What Is: Electrolysis?
Electrolysis, or the practice of electrology, is the permanent removal of human hair by way of electrical epilation performed by an electrologist. The electrologist slides an ultra-thin metal probe, generally the same diameter as the hair shaft, into a hair follicle. The probe delivers electricity to each hair follicle, damaging the hair-generating area of the follicle using either chemicals (galvanic method), overheating (thermolysis method) or a combination of both (blend method). Properly performed, all three methods can thoroughly destroy the hair matrix cells, rendering the follicles unable to grow new hair. Successful permanent hair removal depends upon the type of hair, the condition of the skin, the skill of the electrologist, and the pain threshold of the subject. At least several visits are necessary for permanent hair removal, but some clients will require more treatments than others to achieve the same result, depending upon factors such as type of hair, skin condition, the skill of the electrologist and the pain threshold of the individual. Each treatment may take from 15 minutes to an hour, and a topical anesthetic may sometimes be used. Many states require that electrologists be licensed in order to practice.