Question 1

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

A fine sterile, disposable probe is inserted into the hair follicle (a natural opening in the skin). A small amount of energy (Heat, or a chemical reaction, or both blended together) is skilfully discharged within the hair follicle. The aim is to damage the base of the growing hair in order to cut off the blood supply and nutrition to the hair, causing progressively permanent hair destruction.
There are three different methods available, all of which are described below. We mainly use the blend but the method best suited to you will be determined during your patch test.
 
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Galvanic electrolysis
The galvanic method works by using a Direct Current (DC) of electricity. When the needle is inserted, the electricity coming down the needle causes the salt and water in the skin around the probe to be chemically altered. Salt, water and electricity combine to produce a small amount of sodium hydroxide. If enough is produced, this solution can damage the cells that cause hair growth.
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Thermolysis/Diathermy/Short Wave Electrolysis
The thermolysis method, also known as diathermy or short wave, works by using an Alternating Current (AC) of electricity. This electricity causes the water molecules in the skin around the needle to vibrate, which creates heat. If enough heat is produced, it can damage the cells that cause hair growth. This method is good for fine hairs
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Blend Electrolysis
The Blend Method combines both the Short Wave and Galvanic procedures. Sodium hydroxide is created and is then heated by the electricity. This heat, plus the chemical solution, then destroys the hair tissue. This method is good for strong, curly hairs or distorted follicles.

Question 2

Is it for me?

Accepted Answer

It is suited to all hair colours including blonde, white and grey.
You will need to commit to regular treatments, sometimes as frequently as fortnightly to begin with.
A consultation and patch-test is required before treatment can commence.
For hairs that are brown, black and strawberry blonde then laser/IPL is the preferred method with quicker results.
Some medical conditions mean you are not suitable for electrolysis - there is a lsit at the bottom of the page.

Question 3

Can I combine it with laser/IPL?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sometimes alternating both methods is recommended for those with a mixture of dark hair and blonde/white/grey hairs. Laser had advanced over the years and our system also treats the hair germ cells!

Question 4

Are there side effects?

Accepted Answer

Following treatment, the skin will show an initial pinkness (erythema) with evidence of localised histamine swelling all being part of the totally normal skins healing response. Scabs will form within the first few days, and skin must be allowed to heal.

Question 5

What is hirsutism?

Accepted Answer

Hirsutism is a condition of unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women. Hirsutism results in excessive amounts of hair on facial and body areas in women where men typically grow hair — face, chest and back.
Prior to puberty, the human body is covered in very fine, vellus hair. This is replaced during puberty in certain parts of the body by thick, long, darker hair known as terminal hair under the influence of androgens. In women with hirsutism some vellus hair is transformed into terminal hair, which is not supposed to happen.
Hirsutism can be caused by either an increased level of androgens, or an oversensitivity of hair follicles to those androgens. Although androgens are considered “male” hormones, women also have and need them, but in smaller quantities.
Whilst hirsutism itself is not a serious medical condition, it may well be the symptom of an underlying cause for concern, therefore speaking with your GP before beginning hair removal treatment is recommended.

Question 6

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Everyone has their own individual pain threshold which can be affected by a number of factors:
1) Individual pain thresholds – this can be affected by health, stress, time of menstruation etc
2) Area to be treated
3) Strength and size of hair
4) Skin sensitivity
5) Type of current used

During your first session, the current intensity is low until we find the 'setting' that works for you. Some explain it as a 'sting', others as ' pin-point heat'. But it's important to note that the settings can be adjusted to your tolerance and comfort.
If this is not tolerated, then Laser Hair removal is the preferred option.

Question 7

How many treatments will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of electrolysis treatments needed to remove hair permanently varies from person to person. The total time it takes to complete the treatments can range from a few months to a number of years. 
Some factors that can affect the number of treatments needed include: Hair type and thickness, Skin type and sensitivity, Skin hydration, Quantity of hair, and Pain tolerance.
During the course of treatments, there will be a slow, gradual decrease of hair density and growth.
For example it may take a minimum of 8 sessions on the exact same hair until it has permanently gone, and with up to 1000 follicles per square inch of skin, it is a progressive treatment.

Question 8

Are there side effects?

Accepted Answer

Following treatment, the skin will show an initial pinkness (erythema) with evidence of localised histamine swelling all being part of the totally normal skins healing response. Scabs will form within the first few days, and skin must be allowed to heal.

Question 9

Can I have it on larger areas?

Accepted Answer

If the hair growth is quite significant, or over a larger area, laser hair removal is a better option and a very effective and popular treatment at Westfield Clinic, and is often recommended to clear the majority of large areas before having electrolysis for any remaining few hairs.

Question 10

Interesting facts

Accepted Answer

• There can be up to 1000 follicles per square inch of skin, depending on the area on the body.
 • Your entire body has a total of about 5 million (https://www.aad.org/public/kids/hair/how-hair-grows)hair follicles. You’re born with all of your hair follicles.
 • There are very few parts of your body that don’t have any hair. These include the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, and the red part of your lips.
 • As you age, your hair is more likely to turn grey or white. In fact, after you turn 30 the likelihood of going gray increases about 10 to 20 percent with each decade.

Question 11

What is your electrolysis experience?

Accepted Answer

27 years of experience.

Question 12

Am I suitable?

Accepted Answer

Not suitable if:
Blood Thinning Medication
Cochlear implants
Dermographia
Haemophilia
Keloid ScarringPacemaker
Pregnancy (1st Trimester) – Then not below neck with Galvanic or Blend, but diathermy is fine.
Recent Scar Tissue (in treatment area)
Rosacea [active] (in treatment area)
Skin Diseases/Disorders, including Vitiligo.
Sunburn (in treatment area)
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GP permission required with:
Diabetes with
Epilepsy
Heart Conditions
High Blood Pressure
Lupas

Question 13

What is the aftercare advice?

