Permanent hair removal for hairs not suitable for laser
Some hairs do not respond well to laser hair removal. This is usually because they are too light, fine, grey, white, red or blonde for the laser to target effectively.
At DRVICTORIA™ Clinic in Edinburgh, we offer Sterex electrolysis hair removal for small areas of unwanted hair where laser may not be the best option.
Electrolysis is especially useful for treating individual hairs on the face, including the chin, upper lip, jawline, neck and other small areas where persistent hairs can feel frustrating or embarrassing.
Shereen talks about electrolysis hair removal
What is electrolysis hair removal?
Electrolysis is a precise hair removal treatment that targets each individual hair follicle.
A very fine sterile probe is inserted into the natural opening of the hair follicle. A small amount of energy is then delivered to help destroy the follicle’s ability to produce a new hair.
The treated hair is gently removed with tweezers. Over a course of treatments, the hair becomes weaker, finer and less frequent.
Why choose DRVICTORIA™ Clinic for electrolysis?
Patients choose us because we offer:
- A consultation-led approach
- Sterex electrolysis technology
- Careful assessment of whether electrolysis or laser is best
- Access to both laser hair removal and electrolysis options
Our goal is to recommend the right treatment for your hair type, skin type and concerns, not simply the most popular option.
Who is electrolysis best for?
Electrolysis may be suitable if you have:
- Grey, white, blonde, red or very fair hair
- Fine facial hair that laser cannot pick up
- A small number of stubborn hairs after laser
- Hormonal facial hair growth
- Hair on areas where precision is important
Electrolysis can treat all hair colours because it does not rely on pigment in the hair. This makes it different from laser hair removal, which works best when there is a strong contrast between dark hair and lighter skin.
Common areas treated with electrolysis
Electrolysis is most commonly used for facial hair removal, including:
- Chin
- Upper lip
- Jawline
- Neck
- Between the eyebrows
- Small patches of unwanted hair
- Remaining hairs after laser hair removal
It is ideal for small, precise areas rather than large body areas.
Is electrolysis permanent?
Electrolysis is widely recognised as a method of permanent hair removal because it treats the individual hair follicle.
However, results take time. New hairs can appear because of hormones, medication, age, genetics or untreated follicles entering a new growth phase.
This is why a planned course of treatments gives the best long-term outcome.
Is electrolysis suitable for hormonal facial hair?
Electrolysis and laser can be very helpful for managing unwanted facial hair linked to hormonal changes, including hair on the chin, upper lip, jawline and neck. Electrolysis is most appropriate when laser is not suitable.
If hair growth is sudden, severe or associated with other symptoms, we may recommend that you speak with your GP to investigate possible underlying causes.
Which is better laser or electrolysis hair removal?
For most people with dark or pigmented hair, laser is the better first choice: it’s faster, covers large areas efficiently and is usually more comfortable than electrolysis.
Electrolysis suits white, grey and very fair hairs that lasers can’t target, but it treats hairs one-by-one, so it’s slower and often more time-consuming (and therefore pricier).
What happens during treatment?
Your treatment plan starts with a consultation to assess your hair type, skin type and treatment goals.
During treatment sessions, each hair is treated individually. You may feel a brief heat or tingling sensation as the follicle is treated. Most people tolerate electrolysis well, although sensitivity varies depending on the area. The option for anaesthetic is available if appropriate.
After treatment, the skin may look slightly red or feel warm. This usually settles quickly.
How many electrolysis treatments will I need?
Electrolysis requires a course of treatments because hair grows in cycles. Only hairs in the active growth phase can be treated most effectively. This means several appointments are usually needed to achieve the best result. The number of sessions depends on:
- The area being treated
- The amount of hair
- Hair thickness
- Hormonal influences
- Previous hair removal methods
- How consistently you attend appointments
Your practitioner will advise you on a realistic treatment plan during your consultation.
Electrolysis Hair Removal Prices
A consultation and patch test is required before treatment so we can assess your skin response and confirm suitability.
| Treatment Options | Single | Package 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation - Book Online | £40 | - |
|
Short appointment (~15 mins) Couple of hairs |
£90 | £459 |
|
Long appointment (~30 mins) Patch of hairs |
£135 | £689 |
Redeemable Consultation
Your Consultation fee is redeemable against an electrolysis package, provided you purchase within 90 days.
Terms and Conditions
- Value: All packages include 6 treatments.
- Terms: Packages are valid for 12 months and non-transferable. If you cancel, your refund is calculated by subtracting all treatments used (at full price) and the consultation fee from your package price.
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