FAQ

For all of my deep dive researchers, anxious clients and over-preppers, I got you! Hopefully you’ll find the answer to all of your questions here. If you don’t just shoot me an email, I’ll let you know and add it onto here to help the next person.

About electrolysis

  • A small probe the thickness of your hair is passed into the follicle (you will barely feel this and does not cause any discomfort). When the tip of the probe is in the base of the follicle, the electrolysist presses a pedal and you will feel a warm sensation. Heat destroys the micro-blood circulation to the hair and the germinative cells in the follicle and the hair is then lifted out. Each hair is individually treated.

    You can find detailed information on our How does it work? page.

  • Yes it is! Electrolysis is one of the only FDA approved and British Medical Council methods to permanently get rid of hair. I am a part of the BIAE (British Institute of Accredited Electrologists) where you have to pass written and practical exams to be accepted and complete continuous professional development each year.

  • Yes, it is one of the only FDA approved and British Medical Council methods to permanently get rid of hair.

    Will I never need hair removal again after the procedure?

    For the hairs we've treated successfully, yes! But remember, there are lots of hair follicles all over the body. We might treat one, but there could be another right next to it! That's why it's important to keep up with treatments regularly. That way, you can catch the hairs when they're growing and get the best results over time.

  • The hair that is treated is taken out of the follicle with a tweezer so you don’t have to wait for it to fall out.

  • Elegacy has a great article on the difference between laser and electrolysis.

    Check out our page How does it work? for more details on electrolysis.

  • Choosing between electrolysis and laser depends on various factors, and each has its advantages.

    For larger areas, laser may be a good option to help thin out the hair, and once you’ve completed your laser course, we can treat the remaining hairs with electrolysis. If you find electrolysis uncomfortable, laser can reduce the amount of hairs required to be treated.

Pricing

  • I can give you a rough estimate when we have a consultation but it’s only an estimate. The cost will depend on a variety of factors.

    Less dense areas are easier to judge. Denser, thicker areas of hair are very hard to estimate until they get into the clearance stage, where they can be maintained in a few hours appointments each week.

    As a cis woman with genetic mid-density superfluous hair growth on my upper lip, chin, face and neck, it took me about 3 months of going 1 to 2 hours every week to get it under control. Then about 1-2 hours for 6 months to keep it at bay. Even now I visit every 3 months or so for 30 minutes to tidy up the stragglers.

    Everyone is unique but hopefully this gives you an idea.

    Check our pricing per hour and discounted courses.

  • It depends on the amount of hair you have, how much we’re able to treat in the sessions and how fast your hair grows. In the beginning you may likely need to come back regularly to get the hair growth under control, but it will lessen over time.

  • Electrolysis can only be undertaken by a qualified professional and our machines aren’t available from just your usual standard pharmacy. They are very different as they kill the hair directly at the source, while machines such as IPL just send gentle pulses of light to the hair root. Electrolysis by a professional is the only way to get permanent results.

Who can get electrolysis?

  • Yes you can! People are often told they couldn’t do laser because their hair is white, ginger, etc… With electrolysis, we can treat all types of hair. If you have any questions about the suitability of the treatment, feel free to contact me.

  • No, we can treat thin and light hair too. However, it can just take a bit longer as sometimes it can be harder to see!

  • It is recommended to get a doctor’s approval if you are pregnant and to avoid the abdomen or breast areas. As hormones fluctuate throughout pregnancy and in the months after, you may want to wait as this can also affect and lessen hair growth.

  • Yes, it is no problem when having thermolysis. However if we use the blend method, you may experience a small metallic taste in your mouth. I have treated many clients with lip, nose and ear piercings.

  • I have treated several people with tattoos on their arms, back and neck and no designs have been altered as it doesn’t affect the same layer of skin. However, please note that if anything happens to the tattoo, it is at your own risk.

  • Yes absolutely. The only problem that may arise is keloid scarring so please do let me know before an appointment if you’re prone to this.

  • If you are under 16, my insurance requires GP permission.

  • As a teenager, hormones are still changing rapidly so it might be that as you get older your hair growth calms down. However I can understand it can be a difficult time especially when you don’t want the hair to be there and if it’s genetics as well - with doctor’s permission and if you have full awareness of the treatment and what is required - then I am happy to treat you.

How does it feel?

  • This can vary person to person. It depends on many things such as the thickness of the hair, the level of current required to treat the hair and your sensation threshold.

    During the consultation, we’ll carry out a patch test while I work out the settings and see how your skin reacts to treatment but it will also give you a time to see what it feels like to decide if it’s for you. The current is only ever increased gradually so you will be able to be accustomed to it - there are no surprises here!

  • I hate injections myself so I have a lot of understanding for what you’re going through. Electrolysis feels very different from needles and we can go as slowly as you like. Previous customers who hate injections and blood tests have completed an electrolysis treatment just fine.

