Electrolysis is the only method of permanently removing unwanted hair.  When a clinician inserts a fine metal filament into a hair follicle, and runs an electrical current into the follicle, the cells that germinate into the next hair and the cells that feed the new hair are killed.  This renders the follicle unable to support the growth of any new hairs.  This method of permanent hair removal is practised world-wide and has been used successfully since the late 1800’s.

Electrolysis takes its name from the process of running a negative direct current, similar to that of a battery, through a salt solution.  Electrolysis is used for a variety of purposes in industry to create chemical reactions.  In the case of hair removal, the chemical reaction converts the salts and moisture occurring naturally in the skin, into lye.  The lye, because it is fluid, fills up the follicle and cauterizes its lining, including the germ cells and food source which would generate and feed the next hair.

There are 3 modes of electrolysis:

• Galvanic
• Thermolysis
• Blend

Galvanic Electrolysis --- Direct current (DC), is used to achieve chemical destruction of the hair follicle. Single or multiple sterile needles/probes are used. 

Thermolysis --- Alternating current (AC), sometimes referred to as high frequency or shortwave, is used to create heat, for destroying the hair follicle. A single sterile needle/probe is used.  

The Blend (also referred to as Dual Modality) --- Both of the above currents are used simultaneously or sequentially to achieve dual action destruction of the hair follicle.  A single sterile needle/probe is used for this procedure.