Electrolysis, or galvanic This method uses galvanic electricity - commonly referred to as direct current (DC) - to create a chemical action in the follicle. When the DC from an electrologists needle interacts with body salts and moisture, a minute quantity of lye is produced. This caustic lye effectively destroys all the hair growth tissue it contacts.
	Thermolysis This method - also known as high frequency (HF) diathermy, radio wave, or short-wave -- uses alternating current (AC) electricity to kill hair growth cells with heat. The HF current delivered by the electrologists needle (in just a fraction of a second) agitates the follicle tissue and produces heat that is high enough in temperature to effectively destroy the active area receiving the treatment.
	Blend The blend method of hair removal combines both of the electrical currents described above. When alternating current (thermolysis) is added to the galvanic (direct current) process -- either simultaneously or sequentially -- it quickly raises the heat of the lye created by the galvanic process, thereby greatly accelerating its normally slow reaction speed.

What about infection control precautions?

A fully professional electrologist will use only pre-sterilized needles and forceps for every treatment, and follow universally accepted standards of infection control and general hygiene to ensure that their client's health is not compromised in any way. You should discuss the sterilization procedure and other infection control practices with your electrologist, and be satisfied that proper precautions are being taken.

Does Electrolysis hurt?

There is always some degree of sensation associated with electrology. It depends greatly on an individual's tolerance to pain, the type of hair, and the area that is being treated. Some clients say the pain of electrolysis is about the same as that felt when hair is plucked. Others describe the sensation as 'a slight warmth'. The treatment tends to make a few people jittery, others fall asleep during treatment. New types of topical anesthetic (such as EMLA), and other different techniques for reducing pain, are presently being introduced into electrolysis practice to make treatments more comfortable for clients.

Can the skin be damaged by Electrolysis?

Because electrolysis destroys the dermal papilla of a hair, there may be a slight redness and/or swelling associated with electrolysis treatment. In some ircumstances, electrolysis causes tiny scabs to form over the treated follicle. These dots are a perfectly normal part of the healing process and will not leave any permanent damage, providing you do not pick at them, scratch them, or
otherwise cause them to be infected. Many clients report that their skin actually looks much improved after they've had electrolysis treatments.

How long does it take?

Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal process that requires time. The number of treatments required, and the duration of those treatments, will depend on a number of factors such as heredity, your hair type, the amount of hair that must be removed, and where it is located, your skin type, and how quickly it heals,
your medical condition, or prescription drugs you are taking.

How much does it cost?

Electrolysis is billed by the hour -- usually broken down into 1-hour, 45-min., 1/2-hour, and 15-min. sessions - and rates vary between electrologists and by area.

Can hair be removed from any body area?

Electrolysis can be used to safely remove hairs from undamaged skin in almost every area of the body. The only exceptions to this are hairs inside the ears and the nose. And the removal of hair from moles may be prohibited by some liability insurance policies and/or legislation. A mole that has a hair growing from it is not likely to be malignant but, to be on the safe side, electrologists insist upon having written authorization from the client's doctor before they will proceed to remove such hairs.

Can Electrolysis be performed during pregnancy?

The galvanic (electrolysis, or direct current) and 'blend' methods of electrolysis should probably not be used on pregnant women because this electrical current flows through the client and back to the epilator. Only a minute amount of energy is involved, but because the fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid - a virtual water bath and powerful conductor of electricity - pregnant women should forgo electrolysis that involves galvanic current.
There is no evidence to suggest that thermolysis (high frequency, diathermy, radio wave, short-wave, or alternating current), which does not flow through the body, is harmful to pregnant women or a fetus. Nevertheless, if you are pregnant it is generally recommended that you talk to your doctor before beginning or continuing treatment. Your electrologist may also require a letter from your doctor authorizing treatment during pregnancy.
 

Are there other restrictions I should know about?

The thermolysis (alternating current) method of electrolysis can be performed on most clients who have pacemakers, but electrologists require written permission from the client's physician before they will give treatments. Metal is a good conductor of electricity, so the little metal plates within a pacemaker might be of concern to an electrologist who works primarily with the galvanic (direct current) or blend methods of electrolysis. The consulting physician should be apprised of the method to be used, before treatments begin.
IUDs are not common these days, but there are some around still. These devices are also made with metal in them, so electrolysis using galvanic current could possibly cause a deep throbbing pain in the pelvic area.