Understanding the Different Types of Electrolysis

Electrolysis is one of the only hair removal treatments that can provide permanent hair removal, as it is not dependent on hair colour in the same way that laser hair removal is.

Laser hair removal works particularly well on dark, coarse hairs. However, because the laser is colour-dependent, it cannot effectively target very light hairs. Electrolysis works differently, using electrical energy and different treatment modalities to target the hair follicle without relying on light.

But how does your therapist know which type of electrolysis is right for you?

The Three Types of Electrolysis

Electrolysis uses three different methods to treat unwanted hair:

• Thermolysis – uses high-frequency alternating current
• Galvanic – uses a chemical reaction created by direct current
• Blend – combines both thermolysis and galvanic

Each method works differently, and the most appropriate technique will depend on factors such as the thickness, depth and shape of the hair follicle.

Let’s take a closer look at each method.

Thermolysis Electrolysis

Thermolysis uses short bursts of high-frequency alternating current. This causes the surrounding tissue to vibrate rapidly, generating heat that coagulates and destroys the cells within the hair follicle.

Thermolysis is one of the more commonly used electrolysis methods and is often a starting point for many clients. It is particularly suited to shallow, fine hairs and peach fuzz.

Galvanic Electrolysis

Galvanic electrolysis uses a low-level direct current to create a chemical reaction inside the hair follicle.

The current interacts with the salts and water naturally found within the skin, creating sodium hydroxide (lye). This chemical reaction gradually breaks down the follicle and surrounding cells.

Because the chemical reaction can spread within the follicle, galvanic electrolysis can be particularly effective for coarse, distorted, curved or stubborn hairs.

Blend Electrolysis

Blend electrolysis combines the chemical reaction of galvanic electrolysis with the heat generated by thermolysis.

By combining these two methods, the treatment uses both chemical destruction and heat coagulation, making it particularly useful when treating coarse, deep, distorted or stubborn hair follicles.

Blend can be especially useful for stubborn hairs, including hormonal hair growth around areas such as the jawline.

How Do We Know Which Type of Electrolysis to Use?

Choosing the appropriate electrolysis method depends on several factors, including the thickness, depth and shape of the hair follicle, as well as the area being treated.

At The Skin Method, we assess the hair and follicles to determine which method is most appropriate.

Thermolysis

Generally suited to fine, light hairs and peach fuzz, where less follicle destruction is required.

Galvanic

Often suited to curved, bent or distorted follicles, including follicles that may have become distorted through waxing or tweezing. It can also be useful when treating hormonal hair growth.

Blend

Often suited to coarse, stubborn or deeper-rooted hairs, including hormonal hairs commonly found along the jawline.

Your Electrolysis Consultation

Every electrolysis treatment at The Skin Method begins with a consultation. During your consultation, we will assess the type of hair being treated and determine which electrolysis method is most appropriate for your individual hair and follicles.

Test patches are an important part of the consultation process, helping us assess how your skin and hair respond and ensure we are using an appropriate treatment method for your hair type.

If electrolysis is something you’ve been considering because other hair removal methods haven’t achieved the results you were hoping for, book your complimentary consultation with The Skin Method and let our team help you explore whether electrolysis is right for you.