What is Electrolysis Hair Removal, and what makes it Permanent?
Electrolysis is the permanent removal of unwanted hair. Unlike laser/IPL, which can only treat hair in the active (Anagen) part of the growth cycle, electrolysis can treat hair at any stage of its development. In addition to killing the hair that can be seen growing out of the follicle, electrolysis also targets the part of the follicle that contains its stem cells, the DNA blueprint for creating a hair. Without this, a follicle cannot reproduce, making the process permanent.
There are three types of electrolysis:
- Thermolysis – also known as Short-Wave Diathermy, Electro-Coagulation. A thin filament, the width of the hair to be treated, passes into the follicle and down to the hair root, where a carefully measured amount of heat-producing electrical current is dispensed. This kills and detaches the hair, which is lifted from the follicle. Thermolysis is the fastest method, making it ideal for clearing large or dense growth areas.
- Galvanic – also known as Electrolysis. The procedure is similar to Thermolysis, but the method produces a chemical called Lye, which fills the hair follicle and kills the hair within. The process takes up to thirty seconds per hair, so it isn’t often used for large areas of hair growth.
- Blend – utilises the heat of thermolysis to speed up the chemical reaction produced with galvanic. This cuts down individual hair treatment time to around 6-7 seconds.
An electrolysist needs a steady hand and precision to treat every hair accurately. A well-trained practitioner will achieve fantastic, permanent results, making this a much sought-after treatment.
In Canada and the US, the treatment is called Electrology, and practitioners are called Electrologists.
