Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal that treats individual hair follicles one at a time.A fine, sterile, disposable probe is gently inserted into the natural opening of the hair follicle, alongside the hair. A small amount of electrical energy is then delivered to the follicle, using heat, a chemical reaction or a combination of both. This damages the cells responsible for hair growth, preventing the treated follicle from producing another hair when successfully treated.There are three main methods of electrolysis: galvanic, thermolysis and blend. At Westfield Clinic, we mainly use the blend method, although the most appropriate technique will be determined following an assessment and patch test.Galvanic electrolysisGalvanic electrolysis uses direct current (DC) to create a chemical reaction within the hair follicle. This reaction produces a small amount of sodium hydroxide, which helps destroy the cells responsible for hair growth.Thermolysis (Diathermy or Short Wave Electrolysis)Thermolysis uses alternating current (AC) to generate heat within the hair follicle. When sufficient heat is delivered to the correct area, it damages the cells responsible for hair growth. This method can be particularly useful for treating finer hairs and allows individual follicles to be treated quickly.Blend electrolysisThe blend method combines galvanic electrolysis and thermolysis. The galvanic current produces a chemical reaction, while the thermolysis current generates heat. Together, these actions help destroy the hair-growth cells within the follicle.Blend electrolysis can be particularly useful for treating stronger, coarse or curly hairs, including hairs growing from distorted follicles.Your practitioner will select the most appropriate method and settings for your individual hair type, treatment area and skin response. ​​​

Yes, even if you have had it done elsewhere.Before your consultation, please stop tweezing/waxing/removing the hair by the root for at least 4 weeks prior to your consultation appointment - you may cut or shave the hair only. We need all the hair roots intact below the skin in order to target the hairs!

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’.Pimples? They can happen - but almost always when proper aftercare isn’t followed. Clean skin, no picking, no heavy products and most importantly, follow the aftercare advice to which you will be given a copy.

Yes. For clients with a mixture of dark and light-coloured hair, alternating laser hair removal and electrolysis can be a quicker approach, particularly for facial hair that includes a combination of brown, blonde, white or grey hairs.Laser hair removal uses light energy to target pigment in the hair, making it most effective for darker hairs. Blonde, white and grey hairs generally lack sufficient pigment for laser to target them effectively.Laser hair removal and electrolysis are carried out at separate appointments; we usually recommend alternating them to address different types of hair. Often we notice the dark hairs are destroyed first by the laser, and then your remaining sessions may just be for electrolysis.During your consultation, we will assess your skin and hair and recommend a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible results.

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, ie the 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.

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 etc2) Area to be treated3) Strength and size of hair4) Skin sensitivity5) Type of current usedDuring your consultation, we start the current intensity low until we find the 'setting' that works for you. Some explain it as a 'sting', others as ' pin-point heat' which can last 5-10 seconds per hair.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.

This cannot be estimated, as the number of electrolysis treatments needed to achieve permanent hair removal varies from person to person. Depending on the area being treated and the amount and type of hair present, treatment may take several months or, in some cases, a number of years to complete.Several factors can influence the number and frequency of treatments required, including:Hair type and thickness: Coarse, dense hair may require more treatment time.Quantity of hair: Larger areas or areas with a high density of hair will take longer to treat.Hair growth cycles: Not all hairs are visible or suitable for treatment at the same time, so repeated sessions are needed as new hairs emerge.Hormonal influences: Hormonal changes can contribute to ongoing hair growth in some areas.Skin sensitivity and individual tolerance: These can influence how treatments are planned and spaced. Electrolysis works progressively, treating individual hair follicles one at a time. You should gradually notice a reduction in the amount of hair regrowth as your course progresses.A particular hair may need to be treated over multiple visits before permanent removal is achieved. With potentially hundreds of follicles in a small area of skin, it is important to be patient and consistent with your appointments.It is also important to remember that hairs grow in different cycles, so new hairs may appear over time from follicles that were previously dormant or not yet visible. This is why electrolysis requires a course of treatments rather than a single appointment.At Westfield Clinic, we can assess the area you wish to treat and discuss a realistic treatment plan based on your individual needs. Although electrolysis can permanently remove treated hairs, the overall duration and number of sessions cannot be guaranteed.

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 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 grey increases about 10 to 20% with each decade.

28 years of experience.

