What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a clinically proven method of permanent hair removal. It works by treating each hair individually at the root. A very fine probe is placed into the natural opening of the hair follicle and a small electrical current is applied to destroy the cells responsible for hair growth.

Once a follicle has been successfully treated, that hair will not grow back.

Unlike other hair removal methods, electrolysis is suitable for:

• All skin types
• All hair colours (including blonde, grey, and red hair)

Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal

Although both treatments target hair follicles, they work very differently:

Electrolysis

• Treats one hair at a time
• Uses electrical current
• Permanently destroys the follicle
• Works on all hair types and colours
• Ideal for small areas and precision work (e.g. face, chin, eyebrows)

Laser Hair Removal

• Treats multiple hairs at once
• Uses light energy absorbed by pigment (melanin)
• Provides long-term hair reduction (not always permanent)
• Most effective on dark hair and lighter skin tones
• Best for larger areas (e.g. legs, back, underarms)

Which treatment is right for you?

Electrolysis is ideal if:

• You want permanent results
• You have light, fine, grey or red hair
• You are treating smaller or sensitive areas
• You have leftover hairs after laser treatment

Laser is often preferred if:

• You are treating large areas
• You want faster initial reduction
• You have dark hair with strong pigment contrast

In many cases, patients benefit from a combination approach — laser for bulk reduction, followed by electrolysis for permanent finishing.

Why are multiple treatments needed?

Hair grows in cycles, and electrolysis is most effective during the active growth phase.

Because not all hairs are visible or active at the same time:

• Several sessions are required
• Treatments are spaced weeks apart
• Each session progressively reduces regrowth

Most patients require a course of treatments to achieve complete clearance, with noticeable improvement throughout.

Aftercare

Following treatment, the skin may be slightly red or sensitive (similar to mild sunburn). Proper aftercare helps ensure optimal healing:

Recommended:

• Keep the area clean and untouched
• Apply a soothing product (e.g. aloe or clinician-recommended gel)
• Use SPF daily and avoid sun exposure
• Stay hydrated and allow the skin to heal

Avoid (for 24–48 hours):

• Heat treatments (sauna, steam, hot showers)
• Exercise and sweating
• Active skincare (retinol, acids, exfoliation)
• Touching or picking the area

Skin Tags Removal

In addition to hair removal, electrolysis may be used in selected cases for the treatment of very small skin lesions, such as fine skin tags around the neck, or armpits.

This technique allows for precise treatment of small or delicate areas. However, all lesions are assessed prior to treatment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and confirm that electrolysis is the most appropriate approach. Larger skin tags may be more suitable for snip cautery.  Further information can be found on the skin tag page.