Electrolysis: permanent hair removal Part 1

For those individuals who are tired of plucking out hairs from odd parts of the body, electrolysis may be just the right treatment. In general, electrolysis is most useful for removal of small amounts pockets of hair that may be located on the chin, axilla (arm pit), bikini line, groin, nipples or upper lip. Because the treatment is very time consuming and painful, it may not be the best therapy for hair removal from the arms, legs or chest. Numerous sessions are required and the cost can be prohibitive.

The technique of using electrolysis to remove hair permanently has been around for at least the past 20 years. The procedure involves insertion of a very fine needle into a hair follicle and stimulating it with an electrical pulse.

The electrical pulse destroys the hair growing ability of the follicle. With electrolysis, hair can be removed from practically anywhere on the body, except inside the nose or ears.

How is hair removed with electrolysis?

Hair removal by electrolysis is done in several ways: galvanic or thermolytic method.

The galvanic method of hair removal has been used for a long time and is the simplest to use. The method involves placing a needle in the hair follicle and transmits a DC current into it. The resulting electrical reaction destroys the hair and its root, resulting in permanent hair removal. For those individuals who have medical implants such as pacemakers or have metallic implants (IUDs), the galvanic technique is not recommended.

Thermolysis is essentially the same, except that an AC current is transmitted down the hair follicle. Most newer versions of electrolysis machines combine (blend) these two techniques into one and offer a quick, effective and safer way to destroy the hair follicle.