Electrolysis hair removal is the only medically approved form of permanent hair removal, according to the British Medical Association.¹ Despite this, it is not strictly regulated in the UK. It is therefore very important that you choose a qualified and experienced practitioner.

The British Association of Dermatologists advises: "Before having electrolysis, check that the operator is qualified and registered with the British Institute and Association of Electrolysis, and that the practitioner uses new, disposable (not simply re-sterilised) needles. Home electrolysis machines are not recommended."²

On the BIAE member search, you can view any member's qualifications, experience, and continued professional development alongside their biography and contact information. See our profile here.

What is the BIAE?

The British Institue & Association of Electrolysis (BIAE) is the sole professional body for electrolysis hair removal in the UK. It also trains and certifies electrologists in Australia and New Zealand. The BIAE individually verifies the skills and procedures of practitioners via written and practical examination.

Without BIAE accreditation, there is no standardised way for providers to demonstrate their safe practice or for members of the public to assess the training and experience of a provider. In accordance with the advice of the NHS, BUPA, TransActual, and the British Association of Dermatologists, we only recommend treatment from fully accredited members of the BIAE.

Our work with the BIAE.

The Malvern's lead practitioner, Yvette Guthrie, qualified and joined the Institute of Electrolysis in 1988. In 2004, the Institute became the British Institute and Association of Electrolysis (BIAE). Yvette has therefore been a continuous member and an accredited electrologist for 37 years.

In 2024, Yvette was elected to the board of the BIAE and now works to ensure the organisation can continue to protect the public. Alongside training and examining prospective members, Yvette has worked with industry partners and field experts to help organise training events and educational talks. In this work to promote safer, more effective, and more inclusive practice throughout the industry, clients and client care remain at the core of Yvette's work on the board and at The Malvern. For more information about Yvette and The Malvern, see our about page.

1. Laser/IPL hair removal is also safe and effective, but it not considered permanent. For more information, see: https://www.electrolysis.co.uk/about
2. See the British Association of Dermatologists website: https://www.bad.org.uk