  • Absolutely! We can stop at any time for any reason. That’s also why we do a consultation as then you’ll be able to see how it works and feels to make a decision.

Treatment options

  • Roughly 3mm. It is best to keep it at this length or at a longer length that is able to be plucked, as this ensures I can see the hair and it’s angle to the follicle at its best.

    Obviously you know your hair growth and its rates better than anyone - so while some people might have really fast growth in 3 days, others it might take a week or even 3 to get to the same length.

    If you’re coming for electrolysis for the first time, it’s wise to allow a few extra days to grow out your hair and you’ll know best what to expect for your second appointment.

  • Yes! I have worked on several people who just wanted to give themselves straight beards or hairlines and to get rid of rogue hair.

  • Yes absolutely, as long as you are clear on the time it will take to make achievement and progress on the area. I have helped to clear legs, chests and backs. It doesn’t just have to be the face.

  • In most places, yes. The only areas I’m unable to work on are on a mole or a mucous membrane like the inside of your nose.

  • If there is a sparse amount of hair - sure! But in the case of dense or closely packed together hair areas, unfortunately no. This is also for your own skin health: if I treat the same area too many time, you risk having scarring and swelling. By spacing out treatments, it means you can heal faster and more work can be done.

Side effects and issues

  • Unfortunately the process does take time and you have to be patient. Hair grows in cycles so while you might think it is the same hair that keeps coming back, it’s most likely a different one.

    It’s important to keep regular appointments, don’t pluck and remember if you have thicker or denser hair growth, it will be a couple of sessions before you start to see progress.

  • This all depends on your personal healing times and reactions. In some people, you can barely notice they’ve just had electrolysis. Others may be prone to swelling and redness. It will also depend on the length of the session and the closeness of the hair treated.

  • Check out the list of what to do before the treatment and aftercare.

  • There is a risk that electrolysis could cause bruising. This will however fade with time and should only be minimal.

    There is also a small risk of scarring as it is applying heat to your skin especially if you are prone to keloid scars. Scarring is very rare.

  • Hyperpigmentation can occur after electrolysis. Melanocytes can be stimulated by the destruction caused by electrolysis, producing pigment. Sunlight can encourage this reaction, which is why I recommend a high factor suncream to be used daily by all clients for up to 3 weeks post treatment.

    The skin fully returns to normal, usually within several months. Skin takes time to heal so don’t forget your aftercare.

LGBTQIA+

  • Absolutely! Zahra Electrolasis is ran by an LGBTQIA+er and will always be a trans ally. Please see here reviews from my trans & LGBTQIA+ clients.

  • For the areas that you would like treated, yes. However, we can work at a treatment plan that means you only have to grow out certain sections at a time rather than across a full area. For example, we can treat sideburns or under the neck in less visible parts until they are cleared, allowing you to shave the rest of your face. Or we can just do small patches on the chin. Please see my case studies here who described doing this.

  • You don’t. Anyone at any point in their journey is welcome to start electrolysis.

  • Yes, absolutely! I'm here to provide electrolysis services regardless of your gender identity or surgical plans and I have no reservations about treating genital areas.

    I have also completed a course from the British Institute of Electrolysists in Gender Reaffirming Care which covers all aspects and types of surgery from surgeons in the UK to abroad.

  • This is probably one of my most frequently asked questions and unfortunately a number of factors go into answering it.

    To clear your hair permanently it could taken between 8 months to 2 years. It could be from 90 to at least 200 hours.

    I know the stress that comes from having to grow out your facial hair so I’ll try my best to minimise the number of times you have to grow it out in our treatment plan together.

Comfort during sessions

  • Of course! Some people find it easier to chat while getting electrolysis but it’s not a problem if you don’t. Just let me know when you book a consultation if you’d like the silent service.

  • There will be a low volume beeping noise each time I push the pedal to release the current. This helps me to know when the current has finished releasing. Otherwise we are just based in a salon room and you can choose whether you’d like background music or not.

  • Yes, of course. I have a bluetooth speaker in the room that we can use but you’re also welcome to put in your headphones. I listen to everything and anything so I’m always happy for music suggestions from clients!

  • All treatments are carried out confidentially in a closed room with just me.

  • Most of the procedure will involve me lightly stretching the skin with two fingers where the hair follicle is to open it and then placing in. Occasionally there may be parts where I may have to lightly lean my arm across you to be able to access particular hair follicles.

  • For most areas of treatment, you won’t need to take anything off. If we are doing part of your legs or arms, just make sure that you wear loose/sleeveless clothing that we can pull up to access the area.

  • Yes, we can have breaks but please note treatment time will not stop for the breaks. They are included in the time you pay for.

  • Check out the facilities and accessibility page to see what the clinic looks like.