What Electrolysis Actually Is
Electrolysis permanently removes hair by destroying the hair follicle from the inside using electrical energy. It does not rely on pigment and works on all skin tones and all hair colors.
All electrolysis methods share the same fundamentals:
- A sterile probe is inserted into the follicle
- Energy is delivered at the follicle base
- The hair is released and removed without traction
What changes between methods is the type of current, how destruction occurs, and how fast work can realistically be done.
The Instruments Used
All electrolysis methods use the same core tools:
- A professional electrolysis machine capable of DC, HF, or both
- Single-use sterile probes (stainless steel, gold, or insulated)
- Foot pedal or automatic timing system
- High-magnification optics and focused lighting
The machine sets the modality. The practitioner controls the outcome.
Galvanic Electrolysis
Chemical destruction using direct current
How it works
Galvanic electrolysis uses direct current (DC) to trigger a chemical reaction inside the follicle. This reaction forms sodium hydroxide, which chemically destroys the growth cells.
What it feels like
- Slow, steady sensation
- Mild to moderate discomfort
- Pressure more than sharp heat
Strengths
- Extremely thorough
- Excellent for deep, curved, or distorted follicles
- Very forgiving on difficult anatomy
Limitations
- Slowest method
- Requires patience and precision
Realistic speed
When accounting for:
- insertion
- dwell time
- release
- extraction
- repositioning
Realistic clearance:
- ~60 hairs per hour
- Typical range: 40–80 hairs per hour
Galvanic prioritizes certainty over speed.
Thermolysis
Heat destruction using high-frequency current
How it works
Thermolysis uses high-frequency alternating current (HF) to generate heat inside the follicle. That heat coagulates the cells responsible for hair growth.
What it feels like
- Brief, sharp heat sensation
- Very short pulses
- Higher perceived intensity
Strengths
- Fastest electrolysis method
- Efficient for dense areas
- Ideal for straight, shallow follicles
Limitations
- Highly technique-dependent
- Less forgiving with poor insertions
Realistic speed
Because energy delivery is almost instantaneous and workflow can be continuous:
Realistic clearance:
- 200–600 hairs per hour
- Possible range: 150–800 hairs per hour
Thermolysis is speed-focused, but precision still matters.
Blend Electrolysis
Chemical and heat combined
How it works
Blend electrolysis combines direct current (galvanic) with high-frequency current (thermolysis) in the same follicle. Heat accelerates the chemical reaction, improving reliability on stubborn hair.
What it feels like
- Longer sensation than thermolysis
- Less sharp than pure heat
- Moderate, sustained discomfort
Strengths
- Very high success rate
- Excellent for hormonal, deep, or previously lasered hair
- More reliable than thermolysis alone on difficult follicles
Limitations
- Slower than thermolysis
- Requires advanced skill
Realistic speed
Even though active current may be ~6 seconds, total workflow dominates.
Realistic clearance:
- ~60 hairs per hour
- Typical range: 50–90 hairs per hour
Blend trades speed for reliability.
Why Speed Claims Are Often Misleading
Many quoted numbers reflect energy time only, not real appointment workflow. Real treatments include:
- hair identification
- precise insertion
- release confirmation
- skin response checks
Permanent removal values accuracy more than speed.
Final Thoughts
Electrolysis is not one method. It is a toolkit.
Galvanic is slow and meticulous.
Thermolysis is fast and efficient.
Blend is reliable and resistant-hair focused.
Permanent results come from matching the right method to the right hair, not from chasing the highest hourly number.