Hair Removal: Electrolysis,

Thermolysis Or The Blend Method?

Given the great quantity of choices available, making a decision about the right permanent hair removal technique for you can be daunting. This article will tell you about 3 of your options -- electrolysis, thermolysis and the "blend method" -- to help you narrow down your choices.

How do you determine which hair removal process is best for you? You'll need to (a) research your options, (b) decide between permanent and impermanent methods, and (c) take into consideration your skin sensitivity and your tolerance to pain.

Electrolysis

Let's begin with electrolysis, a procedure that has been practiced for decades. A permanent hair removal technique, electrolysis destroys individual hair follicles so hair can no longer grow.

It works as follows. Taking care not to puncture the skin, a slender probe is inserted into a hair follicle. An electrical current is then passed through to the end of the probe, which causes a chemical reaction to take place. The reaction changes the salt and water molecules in the follicle into lye, which loosens the hair and permanently damages the follicle base. The loosened hair is gently pulled out with tweezers. This process is repeated at every follicle where a hair is to be removed.

While electrolysis has the best track record for permanency, this process can be painful and expensive, and often requires numerous treatments. Because it's both tedious and time-consuming, this method is not recommended for removal of large areas of hair. Only an experienced technician should perform electrolysis. If not done properly, your skin can be damaged irreparably or the follicle may not be properly altered, which can lead to hair re-growth.

Thermolysis

Thermolysis is a similar hair removal process that also works by inserting a probe into a hair follicle. The probe, once inserted, causes the water molecules inside the follicle to become active and generate heat. This heat is what destroys the base, or the dermal papilla of the follicle, preventing future hair growth. Although it is a more expeditious method of hair removal, thermolysis is not as effective as electrolysis, and can cause burning and scarring if not performed by a professional.

The Blend Method

The "blend method" is a combination of the previous 2 hair removal techniques, which results in a quicker, more efficient process. Use of the blend method is gaining in popularity. Combining the heating aspect of thermolysis with the molecular transformation of electrolysis creates heated lye in the follicle.  It is this heated lye that expedites damage to the follicle base. Not only is it quicker and more efficient than other methods, the blend hair removal process is usually effective on all types of hair.

All Proven Effective

Electrolysis, thermolysis and the blend method have all been proven effective for permanent hair removal. Because these procedures involve the use of needles or probes, it is of utmost importance that only trained professionals should perform these procedures using properly sterilized equipment to reduce the risks of infection and skin damage.