Conditions that may mean treatment must not proceedPacemaker or implanted electronic cardiac deviceCochlear implantHaemophilia or a significant bleeding disorderAnticoagulant or other blood-thinning medication being takenHistory of keloid scarring or significant abnormal scarringDermographia (skin that develops raised marks in response to friction or pressure)VitaligoPregnancy - 1st Trimester. Second and third trimester is fine for the face area. Body areas are only suitable with diathermy (not galvanic or blend).Medical conditions requiring written GP approvalDiabetes, particularly if poorly controlled or healing is impairedEpilepsy or a history of seizuresHeart disease or other significant cardiac conditionsHigh blood pressure - if uncontrolledCirculatory problems, including phlebitis or thrombosis affecting the treatment areaAutoimmune conditions, including lupusImmunosuppression or a weakened immune systemCancer history, or current chemotherapy or radiotherapyMultiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions affecting sensation or healingReduced or absent sensation in the treatment areaFainting episodes or a history of vasovagal reactionsBlood-borne viruses or other conditions that may affect immunityHair growing from a mole or suspicious lesionSkin conditions or problems in the treatment areaTreatment should generally be postponed over skin that is infected, damaged or inflamed:Bacterial, viral or fungal skin infectionCold sores or active herpes lesionsOpen wounds, cuts, abrasions or broken skinSunburn or significant skin irritationActive eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or another inflammatory skin flareInflamed acne, cysts or pustules in the treatment areaLocal swelling, bruising or significant oedemaRecent scarring or incomplete healing after surgery or injuryActive rosacea in the areaSuspicious moles, changing lesions or hairs growing from a mole that has not been medically assessed

Not in the 1st Trimester.2nd and 3rd trimesters are fine, but for an extra safety precaution, we do not treat below the neck with Galvanic or Blend, but you may still have Diathermy.

Pre-Treatment CareAvoid Other Hair Removal MethodsStop 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 & MoisturisedDrink plenty of water and apply a gentle moisturiser in the days leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin responds better to treatment.Exfoliate GentlyA few days before treatment, lightly exfoliate the area to remove dead skin cells and keep follicles clear. Avoid harsh scrubs.Avoid Skin Treatments & Sun ExposureDo 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 SkinDo not wear makeup, foundation, or sunblock on the treatment area. Arrive with fresh, clean skin to reduce irritation risk.Ongoing careAdvise your practitioner of any changes to health or medications whilst you are having treatment.After Treatment CareFollowing treatment, redness, mild swelling, and a warm sensation are all very common side effects. Avoid TouchingDo 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 VeraApply 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 creamStay HydratedDrink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and support the healing process.Avoid Sun ExposureKeep the treated area out of direct sunlight for 48 hours. If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply SPF 30 or higher.Avoid Harsh ProductsDo 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 hoursAllow your skin to breathe and recover by avoiding foundation or powders for at least a day after treatment.Avoid heat & sweat for 48 hoursAvoid 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No, you must never wax or tweeze between electrolysis sessions. Waxing pulls the hair out of the root. Electrolysis targets the root to destroy the hair follicle. Pulling the hair out removes the target and resets the hair growth cycle. This will just delay your progress and require more treatment time.

For suitable brown or dark hair, laser hair removal (LHR) can often achieve a noticeable reduction in hair growth more quickly than electrolysis.Laser treats many hairs in a single session. It targets the pigment in the hair and converts light energy into heat, damaging the follicles and reducing future growth. We can have up to 1,000 follicles in a square inch of skin. Electrolysis treats one follicle at a time, and the hair often grows back a little finer each time; it can take considerably longer than LHR and requires patience as new hairs emerge through their growth cycles.For clients with suitable brown facial hair, we often recommend considering laser as the first option for reducing the overall amount of hair. If blonde, white or grey hairs are also present, electrolysis can then be used to treat those hairs that laser cannot effectively target. For clients with a combination of different hair colours, we often see the brown/darker hairs are cleared first with LHR, whereas electrolysis often requires many more sessions long after the LHR has finished.The best approach depends on your hair colour, skin type, treatment area and individual circumstances. We will assess your suitability and recommend a personalised treatment plan during your consultation.You require a consultation and patch test with each method - bookable online.

No, we only treat small areas such as the upper lip, chin, and nipples.If the hair growth is dark, significant, or over a larger area, laser hair removal (LHR) is a better option as the results tend to be quicker.LHR is 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 lighter coloured hairs.

You will lie down; the skin is sanitised. Electrolysis uses a small probe with a mild electrical current to each hair follicle. Most people describe the sensation as a mild sting with heat, which lasts for approx 5-12 seconds per hair. The hair is then released with tweezers before the next hair is targeted. It can feel a little uncomfortable, but most clients tolerate it quite well. You can choose to have shorter sessions and come more often if you wish.Afterwards, soothing aloe vera or witch hazel is applied before you go home.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.

As soon as the hair is growing back you can re-book. This varioes fom person to person, but on average the chin area is treated every three weeks

We will give you an idea at the consultation as this varies from person to person. Before your consultation please stop tweezing/waxing/removing the hair by the root for at least 4 week prior to your consultation appintment - you may cut or shave the hair only. We need all the hair roots intact below the skin in order to target the hairs!

At Westfield Clinic, we use the Sterex SX-B Blend machine, a professional 3-in-1 electrolysis machine offering galvanic, thermolysis and blend methods. This allows us to tailor treatment to your individual hair type and needs.