How electrolysis works
Electrolysis in Stoke-on-Trent at Bayside is carried out with a Sterex device. A very fine probe is placed into the opening of an individual hair follicle and a tiny electric current is delivered directly to the root. This damages the follicle so that it grows a weaker hair, or none at all.
Each follicle usually needs treating around 6 times. With every treatment the follicle gets weaker, until it can no longer produce hair and growth in that follicle stops. If your hair growth is linked to a hormonal imbalance, progress may be slower, but a long-term result is still possible.
Because electrolysis works on one hair at a time, it is precise. That precision is its main strength, and also the reason it is better suited to smaller areas than large ones.
Electrolysis or laser: which is right for you?
Laser hair removal and electrolysis both aim for a long-term reduction in hair, but they work in different ways, and the right choice depends mainly on your hair colour and the size of the area.
When laser may suit you better
Laser applies concentrated heat to the follicle, and that heat is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. In the same way black absorbs sunlight, the darker the hair, the more energy it takes in. Laser treats many hairs with each pulse, so for larger areas of dark hair, such as legs, underarms, bikini or back, laser hair removal is normally quicker and more practical. We would rather point you towards the treatment that suits you than book a course that will take longer than it needs to.
When electrolysis is the right choice
Electrolysis does not rely on pigment, so it works where laser cannot: blonde, white, grey, light brown, ginger and very fine hair. It is also useful for stray hairs, awkward areas that are hard to reach with a laser handpiece, and shaping, such as tidying a beard line. Some clients use both, with laser for the bulk of dark hair and electrolysis for the lighter hairs that remain.
Who is electrolysis for?
Electrolysis is suitable for both men and women who want to remove unwanted hair for the long term, whether you are tired of shaving and waxing or want to deal with a few noticeable hairs. Common areas include:
- The face, chin and upper lip
- Around the nipples
- The beard line, for shaping
- Small or awkward areas elsewhere on the body
It is particularly helpful for hair types that do not respond to laser:
- Blonde and light brown
- White and grey
- Ginger
- Very fine hair
- Hairs that are difficult to reach
Hormonal hair growth
Hair growth driven by hormones, for example on the chin or upper lip, can be persistent. Electrolysis can still treat it, but because hormones may continue to stimulate new follicles, your course may take longer and you may need further sessions as new hairs appear. If you have noticed a sudden change in hair growth, it is worth speaking to your GP about the underlying cause alongside treatment.
What to expect at your appointment
- Consultation. We look at your hair colour, thickness and the area you want treated, and talk honestly about whether electrolysis or laser is the better fit.
- Your plan. Each electrolysis session lasts 45 minutes. Your practitioner explains how many sessions are likely and how often to come back.
- Treatment. The probe treats each hair individually. Most people find the process not very painful; you may feel a brief warmth or a light sting at each follicle.
- Aftercare. Some temporary redness around the treated follicles is normal. You will receive aftercare advice, which usually involves keeping the area clean and leaving it alone while it settles.
Prices and booking
The cost of electrolysis depends on the area and how many hairs need treating, so we confirm it at your consultation. You can see prices for our other treatments on the price list. To arrange a consultation, book online or get in touch.
