Electrolysis

The destruction of tissue such as unwanted hair by applying an electric current.

Electrical action that causes a chemical (e.g., a salt) to break down into simpler forms.

Destruction of tissue by electric current.

Removal of unwanted body hair through destruction of hair roots with an electric current. In electrolysis, a needle is inserted in the hair follicle, and an electric current is passed through it to destroy the hair at the root. Each hair is treated individually. The process is extremely time- consuming and can be painful. Because hair goes through dormant phases, many rounds of electrolysis must be performed to make even a small area of the body completely hair-free.

The use of short-wave electric currents to destroy the roots of hairs and so remove unwanted hair from the skin surface. If used by a trained operator, the procedure is safe, but care must be taken in the vicinity of the eyes and, as electrolysis of hair on the legs is such a lengthy process, it is best avoided there.

The decomposition of a substance by passage of an electric current through it. Hair follicles may be destroyed by this method.

Removal of hair by means of an electric current that destroys the root of the hair.

The process of permanently eliminating undesirable hair involves directing a short-wave electrical current into the hair follicle. This current eradicates the hair root either through initiating a chemical reaction, known as galvanism, or by producing heat that closes off the blood vessels feeding the hair.

Temporary removal of facial and body hair can be achieved through methods such as shaving, plucking, utilizing hair removal creams, abrasives, or wax products. Yet, the sole technique ensuring permanent hair eradication is electrolysis.

With a few exceptions, electrolysis can be safely used on any part of the body. Its use should be avoided on the lower margins of the eyebrows because the skin above the eyelids is very delicate and easily damaged. It is also questionable whether the technique should be used on the armpits due to the risk of bacterial infection. Electrolysis has no harmful effect on the breasts (where hair sometimes grows around the areola, the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) and does not affect breastfeeding. The legs are not well suited to electrolysis because treatment of this extensive area requires so many sessions that the procedure would be very time consuming and expensive.

Newly accessible options for hair removal provide quicker and less painful alternatives to electrolysis.

A novel technique involves employing a laser to disable hair follicles, known as laser hair treatment. This method allows for simultaneous treatment of numerous hair follicles at once. It is particularly effective for individuals with fair skin and dark hair, as the laser’s energy is absorbed by the hair’s melanin (dark pigment) while having minimal impact on the skin, which contains little melanin.

Yet another innovative approach is called photo-epilation, which utilizes intense pulsed light to simultaneously disable a large number of hair follicles. This technique boasts minimal side effects, making it a favorable choice for many individuals seeking effective hair removal solutions.