Accepted Answer

Pre-Treatment Care
Avoid Other Hair Removal Methods
Stop using waxing, threading, or tweezing in the treatment area whilst you are having electrolysis at least two weeks before your session. Electrolysis works best when the hairs are present in the follicle.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated & Moisturised
Drink plenty of water and apply a gentle moisturiser in the days leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin responds better to treatment.
Exfoliate Gently
A few days before treatment, lightly exfoliate the area to remove dead skin cells and keep follicles clear. Avoid harsh scrubs.

Avoid Skin Treatments & Sun Exposure
Do not have facials, sunbed sessions, chemical peels, or other skin treatments at least two weeks before electrolysis. If you’ve been in the sun, make sure to wear SPF.

Come with Clean Skin
Do not wear makeup, foundation, or sunblock on the treatment area. Arrive with fresh, clean skin to reduce irritation risk.

Ongoing care
Advise your practitioner of any changes to health or medications whilst you are having treatment.

After Treatment Care
Following treatment, redness, mild swelling, and a warm sensation are all very common side effects.

Avoid Touching
Do not cleanse or touch the skin for 24-48 hours, except to apply aloe vera with clean fingers or cotton wool pads. If you have showered just pat the skin dry with a towel, do not rub.
Ensure clothing and/or bedding that touches the area has been freshly cleaned.

Apply Aloe Vera
Apply aloe vera immediately after the treatment - on top of the existing application that was applied in clinic this will keep the area cool and help prevent infection from entering. If the area feels particularly uncomfortable, place cold dampened cotton wool pads soaked in aloe vera gel onto the treated area. You may continue applying aloe vera regularly during the healing. We sell aloe vera priced at £4. You may also use antiseptic cream

Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and support the healing process.

Avoid Sun Exposure
Keep the treated area out of direct sunlight for 48 hours. If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply SPF 30 or higher.

Avoid Harsh Products
Do not apply perfumed products, soap, alcohol-based or oily skincare products to the treated area until the skin has calmed after a few days.
No Makeup for 12-24 hours
Allow your skin to breathe and recover by avoiding foundation or powders  for at least a day after treatment.

Avoid heat & sweat for 48 hours
Avoid sweating, hot baths, saunas, swimming, or vigorous exercise for 48 hours post-treatment, as heat and sweat can irritate the skin. Avoid hot baths/showers – keep the water tepid.

What to Expect During Treatment?
Electrolysis uses a small probe with an electrical current (diathermy and/or galvanic) to each hair follicle to  safely and permanently prevent the follicle from growing new hair, It takes several treatments per hair to get the desired result. It is important to understand that we may have up to 1,000 follicles in a single square inch of skin and that these can be stimulated to grow by many factors - including hormones, medication and stress, therefore multiple treatments are often required. 
If your hair is not blonde, white, or grey, laser hair removal may be recommended first to reduce the majority of hair before electrolysis.
Most people describe the sensation of having electrolysis as a mild sting and/or warmth.

What’s Normal After Treatment?
It’s completely normal to experience some minor side effects after electrolysis. Here’s what to expect:

Redness & Mild Swelling: Usually fades within a few hours but may last up to 24 hours or longer for sensitive skin.

Slight Dryness or Sensitivity: The skin may feel dry or tight for a few days—keep it gently moisturised with aloe vera and avoid harsh products.

Small scabs: Pin dot scab/small crusts may appear to seal the skin and prevent infection. These must not be rubbed or picked off to prevent scarring. The crusts/scabs may be indistinguishable and ‘felt’ rather than ‘seen’.

When Can I Resume My Usual Routine?
Skincare: Resume regular skincare after 48 hours, but avoid retinol, acids, and scrubs for at least one week (hyaluronic acid is good to use).

Makeup: Avoid heavy foundation or powders for at least 24–48 hours.

Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight for 7 days. If necessary, wear SPF 30+.

Avoid other beauty treatments In the area; ie facials, chemical peels (especially deep or strong acid peels), microdermabrasion, other electrical treatments for at least 2 weeks and/or until the area has completely healed.

Should you have any concerns or questions regarding your treatment please contact the practitioner.

Question 14

Can i have it if I'm pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Not in the 1st Trimester.
2nd and 3rd trimester is fine, but. for an extra safety precaution, as the current has limited energy flow within the body (even though its just in the hand as you hold the indeifferent electrode) we do not treat below neck with Galvanic or Blend, but you may still have Diathermy.

Question 15

Can I give blood if I'm having electolysis treatments?

Accepted Answer

It is safe to give blood as all materials are sterilsed and disposable needles/probes are used. Although, when donating the nurse may suggest that you have to wait 12 months following your last treatment, therefore it is advisable to check with your blood donation centre first.

Question 16

Can someone with dental fillings or braces still have electrolysis?

Accepted Answer

There are usually two methods of electrolysis offered, short wave diathermy and the blend method. The blend method may leave a metallic taste experienced in the mouth, therefore, if you have a lot of fillings or metal braces, the short wave diathermy method may be preferred.

Question 17

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis was first invented in 1875 and is proven both effective and totally safe. Advancing technology has meant electrolysis has become more gentle and comfortable, even more effective and remains an affordable, modern treatment increasingly popular today. Equally effective as a stand alone treatment, or as part of a programme of support for hair management systems such as IPL or laser, electrolysis will work for you.

Question 18

What do I do about my hairs between treatments?

Accepted Answer

There may be some hair growth between treatments. To manage these you should cut the hair as this will temporarily remove them without interfering with the root of the hair and affecting results. Tweezing, threading and waxing must be avoided during a course of electrolysis.