NHS Electrolysis FAQs

Yes. This service is provided by NHS referral only.

You must have an approved referral in place before booking a consultation or treatment appointment. If you do not yet have a referral, please contact your referring service or healthcare provider to begin this process.

All NHS electrolysis treatments are carried out by Jennifer (Jen) Turner, a Level 5 Advanced Electrolysis Practitioner with over 28 years in the industry and more than 17 years of electrolysis experience.

Jen provides all NHS-funded electrolysis treatments personally, ensuring continuity, safety, and consistency throughout your treatment course.

Your first appointment is a Consultation & Patch Test. This includes:

• A discussion of your treatment goals and expectations
• An assessment of the area to be treated
• A short patch test to assess your skin’s response

Even if you have had electrolysis elsewhere, this appointment is required so treatment can be planned safely.

Everyone experiences it differently, but most clients describe it as a bit “spicy” rather than painful.

• Some areas (like the upper lip and jawline) can feel more intense

• Other areas are usually much more comfortable

• We can always move to a different area if it feels too much

Starting with shorter sessions can really help you ease into treatment.

Some clients choose to use numbing cream to help with comfort (this is optional).

No, you do not need to be on HRT to start electrolysis.

You can begin treatment at any stage.

Laser and electrolysis work in different ways:

• Laser targets the pigment in the hair, so it works best on darker hair

• Electrolysis treats each hair individually and can target all hair types, including blonde, grey, and red

Electrolysis works by treating the hair follicle directly, helping to reduce and permanently remove hair over time.

Please allow hair in the treatment area to grow to around 3–4mm — just enough to be grasped with tweezers.

You do not need to grow hair across your entire face. A small patch is sufficient for the patch test, and the rest can be discussed during your consultation.

Yes, shaving is absolutely fine.

• Please just make sure there is enough hair growth for your appointment

• Avoid plucking, waxing, or threading, as this disrupts the treatment process

No — you do not need to grow all of your hair.

For the consultation, a small patch of hair is enough. If visibility causes anxiety, treatment can often be planned in sections while keeping other areas clear, depending on skin sensitivity and healing.

(You’ll find the facial zones explained further down this FAQ.)

Electrolysis works best when appointments are regular and consistent.

Initial Clearance Phase (0–3 months)

• Focus on clearing a small, key area (usually upper lip + chin)
• Removing visible hairs, but not all hairs are active yet
• Some hairs remain under the skin (normal part of the cycle)
• Appointments every 2–3 weeks (ideally bi-weekly)
• Goal is to start the process and set a strong foundation
• Consistency here is what makes later stages work

Consolidation Phase (3–6 months)

• Focus on targeting regrowth as it comes through
• Hair should start to appear slower, finer, and more patchy
• Area may gradually expand if time allows
• Appointments move to every 3–4 weeks
• Working with the hair cycle, not just what’s visible
• This is where you start seeing real progress

Maintenance Phase (6 months onwards)

• Focus on keeping results under control
• Treating new hairs as they appear
• Appointments every 4–6 weeks
• Treatments are usually quicker and more targeted
• Opportunity to pick off remaining areas if time allows
• Goal is to maintain and refine results long-term

IMPORTANT

• Regular visits = better results
• Spacing appointments too far apart can slow progress

• If you’re using funded hours, this plan helps you get the most from them
  

  Electrolysis is all about timing and consistency, if we get that right, that’s where the results really start to happen.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer,  it really depends on factors like:

• Hair density and thickness
• Hormonal influences
• Previous hair removal (e.g. shaving, laser, waxing)
• How consistently appointments are booked

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With NHS funding (16 hours)

NHS treatment is designed to make a significant improvement, rather than fully clear the entire face (depending on how much hair is present).

• We usually prioritise high-impact areas (upper lip, chin)
• Over time, this can lead to a noticeable reduction and better control of hair growth
• Some areas may remain untreated or need ongoing maintenance

With self-funding (or combined with NHS)

If you choose to self-fund alongside your NHS treatment, we can:

• Increase treatment time (longer or more frequent sessions)
• Treat larger areas sooner
• Work towards a full facial clearance

Typical timeframes (with consistent treatment):

• 3–6 months: noticeable reduction and improved control
• 6–12 months: significant clearance in treated areas
• 12–18+ months: working towards full clearance and long-term maintenance

Why it takes time

Hair grows in cycles, and electrolysis can only treat hairs when they are visible and active.

This means:

• Multiple treatments are needed to catch each hair at the right stage
• Early sessions focus on clearing, later sessions focus on regrowth

Important to know

• Consistency is what drives results
• Booking appointments in advance helps you stay on track
• Combining NHS + self-funding gives you the most flexibility and faster progress

Numbing cream is optional. Many clients manage electrolysis comfortably without it.

If you choose to use one:

Do:

• Patch test in advance, as advised on the product packaging
• Apply it yourself before your appointment, following the manufacturer’s instructions
• Only use products from a reputable UK pharmacy
• Let us know if you’ve used anything before your treatment

Don’t:

• Apply to broken or irritated skin
• Use more than recommended on the packaging
• Assume all products are suitable if you have allergies, sensitive skin, or medical conditions
• Treat it as essential — it’s a personal choice

Important:
We do not supply or apply numbing creams in clinic.

Some clients choose pharmacy products such as EMLA cream, but this is entirely your choice.

Facial electrolysis is approached methodically to achieve effective results while protecting the skin.

