Permanent hair removal method which uses a tiny needle with an electric current to kill hair follicles.

Unwanted Hair

Erin Storm, PA-C

Definitive guide on Electrolysis, including the procedure overview, benefits, risks, recovery, before & after photos, costs, and more. 

Hair Loss Symptoms and Causes

Electrolysis

The only permanent form of hair removal is electrolysis. While other methods of hair removal such as laser hair removal or IPL treatments may be known for making unwanted hair disappear, these treatments only slow down the growth of hair. Some individuals may turn to treatments such as waxing or threading for their cost effectiveness, however the monetary savings will never amount to permanent hair removal. 

There are three different forms of electrolysis, the first being galvanic. Galvanic hair removal uses a chemical reaction to destroy hair. The fine probe used to slide into the hair follicle is as thin as a piece of hair. The galvanic method utilizes a direct current through the probe to create a reaction to help the hair break away from other components, never to join again.

It is similar to an electrical current in a chemistry experiment that separates salt water into its basic components. As such, the galvanic method uses the saline base of hair follicles to help sodium hydroxide, hydrogen gas, and chlorine gas form, with the sodium hydroxide assisting in the destruction of the hair follicle.

The galvanic process can be slow and time-consuming, taking approximately two to three minutes to get rid of one hair follicle. It's for this reason that the method isn't used as often and works best on thick and coarse hair, like body or male facial hair.

The second method of electrolysis is thermolysis. Like the name implies, the thermolysis method works to deliver heat energy to the hair follicle to get rid of it. Is electrolysis technically defined as thermolysis? No, because thermolysis doesn't use two electrodes, an external circuit, or electrolytic cell to send electric currents. Nevertheless, thermolysis is electrolysis in the vernacular of the cosmetic procedure all the same, when people discuss this second method of performing electrolysis.

Instead, thermolysis creates heat at the base of the hair follicle when the needle sends high-frequency vibrations to the hair follicle and produces heat that takes only seconds to remove each hair.

Galvanic electrolysis hair removal is more effective than thermolysis, but the thermolysis method is faster, with the electrocoagulation of thermolysis working best on fine hair destruction. 

Third method of electroylsis combines the previous two techniques into what is known as the "blend" method. The blend method takes the best of both worlds and uses the galvanic electrolysis and thermolysis methods blended together as one to remove hair. Currents create sodium hydroxide while vibrations cause heat energy to be disbursed, taking only seven seconds or so to destroy each hair.

Also known as the "dual-action method," the blend method is quicker than the galvanic process, and more effective than thermolysis alone.

Hair Removal

Body

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- Stop hair removal treatments 2-3 weeks prior
- Shave 5-7 days before 

Before Treatment

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A fine probe is inserted into individual hair follicles and uses an electric current to help the hair break away from other components, never to join again.

During Treatment: Galvanic

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A fine probe is inserted into individual hair follicles and heats up the hair to help the hair break away from other components, never to join again. 

During Treatment: Thermolysis

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The third method combines the previous two techniques into what is known as the "blend" method. Electric currents and heat energy destroy each hair more effectively and quicker than the galvanic and thermolytic methods alone.

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- Redness or swelling 
- Minor scabbing which can develop 24-48 hours after the procedure 

Immediately After Treatment

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- Scabbing heals in 7-14 
- Do not use any temporary hair removal methods
- Do not touch treated for 48 hours
- Avoid sun exposure
- No strenuous exercise for 1-2 days
- Avoid skincare products for 24 hours

1-14 Days After Treatment and Beyond

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- Permanent once desired effects are achieved
- Number of sessions needed will vary
- Most patients return once every 1-4 weeks

Result Notes

Electrolysis is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after electrolysis.  

Electrolysis 

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal method. This procedure can be used to treat unwanted hair growth with either chemicals or electricity.

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