Understanding Electrolysis

An electrolysis treatment involves the insertion of a sterile probe, the same size as the hair, into the hair follicle opening down to the Dermal Papilla. The dermal papilla is the Electrologist's target. It is the part of the follicle that contains blood and nerves and feeds the growing hair. If the papilla and regenerative cells surrounding it are destroyed, the hair will die. When the probe is in place a low-level electrical current is applied that will destroy the papilla and surrounding cells and loosen the hair in the follicle. The hair is then removed. 

The insertion of the electrolysis probe is much easier and far less intimidating than most people believe. The "needle" is actually a blunt-ended, highly flexible probe which never pierces the skin. There is no blood or pain involved. It slides effortlessly down a pre-existing shaft, like a hand into a glove.

Find the follicle opening with the tip of the probe, match the angle of the hair growth with the probe, then slide it downward until it stops at the dermal papilla. Once the probe is correctly placed, depress the foot switch on your electrolysis unit. A mild current of energy exits the probe into the follicle pore destroying the hair growth. Conventional Electrolysis is so complete and thorough only one of ten hairs may return to require a second application.  

The concept of electrolysis began more than a hundred years ago in Saint Louis Missouri, by Ophthalmologist Charles E. Michel.  For many years, he had tried in vain to solve the problem of ingrown eyelashes, which had caused chronic vision problems in several of his patients.  

Experimenting with a new technique, he attached a surgical needle to a live electrical wire from a dry-cell battery and inserted it down the follicle shaft for several minutes.  The result of the treatment was the total destruction of the hair follicle unit.   The hair never grew back, and history was made.

What Dr. Michel actually did was to alter the pH of the follicle shaft from neutral (7) to highly caustic (11-14) by creating an electro-chemical reaction inside the tissue.  The electricity had changed the natural sodium electrolytes into a highly caustic alkali called sodium hydroxide (NaOH).  It is this chemical byproduct, not the electricity itself, which was responsible for the destruction of the hair-generating tissues.  This chemical is so completely caustic that a tiny drop could burn a hole instantly through your skin.

According to the NEA (National Electrology Association) this form of hair removal is the only permanent procedure available.  Actually, this is not true (many viable studies have shown otherwise): however, it is definitely the most reliable and predictable. 

Regardless, conventional electrolysis is an outstanding treatment option for the deep traumatization of follicle tissues for the purpose of permanent hair removal.