Permanent hair removal, one follicle at a time, for any hair colour
Electrolysis removes hair permanently by inserting a very fine sterile probe into each follicle and applying a small electrical current to destroy its growth cells. Each hair is treated individually, which makes it slow over large areas but very precise, and it works on every hair colour, including the blonde, grey, white and red hairs that laser cannot see.
That makes it the usual choice for the face — chin, upper lip, eyebrows — for stray hairs left after a laser course, and for people whose hair colour rules laser out. A course runs over many months, because each follicle has to be caught in its growth phase, but once a hair is treated successfully it does not return.
Appointments run from 10 to 60 minutes, often weekly to begin with and spacing out as regrowth slows. Expect a warm, stinging sensation and some redness afterwards. In England, electrolysis is regulated as skin piercing in many areas, and premises must be registered with the local council or licensed in London.
Also known as: electrolysis hair removal, permanent hair removal, facial electrolysis.
Prime
Verified listing
Salford Quays, Manchester
Facials, waxing and electrolysis for fine and fair hair, home visits for waxing
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Hove, Brighton
Laser for larger areas, electrolysis for fine and fair hair
It is charged by time rather than area: usually £20 to £35 for 15 minutes and £50 to £80 for an hour. Total cost depends on how many hairs there are and how long the course runs.
It is permanent and works on all hair colours, which laser does not. Laser is far faster over large areas such as legs. Many people use laser first and electrolysis for what is left.
It varies widely: a few stray chin hairs may clear in a handful of sessions, while a larger area can take a year or more of regular appointments. The practitioner will estimate after a test session.
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