Electrolysis hair removal
Permanent hair removal for fully treated follicles, on any hair colour, at Shannon’s clinic in Upper Cambourne, near Cambridge.
Book Your ConsultationA permanent answer to unwanted hair
Unwanted hair can affect anyone, and it can feel particularly distressing when it is coarse, dark or fast-growing. It is often linked to genetics, hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause, conditions like PCOS, or certain medications.
Electrolysis treats each hair follicle directly with a sterile, hair-fine probe and carefully controlled energy. Once a follicle has been fully treated across the growth cycle it should no longer produce a hair, which is why electrolysis is recognised as a method of permanent hair removal.
Permanent results for fully treated follicles
Works on blonde, red, grey and white hair
Suitable for all skin types
Consultation and patch test first
At a glance
Method
One follicle at a time
Session time
From 30 minutes for small areas
Course
Usually 8 to 20 sessions
Results
Permanent for treated follicles
Why choose electrolysis over laser
Both aim to reduce unwanted hair, but they work in different ways. Electrolysis is often the more reliable choice for light hair, mixed colours and small, delicate areas.
Every hair colour
Electrolysis doesn’t rely on pigment, so it works on the blonde, red, grey and white hairs that laser struggles to pick up.
Every skin type
It suits all skin types, from very fair to very dark, where laser can be limited on deeper skin tones.
Precise on small areas
Hairs are treated one at a time, which makes it ideal for the upper lip, chin, eyebrows, nipples and bikini line.
Finishing after laser
If a few stubborn hairs are left after laser, electrolysis can target the ones laser couldn’t remove.
How electrolysis works
A sterile, hair-fine probe is inserted into each hair follicle and a small amount of energy is delivered to destroy the growth cells. The treated hair is then gently lifted out with tweezers.
Hair grows in cycles, and electrolysis works best while a hair is actively growing. Not every hair is in the same phase at once, so a course of treatments is needed to clear an area for good.
Consultation and patch test
Shannon talks through your hair growth, medical history and any hormonal factors such as PCOS, carries out a patch test and creates your treatment plan.
Your treatment
The area is cleansed and before images are taken to track progress. Each follicle is treated and the hair removed. Most people feel a slight pinch or warmth.
Progress over your course
As hairs reduce, your plan is reviewed and sessions can become shorter or less frequent. Maintenance may help with hormone-related growth.
Aftercare and between sessions
Mild redness, slight swelling and temporary sensitivity are normal and usually settle within a few hours to a day.
Looking after your skin
Avoid sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours, then use SPF on treated areas.
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
Keep make-up off treated facial areas for at least 24 hours.
Cleanse gently and avoid touching or picking at the skin.
Use soothing Sterex aftercare, such as aloe vera, après cream or witch hazel gel, as advised.
Between your sessions
To keep your course on track:
Don’t tweeze, wax, thread or epilate, as this disrupts the follicle
Trimming is usually fine, and shaving may be OK on some areas if Shannon agrees
Attend regularly, so each follicle is treated while it is growing
Electrolysis questions answered
Is electrolysis painful?
Most clients describe it as a slight pinch or warmth with each hair. Settings and technique can be adjusted to keep you comfortable, and breaks are always available.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the area, the density of the hair and your growth cycles. Most clients need between 8 and 20 treatments, and many see a significant reduction after 8 to 12. Hormonal changes can mean more.
Is electrolysis really permanent?
Electrolysis is recognised as permanent for fully treated follicles. Each follicle has to be treated in its active growth phase, which is why a course is needed. New follicles can occasionally become active over time due to hormone changes, and tidy-up sessions can help.
Is electrolysis suitable if I have PCOS?
Yes. Electrolysis can’t change the underlying hormone balance, but it can permanently remove fully treated follicles in the area and is often a key part of managing hormonal hair growth alongside any medical care.
Can electrolysis treat large areas?
Yes, any size of area can be treated, though larger areas need more sessions spread over time. For extensive areas, Shannon plans the treatment section by section.
Electrolysis near you
Shannon’s clinic is in Upper Cambourne, and clients visit from towns and villages across the area. Find your nearest one below.
- Abington Pigotts
- Arrington
- Babraham
- Balsham
- Bar Hill
- Barton
- Bassingbourn
- Bottisham
- Bourn
- Boxworth
- Caxton
- Cherry Hinton
- Chittering
- Clayhithe
- Comberton
- Conington
- Coton
- Croxton
- Croydon
- Dry Drayton
- Duck End
- Duxford
- Eddington
- Eltisley
- Fen Drayton
- Fenstanton
- Fowlmere
- Fulbourn
- Gamlingay
- Girton
- Godmanchester
- Graveley
- Great Eversden
- Great Shelford
- Great Wilbraham
- Hardwick
- Harston
- Haslingfield
- Hemingford Grey
- Hilton
- Hinxton
- Histon
- Huntingdon
- Kingston
- Knapwell
- Landbeach
- Linton
- Little Gransden
- Little Shelford
- Little Wilbraham
- Lolworth
- Longstanton
- Longstowe
- Melbourn
- Meldreth
- Milton
- Newton
- Northstowe
- Oakington
- Orwell
- Pampisford
- Papworth St Agnes
- Rampton
- Reach
- Royston
- Sawston
- Shepreth
- Shingay
- Six Mile Bottom
- Stapleford
- St Ives
- St Neots
- Swaffham Bulbeck
- Swaffham Prior
- Swavesey
- Tadlow
- Toseland
- Upware
- Waterbeach
- Wendy
- Whaddon
- Whittlesford
- Willingham
- Wimpole
- Worsted Lodge
- Wyton
Ready to start your electrolysis?
Every course starts with a consultation and patch test at Shannon’s clinic in Upper Cambourne, so she can plan treatment around your hair and skin.