal, due to the heat being produced in the skin. You will be given written aftercare to follow, it is important that you follow it.

• At the end of each treatment, we will apply aloe vera gel to calm your skin.
• No make-up should be applied to the immediate area until the next day.
• Harsh soaps and perfumed products should be avoided on the treated area.
• Sun beds, sunbathing, saunas and jacuzzies should be avoided due to excess heat causing the healing rate to be slower.
• SPF40 or SPF50 must be worn daily.
• Swimming should be avoided for at least 48 hours after each session due to the risk of infection.
• Occasionally scabs form to protect the skin from infection and ensure your skin heals smoothly. You must allow these to fall off in their own time. Picking or removing them prematurely will risk scarring.
• Tights, jeans or tight clothing should not be worn after treatment of the bikini line, in order to prevent friction on the area.

Yes. At your consultation and initial assessment, we would check for any medical conditions or medications that would prevent us from going ahead with the treatment and any that will affect your results.

The following conditions would mean you are unsuitable for treatment;

• Epilepsy
• Cochlear implant
• Pacemaker
• Metal pins or plates in the area we will be treating
• Vascular & circulatory disorders
• Any skin infections in the area we will be treating
• High level of anxiety

The following conditions require additional consideration;

• Diabetes causes slower healing and low pain threshold. You may require shorter treatments and increased time between sessions.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or other endocrine disorders result in increased hair growth in a male pattern. It is essential that correct medical treatment is carried out, which may help in the reduction of unwanted hair. Electrolysis in conjunction with medical treatment will speed up your final result.
• Steroids are often instrumental in encouraging hair growth. Electrolysis can help to manage unwanted hair growth but it won’t stop it as the steroids will continue to stimulate hair to grow.
• Your skin needs to be in good condition to allow effective treatment and good healing. We are also knowledgeable skin therapists and can help and give advice on this.

Provided the mole has been checked by your GP or dermatologist and they are happy that it causes no concern then yes.

Caroline also carries out mole reduction. Any hairs will need to be treated with electrolysis prior to removing the mole.

There is a minimum of 15 minutes charge.