Is electrolysis permanent? Everything you need to know about electrolysis hair removal

26 Mar 2026 | Hair Removal Treatments

At Jesmond Beauty, we’ve spent over 30 years helping our clients break up with their tweezers for good. We know that unwanted hair isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a matter of confidence. Whether you’re navigating hormonal changes, seeking gender-affirming care, or simply tired of temporary hair removal methods, understanding your options is the first step toward smooth, worry-free skin. 

In this guide, we’re answering the common questions around electrolysis hair removal, breaking down exactly what the treatment feels like, and sharing our expert tips for preparation. If you’re looking for a permanent solution tailored to your unique skin and hair type, you’re in the right place. 

What is electrolysis? 

Temporary hair removal methods often feel like a time-consuming and relentless cycle. While plucking, waxing, and threading offer immediate results, they rarely provide the lasting peace of mind, with hair always making a stubborn comeback. Even laser hair removal, while the first choice for many, is technically classified as a permanent reduction, rather than permanent removal. This is where electrolysis hair removal transcends traditional treatments, offering the ultimate investment in your skin’s future. 

Electrolysis stands alone as the definitive gold standard in the industry. It remains the only method of hair removal formally recognised as truly permanent. It is effective regardless of hair colour or skin tone, making it the most versatile and reliable choice for a flawless finish.

The art of precision 

The process is a masterclass in precision. A skilled practitioner inserts a microscopic, sterile probe (about the same width as the hair itself) into the natural opening of the hair follicle. A tiny burst of energy (usually heat or a chemical reaction) is then delivered to the base. This process effectively destroys the growth centre of the hair. Without a functioning follicle, the hair can’t grow back. Because our hair grows in different cycles, it usually takes a series of sessions to catch every follicle in its active phase. However, once a follicle has been treated effectively, the hair is gone, never to return.  

Whether it’s stubborn facial hair or those rogue strays that seem to appear overnight, electrolysis offers a permanent path to smooth skin.  

What is the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal?  

The fundamental difference lies in how these methods target the follicle. Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to target melanin (pigment). The heat travels down the hair shaft to damage the follicle. This is why it struggles with blonde, red, or grey hairs, there simply isn’t enough pigment for the laser to see. Because electrolysis doesn’t rely on light absorption, it is effective on all hair. 

In the industry, we distinguish between permanent hair reduction and permanent hair removal. Laser is classified as reduction. It can significantly thin out hair and slow growth for years, but dormant follicles may reactivate later due to hormonal shifts. With electrolysis, once a follicle is treated and destroyed, that specific follicle will never grow a hair again.

The combined approach 

For many clients, the most efficient path is a combined strategy. Laser treatment is brilliant for clearing large surface areas, such as the legs or back, in a short amount of time. Electrolysis is the precision tool used to tackle the stubborn strays laser left behind, or to safely treat the face, where precision is paramount to avoid stimulating nearby fine hairs. 

Ultimately, while laser offers speed and convenience, electrolysis offers the finality and inclusivity that make it ideal for facial work and hormonal hair. 

What areas can be treated with electrolysis? 

Beyond the face, electrolysis is a versatile all-over solution. Because it targets individual follicles with surgical precision, it is the safest method for shaping eyebrows and tidying the hairline, where a laser might be too blunt a tool. It is also an excellent choice for sensitive spots like the areola, chest, or bikini line, where hair can often be sporadic or stubborn.

Whether you are looking to clear a few persistent hairs on the toes and fingers or seeking a permanent solution for underarms, electrolysis handles it all. It effectively treats everything from the finest peach fuzz to deep-rooted, coarse growth, regardless of your skin sensitivity or hair history. 

Who is electrolysis suitable for?

At its core, electrolysis is an inclusive treatment designed for everybody. Because it doesn’t rely on hair-to-skin contrast, it is the only truly effective option for those with darker skin tones who may risk hyperpigmentation with certain lasers, or for those with red, blonde, and grey hair that lasers simply cannot detect. It is a life-changing resource for the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a cornerstone of gender-affirming care by providing permanent facial and body clearing.

It is equally transformative for those navigating PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or menopausal shifts, where fluctuating hormones often trigger new, coarse growth on the chin and jawline. Beyond clinical needs, it’s for the person tired of the daily hair removal ritual or the athlete seeking a smooth finish without the irritation of shaving. Whether you’re managing a medical condition or simply seeking the confidence of maintenance-free skin, electrolysis provides a bespoke path to being hair-free. 

How should I prepare for a session? 

Preparing for your electrolysis journey is just as important as the treatment itself. To get the most out of every minute in the chair, and to ensure your skin heals beautifully, follow these guidelines: 

1. Hair length: For an electrologist to work effectively, they need to be able to see the direction of hair growth and, crucially, grasp the treated hair with tweezers once the follicle is destroyed. Aim for about 2-3mm of growth, roughly what you’d see three to five days after a clean shave. If the hair is too short, we can’t extract it; if it’s too long, it can actually make the insertion more difficult and less precise. 
2. Stop other hair removal methods: This is often the hardest part for clients, but it’s the most vital. You must stop waxing, plucking, threading, or using epilators at least 3-4 weeks before your first session. These methods damage the follicle, often causing it to grow back distorted or bent. Electrolysis requires a straight path to the bulb to be 100% effective. 
3. The power of hydration: Electrolysis relies on the moisture content in your skin to conduct electricity. When you are well-hydrated, the follicle is a better conductor, the hair slides out more easily, and your skin recovers significantly faster. Start increasing your water intake 24-48 hours before your appointment. 
4. Manage sensitivity: Avoid stimulants a few hours before your session. If you’re feeling particularly nervous, a simple over-the-counter pain reliever taken 30 minutes prior can take the edge off. 

