Parkside has provided professional beauty, skin and electrolysis treatments in Islington since 1981. Originally opened as Parkside Beauty Centre, the clinic was founded by Denise Keys and Elaine Clarke, school friends who trained in beauty therapy before coming together to create a small local business. Parkside soon became a well-established beauty destination in Islington and Holloway, taking a holistic approach to its clients' beauty and skin needs.

​

As the beauty industry evolved and increasingly moved towards specialist clinics, Parkside retained its broad approach while developing expertise in electrolysis for permanent hair removal, skin care, and advanced blemish removal. Elaine Clarke managed and owned Parkside from 1993 until 2019.

​

Sharon Reid – Director

I took over Parkside in 2019, having worked here since 1993. Electrolysis has always been my passion, particularly the difference permanent hair removal can make to someone affected by unwanted facial or body hair.

​

Over the years, I considered introducing laser hair removal, particularly for clients seeking treatment of larger areas. However, after researching the treatment and its limitations, I decided to specialise further in electrolysis rather than diversify into laser. Electrolysis can treat all hair colours and skin types and remains my focus for achieving permanent hair removal.

​

I have continued to develop my knowledge and skills as both an electrologist and a skin and aesthetics practitioner, investing in advanced training, modern techniques and specialist equipment. At Parkside, we use Apilus XCell Pur electrolysis machines alongside specialist magnification to deliver precise, effective treatment.

​

My qualifications include Level 7 Aesthetic Practice, reflecting advanced postgraduate study in aesthetic practice, including consultation and assessment, facial anatomy, treatment planning, patient safety, complication management, pharmacology, ethics and evidence-based practice.

For me, achieving Level 7 is not simply about offering more treatments. It reflects the importance I place on understanding the science behind aesthetic practice, recognising when treatment is appropriate—and when it is not—managing risk, and delivering safe, considered, natural-looking results.

​

I also hold Level 3 qualifications in Teaching and Assessing, which support my professional education and mentoring work in the electrolysis industry.

​

Professional Standards & Education

Our electrologists have a thorough understanding of electrolysis, supported by regular in-house training to ensure our treatment strategies, techniques and knowledge continue to evolve. We are members of the British Institute & Association of Electrolysis (BIAE). I am a current BIAE Board Member and previously served as Chairperson from 2019–2021.

​

I am also a BIAE assessor and provide professional education for other electrologists, including masterclasses in advanced hair-removal techniques and machine knowledge, pre-examination mentoring, and Advanced Cosmetic Procedures (ACP) training.

Our Approach

As the beauty and aesthetics industry has evolved, Parkside has evolved with it — but our philosophy has remained largely the same. An honest, holistic and individual approach is at the heart of what we do. Rather than following trends or offering treatments simply because they are available, we consider the individual, their skin, their concerns and what we genuinely believe will benefit them.

​

Today, Parkside brings together advanced skin and aesthetic treatments, including injectables, permanent electrolysis hair removal and advanced blemish removal — combining more than four decades of experience with modern techniques, technology and ongoing professional education.

​

I look forward to welcoming you to Parkside.

​

Sharon Reid MBIAE CRE

Level 7 Certificate in Aesthetic Practice

Director