Effects
The American Electrology Association (AEA) says electrolysis is much faster and more effective today then when it was first introduced back in 1875. The AEA says electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal treatment recognized by the FDA.
According to the Mayo Clinic, electrolysis involves the insertion of a tiny needle that emits a small amount of electric current into each hair follicle. This process destroys the hair growth tissue and permanently disables the regenerative capacity of the hair follicle so hair will not regrow in that spot.
Process
Electrolysis can be a time-consuming process, according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, since hairs must be targeted one by one. The process of electrolysis can also cause discomfort, but numbing creams applied prior to the procedure can diminish pain.
The possible side effects of electrolysis include darkening or lightening of the skin in the treatment area. In rare cases, scarring may occur.
Galvanic Electrolysis
Electrolysis uses galvanic lye (sodium hydroxide) a chemically unstable compound which provides free radicals to break down tissue. This allows separation of the follicle wall surrounding the hair and permits the deepest part of the follicle to be extracted. The AEA says galvanic electrolysis utilizes as many as 16 needles at one time.
Blend Method
The Blend method uses electrolysis in conjunction with a hair removal technique known as thermolysis to produce a faster and more effective hair removal. Thermolyisis uses high frequency energy to heat the galvanic lye of electrolysis. The heat harms the base of the hair follicle and inhibits hair growth.
Number of Treatments
The AEA says the number of electrolysis treatments varies from person to person based on a number of factors including heredity, hormone function and the quantity and structure of the hair that's being removed. The length of each electrolysis session can range from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the area of treatment.
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