ELECTROLYSIS and HAIR REMOVAL

Types of Hair

There are basically two types of hair growth on the human body. The first type is a fine, soft and colorless hair called Vellus and the second type is a coarse, thicker, well developed variety known as Terminal hair. When a Vellus hair has been stimulated, it is known as Accelerated Vellus.

The 3 Stages of Hair Growth

Hair Cycle

Hair has a three phase cycle. The first is the growth cycle or the active phase, followed by a brief transitional phase ending in a resting phase, reducing the follicle to one third of its normal size. The length of the total growth cycle and the duration of the alternating rest periods vary greatly from body regions to body region and from person to person.

What Is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a process of eliminating the cells responsible for hair growth. An electrologist inserts a small filament / probe into the hair follicle. Once the probe is in the hair follicle, the electrologist delivers a low amount of an electric current deep into the follicle and papilla.

There are three methods of hair removal that have proven permanent:

1. Galvanic Multi-needle - Chemical reaction liquefies the tissue.
2. Thermolysis - Coagulates the tissue in the follicle.
3. Blend - A combination of the above.

Galvanic is a method which utilizes Direct Current to induce a chemical reaction in the hair follicle. This chemical change produces sodium hydroxide which destroys the cells responsible for future hair growth. The Galvanic method is best suited to strong deep terminal or accelerated Vellus hair (e.g. beards), plus all body hair.

Thermolysis, also referred to as shortwave, radio frequency, diathermy, or high frequency. It utilizes Alternating Current to create heat in the follicle for a short interval of time thereby electro-coagulating the follicle tissue. Thermolysis is best suited to Vellus hair for facial down.

The Blend is a combination of Galvanic and Thermolysis modality. It is preferred by most eletrologists. The Blend is best suited to Vellus, Accelerated Vellus and scattered Terminal hair for facial down, fine body hair and scattered coarse hairs. The re-growth rate is believe to be less than that of Thermolysis.

We use disposable, half coated probes.