Jen divides the face into priority zones to guide treatment order. Priority refers to treatment order, not importance — all areas will be addressed as treatment progresses.

Facial priority zones:

• Priority Zone 1: Chin (Zone 1a) & Upper lip (Zone 1b)
• Priority Zone 2: Sides of the mouth / marionette line area
• Priority Zone 3: Under chin
• Priority Zone 4: Upper neck (platysma area)
• Priority Zone 5: Jawline
• Priority Zone 6: Lower neck
• Priority Zone 7: Sideburns
• Priority Zone 8: Cheeks

Treatment usually begins with Priority Zone 1, as this area is typically the most visible and distressing.

Prepare your skin and maximise comfort:

• Hair length: Allow hair to grow to ~3–4mm so it can be grasped properly.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water the day before, day of, and after treatment to support comfort and healing.
• Avoid irritation: No sun exposure, sunbeds, tanning, or retinoids for 48 hours before.
• Reduce sensitivity: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and stimulants on the day if possible.
• Optional comfort: Consider a light meal before your appointment and (if desired) numbing cream as per the guidance above.

Redness, swelling, tenderness, or small scabs are normal.

For 24–48 hours:

• Keep the area clean, cool, and calm.
• Avoid touching or picking.
• Avoid heat, sweating, swimming, and strenuous exercise.
• Avoid sun exposure.

• Stay consistent: Stick to your treatment schedule — no waxing, plucking, or tweezing between sessions; trimming is okay if needed.
• Sun safety always: Continue SPF 50+ daily to protect sensitive skin and prevent pigmentation.
• Watch for issues: If you experience excessive redness, swelling, pus, or intense pain beyond a few days, reach out. You may need to consider seeing a pharmacist should symptoms continue.

Potential products to include in your aftercare kit:

• Cooling & soothing: Aloe Vera
• Moisture & repair: Yi-ZiBaume
• Anti-inflammatory spray: Hypo21
• Gentle cleanser: Eve Taylor Ultra Soothing Cleanser
• Sun protection: Heliocare Mineral Tolerance

Yes, this can be a normal part of the healing process.

You may notice:

• Redness

• Slight swelling

• Small scabs in some areas

These are usually temporary and part of the skin repairing itself.

Following aftercare advice will help your skin heal as smoothly as possible.

Yes, it can be. Some clients report a temporary numb or altered sensation in the treated area, particularly after larger sessions or if they have sensitive skin.

This is usually due to mild inflammation or irritation around nerve endings and typically settles within a few days.

What to do:

• Follow your aftercare advice carefully.
• Apply a soothing product such as aloe vera or Yi-ZiBaume.
• Avoid touching, rubbing, or applying pressure to the area.

If numbness lasts more than 3–4 days, worsens, or is accompanied by tingling, pain, or significant swelling, please contact Jen for advice.

It’s best to avoid makeup straight after treatment, especially on the treated area.

• Your skin may be a little sensitive

• Giving it time to settle helps reduce irritation

If needed, you can usually return to makeup once the skin has calmed.

Yes, and we encouraged to book ahead, particularly if you have limited availability.

• Book your Consultation & Patch Test first.
• Once you have attended your consultation and are happy with what has been discussed, you may then book your ongoing treatment appointments.
• Your first treatment session must not be booked sooner than one month after your consultation to allow time for NHS funding to be processed. But also bear in mind your follow up appointments and keeping to the recommended schedule as much as possible.

You have multiple options:

• WhatsApp Broadcast List: Join this for alerts on cancellations handled directly by Jen.
• Brighton (Turn Beautiful): Use the online booking system to “Add to Waitlist” after selecting your treatment. The system will automatically email you if an earlier slot becomes available.
• Shoreham (The Vinery Beauty Clinic): Email the clinic at [email protected] with your availability. They’ll contact you if a slot becomes available — please respond promptly.

Need help? Watch our Brighton Booking Instruction Video.

Appointment reminders are sent 48 hours in advance.

Two missed appointments or repeated late cancellations may result in treatment being paused and the referring NHS team being informed.

Hair grows in cycles, and electrolysis is most effective when a hair is in its active growth phase (anagen).

Areas such as the upper lip and chin have multiple growth cycles occurring at the same time. Some hairs are visible while others are dormant beneath the skin. Correct spacing allows dormant hairs to surface so they can be treated effectively.

NHS-funded electrolysis appointments are provided in minimum 30-minute sessions, in line with NHS invoicing requirements.

Initial sessions are often kept at this length to assess skin reaction. Session lengths may be increased as treatment progresses and tolerance is assessed.

When booking online, please select the category “NHS Hair Reduction – Electrolysis”.

Turn Beautiful – Brighton
Book online at Turn Beautiful (Brighton)

 

The Vinery Beauty Clinic – Shoreham
Book online at The Vinery (Shoreham)

You can manage your appointments online at any time.

• Enter the email address used when booking below
• You’ll be able to view, reschedule or cancel your appointments
• Please make any changes at least 24 hours in advance in line with our policy

Absolutely, you’re not alone.

A simple step-by-step video guide is available to walk you through the booking process.

Brighton Booking Instruction Video

If you’re booking for Shoreham, the process is very similar. Look for available slots (often shown as green-outlined squares) and email the clinic to join the waitlist if needed.

If you’re unsure at any point, please get in touch.

You can contact Jen directly:

📞 07780 618778

✉ [email protected]

Or reach out to the HE-RMS NHS team:

📧

[email protected]