What does electrolysis feel like? 

One of the most common questions we hear is, “Does it hurt?”  

The honest answer is that while electrolysis isn’t exactly a spa massage, it is far more manageable than most people expect. Most clients describe the sensation as a quick, localised heat or a sharp zap followed by a mild tingling. Because each follicle has its own nerve ending, the sensation varies depending on the area being treated. The upper lip and neck tend to be more sensitive than the chin or cheeks. 

Modern electrolysis technology has come a long way. We use shortwave methods that deliver energy in a fraction of a second, often so quickly that the brain barely has time to register the discomfort. Many of our clients find that once they settle into the rhythm of the session, the anticipation of the zap is actually more intense than the zap itself. We often compare the feeling to a quick pinch or the snap of a rubber band. 

Your comfort is our priority. To make your session as easy as possible, we recommend staying well hydrated, as hydrated follicles conduct energy more efficiently, and recovery is faster. Many clients also find that applying a topical numbing cream 45 minutes before their appointment or avoiding caffeine on the day of treatment makes a world of difference.

Common side effects 

Electrolysis is a micro-invasive procedure, so a small amount of skin reaction is perfectly normal and actually a sign that the treatment is working.  

• Redness and swelling: Immediately after your session, the treated area will likely look a bit red and slightly puffy, similar to a mild sunburn or a bee sting. This usually subsides within a few hours to a couple of days. 

• Micro-crusting: Occasionally, tiny pin-sized scabs may form over the treated follicles. This is a natural part of the healing process. It is crucial not to pick or scratch these; they will naturally flake off within a week, leaving clear skin underneath.  

• Temporary dryness: You might notice the skin feels a little drier or tighter than usual for a few days post-treatment.  

For aftercare, we advise using a soothing aloe vera gel and avoiding makeup or harsh chemicals for 24 hours. This will ensure your skin heals optimally.  

What should I do between sessions?

The period between appointments is a bridge to your permanent results. How you handle your hair during this time dictates how quickly you get to your desired result.  

If the regrowth is bothering you, you are absolutely allowed to shave, clip, or use depilatory creams. These methods only remove hair at the surface level, leaving the root intact for us to target at your next visit. Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not make your hair grow back thicker or darker; it just gives the hair a blunt edge. 

Under no circumstances should you wax, pluck, or thread between sessions. When you pull a hair out by the root, you are essentially resetting the growth clock and potentially stimulating blood flow to the area, which can actually strengthen the follicle. Every time you pluck, you are undoing the progress we’ve made. 

Treat your skin like silk between sessions. Use a gentle cleanser and keep the area moisturised, but avoid heavy active ingredients like retinols or strong AHAs for at least 48 hours before and after your treatment to prevent unnecessary irritation. 

Consistency is your best friend here. By sticking to the schedule and avoiding the temptation to pluck, you’ll see your clearance windows extend until the hair is gone for good. 

Why choose Jesmond Beauty for electrolysis? 

When it comes to permanent hair removal, experience is everything. At Jesmond Beauty, we have spent over three decades refining our craft, hand-selecting the most advanced technology, and building a team that truly cares about your results and your comfort. 

We’ve recently moved to an Apilus machine, which is the gold standard in electrolysis. Apilus is a widely respected name, especially within the trans community, as many NHS professionals support that this machine is 27% faster than traditional methods and results in fewer skin reactions, making it perfect for larger, denser areas.

As this machine comes with more skilled precision and technically improved probes, we will eventually be phasing out our traditional Sterex machine later this year. While both machines will stay available until then for current clients, all new consultations will go through the Apilus. The Apilus consultation starts at £45, allowing us to have an in-depth chat about your skin goals, hair removal history so far and find the correct settings as we move forward with your treatments.

Here is why our clients have trusted us for over 30 years:

1. Three decades of specialised expertise

We aren’t just a general beauty salon; we are specialists in non-surgical electrical facial and body treatments. Because we focus on results-driven solutions, our therapists have an intimate understanding of how to use advanced electrolysis machines to achieve the best possible outcomes for your skin.

2. Precision for delicate areas

While our IPL laser reduction is great for legs, electrolysis is ideal for precision. We specialise in permanently removing hair from small, sensitive, or hormonally triggered areas, including the upper lip, chin, jawline, eyebrows, nipples, and stomach centre line.  

3. Beyond electrolysis hair removal

Our expertise doesn’t stop at hair. We offer advanced electrolysis to treat skin concerns that many believe are permanent. If you are struggling with thread veins on the face or looking for the safe removal of skin tags from the face or body, our advanced techniques provide a quick, effective, and minimally invasive solution. 

4. A personalised, caring approach

We pride ourselves on creating a harmony between high-tech treatments and a warm, welcoming environment. We know that seeking hair removal can sometimes feel vulnerable, which is why we treat every client with the utmost care and discretion.  

Start your electrolysis hair removal journey 

We believe in doing things properly. Before any full treatment, we invite you to a 20-minute Electrolysis Consultation (£28.00). 

During this session, our experienced therapist will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and perform a 10-minute test treatment. This allows us to see exactly how your skin reacts and tailor a plan specifically for you. From there, sessions are flexible to suit your needs, ranging from a quick 10-minute tidy up (£23) to a full one-hour treatment (£78). 

Get in touch with our friendly team today to book your consultation.