Electrolysis: Permanent Hair Removal – Mechanism, Process & Considerations

Mechanism

Electrolysis destroys the hair follicle's regenerative capacity (dermal papilla, bulge stem cells) via electrochemical or thermal energy delivered through a fine probe inserted into the follicular orifice.

Three Modalities

Method	Mechanism	Speed	Best For
Galvanic	Direct current → chemical reaction (NaOH) → follicular destruction	Slow (30–60 sec/follicle)	Coarse, deep hairs; few hairs
Thermolysis (Short-wave Diathermy)	High-frequency AC → heat → coagulation	Fast (1–2 sec/follicle)	Fine, superficial hairs; large areas
Blend	Simultaneous galvanic + thermolysis	Moderate	Most hair types; balances speed & efficacy

Procedure Steps

1. Consultation, skin assessment, informed consent.
2. Cleanse, topical anesthetic (optional).
3. Insert sterile probe into follicle (alongside hair).
4. Deliver current per modality settings.
5. Remove hair with forceps (should slide out effortlessly).
6. Post-care: Soothing gel, sun avoidance, no picking.

Efficacy & Factors

• Permanent for treated follicles (FDA-recognized only permanent method).
• Requires multiple sessions (hair cycles: anagen, catagen, telogen). Only anagen hairs are effectively destroyed.
• Best on dark, coarse hair (better conductivity).
• Operator skill critical – probe insertion depth/angle.

Side Effects

• Transient erythema, edema, crusting (days).
• Rare: hyper/hypopigmentation, scarring (if improper technique).
• Not for pacemaker patients (galvanic/blend) without cardiology clearance.