What is Electrolysis?

March 4th, 2010 by Helen Graham MBIAE, CPRE,

Electrolysis is the only medically approved method of permanent hair removal (approved by the British Medical Association). Unwanted hair is a problem for many men and women and the distress it can cause is vastly underestimated. More people have hair permanently removed by electrolysis than you can probably imagine. Electrolysis involves the insertion of a very fine probe (the same diameter as the hair) into the hair follicle. The insertion of this probe is not felt as the hair follicle is a natural opening in the skin - the probe is passed into the follicle and therefore does not pierce the skin. Heat, or a combination of heat and a tiny amount of galvanic current is then passed through the probe to seal off the blood supply to the hair at the root. The hair is then removed. Most hairs will need more than one treatment, but there will be a constant, gradual decrease in the growth of the hair until it has all been permanently removed.

The amount of treatment required to achieve permanent removal of all the hair differs with each person, so we offer a consultation free of charge and without obligation to have any treatment - just a chance to have electrolysis explained in detail.

What causes unwanted hair?

Hair growth is often hereditary, and sometimes stress and certain illnesses can stimulate growth. Temporary methods of hair removal (especially
waxing and tweezing), certain medications and hormonal changes can increase growth.

What areas can hair be removed from?

Any area. Dont be embarrassed about, for example, hair around the nipples, on the abdomen or bikini line to have hair removed from by electrolysis

Will it hurt?

Most of our clients describe electrolysis as uncomfortable rather than painful. We feel it is best described as a sensation similar to tweezing a hair out - a tiny nip or sting. The area treated will feel quite warm for a short time after treatment.

Is it safe?

Yes, completely safe, and is approved by the medical profession. You should confirm:-

(a) That your electrolygist uses sterile disposable probes, which are recommended by the Public Health Laboratory Service. You should have a brand new probe for each treatment.

(b) That your electrolygist is fully qualified and preferably a registered member of: The British Institute & Association of Electrolysis [B.I.A.E.].

Dont be afraid to ask to see certificates.

How much does it cost?

Prices range from approximately £18 - £25 for a 15 minute appointment, with an hour costing between £50 - £70. As a rough guide an average lip and chin area would require a 30 minute appointment, each session costing £30 - £40. In the early stages frequency of treatment varies greatly with the individual and could be anything from 2-3 times per week to once every 8 weeks. At your consultation your electrolygist will be able to advise you on this.

Remember, having a consultation puts you under no pressure to go ahead with treatment.

Why shouldn't I use another method of hair removal?

Nothing else is permanent - electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal. Other methods advertise as permanent, but the best they can do is reduce a hair growth - this includes laser. Some methods actually increase the growth over a period time. Companies which advertise permanent removal (but not by electrolysis) are gradually being identified by the Advertising Standards Authority and stopped from advertising permanency.

Even if you decide not to have electrolysis, please, please don't consider any other "permanent" method which involves waxing or tweezing the hair as part of the treatment. In the long term, your hair growth will increase (although at first it will appear to reduce).

We have many clients who have tried some of these methods and who have turned to electrolysis in the end. Remember electrolysis has been around since 1875 - it is tried, tested and medically proven over and over again to remove hair permanently.

Waxing, Tweezing and Threading

You should avoid these if you wish to remove hair permanently as they eventually lead to an increase in growth. Each time a hair is removed in this way it will grow back slightly stronger. Eventually even fine hair will become stronger and darker.

Shaving, Depilatory Creams

These do not actually increase the hair growth, but they will never get rid of it either! Sometimes they appear to increase it because the hair feels stubbly
when it grows back. Because it all grows back at the same time it may look as if there's more hair than there was before.