Overview
What is Electrolysis for Grey Hair and who is it for?
Laser hair reduction works by targeting the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair. Grey and white hairs have little or no pigment, so lasers cannot treat them well. Electrolysis takes a different approach. A very fine probe is slid into the natural opening of each hair follicle, and a tiny electric current is passed to damage the root. The hair is then lifted out gently.
Because each hair is treated individually, electrolysis is best for small areas with a limited number of hairs, such as stray grey hairs on the chin, upper lip, cheeks or within the eyebrows. Treating larger areas takes many sessions. Some hairs will be in a resting phase during the first session, so repeat visits are needed to catch them as they grow.
It is important to be clear about what electrolysis does. It removes the grey hairs it treats. It does not restore colour to grey hair, and it does not slow or reverse greying on your scalp. Knowing this upfront helps you decide whether it is right for you. If you are worried about early greying, Dr. Shilpa can check for causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid problems instead.
The procedure
What happens during the treatment?
- 1
Consultation
Dr. Shilpa looks at the area and the number of hairs, explains what electrolysis can and cannot do, and checks your skin.
- 2
Preparing the skin
The area is cleaned and numbing cream may be applied, especially for sensitive areas like the upper lip.
- 3
Treating each hair
A fine sterile probe is placed into each follicle, a brief current is applied, and the hair is lifted out with tweezers.
- 4
Follow-up sessions
Further sessions treat hairs that regrow or were not visible the first time, until the area is clear.
Benefits
What are the benefits?
- It works on grey, white and blonde hairs that laser cannot target.
- Each hair is treated individually, so it suits small, precise areas.
- It suits all skin types, including darker Indian skin.
- Treated follicles that are fully destroyed do not regrow.
- It is a good option for stray grey hairs in the eyebrows or on the face.
Is it right for you?
Electrolysis suits people with a small number of grey or white hairs on the face, eyebrows or other limited areas. It is not a treatment for greying scalp hair. It may not be advised if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, active skin infection, or a tendency to form keloids. Dr. Shilpa will assess this first.
Aftercare
How should you care for your skin afterwards?
- 01Keep the area clean and avoid touching it for 24 hours.
- 02Do not apply makeup or perfumed products on treated skin for a day.
- 03Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen to prevent darkening of small marks.
- 04Do not pluck or wax hairs in the area between sessions.
- 05Apply any soothing cream given by the clinic as directed.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
No. Electrolysis removes the grey hairs it treats by damaging their roots. It does not bring back colour to grey hair, and it does not stop new grey hairs from appearing. It is a removal method, useful for a few stray grey hairs on the face or in the eyebrows.
This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person.
