Electrolysis was first invented over 100 years ago, and is regarded as the only hair removal system that gives permanent results.
There are two types of electrolysis, invasive, and non-invasive.
With invasive electrolysis, a pre-sterilised needle, or very thin probe, is inserted into the hair follicle, and a small electrical current is applied. This gives rise to two different kinds of electrolysis.
Galvanic - When the probe is inserted into the hair follicle, a direct electric current (DC) is applied. This causes a chemical change in the moisture and salt of the human body, in the vicinity of the probe. This change creates sodium hydroxide, commonly called lye. If sufficient quantities of lye are formed, the hair follicle is damaged preventing further hair growth.
Thermolysis - With this method of hair removal, when the probe is inserted, an alternating current (AC) is applied. This causes the water molecules to vibrate around the probe, hence heating them up. Again, if the heat is sufficient, the follicle will be destroyed, preventing hair growth.
These two methods can be combined, giving a more effective treatment, as the caustic action of lye is increased with heat. So the chances of permanent hair removal are greatly increased.
When I had this treatment, I didn't know there were different types so I can’t say which I had. The results I got - the treatment of a single hair caused some discomfort, but if more than one was treated in one area, the pain built up progressively, making it very hard to endure. Some areas are more painful than others. The skin turned red, and small scabs formed. However the patches I had done over 10 years ago, are still hair free. The main problem with this form of treatment is the time involved, after several hours of treatment, only a small area had been done completely.
This form of hair removal is claimed to work on all hair types, and colours. Though the results depend greatly on the skill of the one holding the needle.
Non invasive electrolysis is where electric tweezers are used to grip the hair, and the hair itself is used as the probe. This has the advantage that as no direct contact with the skin is needed; there is a greatly reduced risk of infection. However, if the tweezers do touch the skin, it can be uncomfortable, and cause injury if contact is maintained to long.
Both types of electrolysis are available, galvanic and thermolysis. The use of the hair makes this a process less dependant on the operators skill, though the hair growth cycle becomes of more importance.
The main problem with this type of treatment, is that the hair, according to clinical studies is not an electrical conductor. The promoters of this type of electrolysis claim that the use of conductive gel gets around this problem. There is no evidence to say whether or not this is true, and the use of gel means the electric current is dispersed over a larger area, thereby reducing it’s effectiveness.
From my own attempt with a home unit of this type, I found little or no difference after several treatments, and therefore do not recommend it. As everyone is different, it may work better for you, so it is your choice. Just remember, that although it is claimed to be permanent, there is no clinical evidence to prove that it is.
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