Electrolysis hair removal at CoLaz clinics

Electrolysis is the single-follicle method of permanent hair removal. A fine probe is inserted alongside one hair, a brief low-energy current disables the cells in the follicle that produce the hair, and the hair is lifted out. Laser hair removal works on many follicles at once but only on hairs that contain enough pigment for the laser to target, which is why laser does not work well on fine, grey, blonde or red hair. Electrolysis works on any hair colour and any skin tone because it does not rely on pigment.

Yes. Electrolysis is the only hair removal method recognised by the medical and electrology bodies in the UK as truly permanent, meaning treated follicles do not produce hair again. New hairs can still grow from follicles that were not active during your treatment course, so a full result requires several sessions over months as the hair cycles through its phases. We agree your treatment schedule at consultation and update it at each session based on what is left to treat.

Sensation is described as a brief warm pinch on each hair, lasting a fraction of a second. Most patients find it manageable on small areas such as the upper lip, chin or eyebrows without any anaesthetic. For larger or more sensitive areas a topical numbing cream is available on request. Modern equipment is much gentler than the older galvanic devices, and our therapists adjust the current per follicle based on what your skin tolerates.

It depends on the area, the hair density and the hair growth cycle. A small patch on the chin or upper lip may need eight to twelve short sessions spread over four to six months. Larger areas or full beard reduction can need a year or more. We work in fifteen, thirty or sixty-minute slots and agree the schedule at your free consultation. Most patients see a noticeable reduction in regrowth within the first three sessions.

Electrolysis is suitable for almost every skin tone and hair colour, which is one of its main advantages over laser hair removal. It works on darker skin types where laser carries higher risk, and it works on hair colours laser cannot target. We do not treat areas of active infection, broken skin or recent sunburn, and we ask patients who are pregnant or who have certain medical conditions to discuss it at consultation before booking. Medical history is reviewed at every first appointment.

Do not pluck, wax, thread or epilate the hairs for at least two weeks before your appointment, because the probe needs the hair in the follicle to work. Shaving and depilatory creams are fine, because they leave the root in place. Arrive with a clean, makeup-free treatment area, and stay well hydrated. If you have had any recent skin treatments such as a peel or laser on the area, let us know at consultation so the timing can be agreed.

Electrolysis is priced by session length, from £10 for up to five minutes (ideal for a few stubborn hairs), £27 for fifteen minutes, £48 for thirty minutes and £94 for a full hour. Longer multi-hour sessions are available at £180 for two hours, £350 for four hours, £420 for five hours, £625 for eight hours and £700 for ten hours, used for larger areas or transgender protocols. The session length is agreed at your free consultation based on the area and the number of hairs to treat.