How Electrolysis Works

Located at the base of the hair follicle is the hair bulb, hair germ cells, and the dermal papilla.  The dermal papilla is actually a part of the skin and controls the development and growth of the hair.  Electrolysis will render the dermal papilla ineffective and eliminate all hair germ cells, therefore preventing hair growth from that follicle.  This is accomplished by gently inserting a very fine filament into the hair follicle along side the hair.  A controlled and extremely slight amount of electric current is then applied.  This heating action cauterizes the dermal papilla without disturbing the surface of the skin.  The hair is then easily lifted from the hair follicle.  Coarse, dark hairs cannot be permanently eliminated in just one treatment.  Breaking down the hair germ cells in a series of treatments allows permanent hair removal gradually without damaging the outer layer of the skin.  The hairs that grow back are called "regrowth" and should be treated as they appear.

There are three modalities that can be used to eliminate unwanted hair, and all three are effective and available at New Image Electrolysis.  GALVANIC electrolysis, the oldest method, utilizes a direct current which converts the normal salt and water inside the hair follicle to sodium hydroxide which destroys the dermal papilla (root structure of the hair.)  The chemical is produced in the follicle only and does not affect any other area.  With this process, the hair follicle is treated for a longer period of time, but with greater permanency possibly than thermolysis or the Blend.  THERMOLYSIS uses a high frequency radio wave type of current to produce heat in the hair follicle.  This heat cauterizes and destroys the dermal papilla.  With this method, the hair follicle is treated for a very short period of time, so a larger treatment area can be covered in a shorter appointment time.  More regrowth could be expected with this modality.  The blend combines both currents.  Thermolysis enhances the action of the galvanic method to produce a faster, more thorough process.  The Blend is the modality we use most at New Image Electrolysis because we feel we get the thoroughness of galvanic electrolysis along with the speed thermolysis offers.