Permanent Hair Removal in the UK: Why Electrolysis Beats Laser for PCOS & Transgender Clients

Unwanted hair growth is something many women experience, but for those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or transgender individuals, excess hair, particularly in male-pattern areas such as the face, chest, and back, can cause significant distress.

For many, this isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can deeply affect confidence, social interactions, and mental health. That’s why the demand for permanent hair removal solutions in the UK continues to rise.

While laser hair removal is widely available and popular in many clinics, electrolysis remains the only permanent method of hair removal, offering hope to people who want a long-term, confidence-restoring solution.

The Key Difference Between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal

The main difference comes down to how each treatment targets the hair follicle:

• Electrolysis uses a very fine probe inserted into the hair follicle to deliver a small electric current. This permanently destroys the follicle, preventing future growth. It works on all hair colours, skin tones and hair types.

• Laser hair removal uses light energy to target the pigment (melanin) in the hair. This means it’s less effective on lighter, red, grey, or very fine hairs and works best where there’s a strong contrast between the skin and hair colour. It also often requires ongoing maintenance sessions as hormonal changes can trigger regrowth.

Electrolysis is versatile and precise, making it ideal for smaller, more sensitive areas like the chin, jawline, and upper lip, where PCOS-related hair is most common.

Types of Electrolysis Treatments

There are three main types of electrolysis, chosen based on hair type, sensitivity, and treatment area:

1. Galvanic: Uses a chemical reaction to destroy the follicle’s ability to grow hair.

2. Thermolysis: Uses heat to destroy the follicle and surrounding tissue.

3. Blend: A combination of both methods, providing a powerful dual-action approach.

Why Electrolysis is More Permanent for Hormonal Hair Growth

Many UK clinics offer laser hair removal because it’s faster for large areas, such as legs or back, and requires fewer minutes per session. However, maintenance is where the difference really shows - especially for hormonal hair growth linked to PCOS or testosterone therapy.

Electrolysis treats each follicle individually, meaning that once it’s destroyed, hair won’t regrow from that follicle.

Most clients need a course of 10–12 sessions, as hair grows in different cycles and only hairs in the active growth phase (anagen) can be treated successfully at each appointment.
After the course, occasional top-ups may be needed if hormonal fluctuations cause new follicles to activate.

By comparison, laser hair removal often requires ongoing maintenance every 6–12 months, particularly for clients with PCOS or male-pattern hair growth.

What to Expect After Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a more targeted treatment, so the skin may show small pinpoint scabs or redness after a session, particularly in early treatments. This is completely normal and usually heals within 7–21 days.

Laser treatments generally cause temporary redness or swelling, and while they’re often described as feeling like a “hot rubber band snap,” electrolysis can feel more intense as each follicle is treated individually.

Why Electrolysis Matters for PCOS and Gender-Affirming Care

For many women with PCOS, excessive hair growth is one of the most visible and distressing symptoms of a condition that already affects their hormones, appearance, and sometimes fertility.

Studies suggest that 65–75% of women with PCOS experience hyperandrogenism, leading to excess hair growth in areas more typical of male hair patterns.

Similarly, for transgender individuals, removing unwanted hair can be a vital part of gender affirmation. Laser treatments aren’t always suitable due to hair colour or regrowth caused by hormone therapy, making electrolysis the only truly permanent option.

Permanent hair removal isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about helping people feel comfortable in their own skin, restoring confidence, and improving quality of life.

Final Thoughts

While laser hair removal is widely available across UK salons and clinics, electrolysis is the only guaranteed permanent solution, making it a game-changer for those with hormonal hair growth caused by PCOS or for transgender clients seeking gender-affirming care.

Click to ee information on our electrolysis training course