The science of electrolysis
Pssst - did you know there are actually two kinds of electrolysis when it comes to permanently removing hair? That’s right - there’s galvanic and thermolysis. Don’t worry if these words seem a little foreign to you. We’re about to break down these processes in an easy to understand way! We just want you to know that everything we do is rooted in science and to provide a little more insight into how all of this works, because we know some of you appreciate the technical details!
Ok, so let’s get down to business! At Prickly Pear we embrace both galvanic and thermolysis techniques of hair removal — or a combination of the two at the same time (which we in the industry we call “the blend”). This is great news for you as our clients, because every person we see has unique skin and hair. With a full range of electrolysis modalities at our fingertips, we can apply the right techniques in the right places, and ensure you receive an effective and comfortable treatment.
How Galvanic Works
It has long been established that the direct application of an electric current to a saline solution produces an unusual reaction; the electric current causes salt and water to break down into their respective chemical elements, which are then rapidly reorganized to form entirely different substances.
The new substances produced during galvanic electrolysis are sodium hydroxide (lye), and gas (hydrogen and chlorine). The gas is not important to us in permanent hair removal and easily dissipates. But the sodium hydroxide (also known as lye) is caustic and acts as a detergent; it is an efficient destructive agent when produced in a tiny hair follicle, easily destroying the germinative cells that produce hair.
If you’re starting to feel worried because we said the word “caustic,” don’t let it bother you. You will not feel any “burning” during galvanic electrolysis, because the amount of lye produced is minuscule! But, you now have a better understanding as to why it’s so important to be well hydrated when you undergo electrolysis!
When we insert a probe into the hair follicle and apply current, both water and salt from your skin tissue work together to form the necessary saline solution, which is converted into lye (and destroys the germinative hair cells — forever)! For the best results, be sure to drink plenty of water in the 24-hours before your electrolysis appointment, and avoid consuming a lot of salt.
How Thermolysis Works
Thermolysis uses a high-frequency, alternating current that constantly changes polarity. The constant attraction and repulsion of atoms within tissues generates friction or vibration of atomic structures in the surrounding matter, and results in a warming effect that can reach more than 122°F.
When a probe is inserted into a hair follicle and a high-frequency current is applied, the current is concentrated at the tip of the probe and generates vibration and friction in surrounding atoms. As a result, germinative hair cells coagulate, dry out and are ultimately destroyed, and the hair can then easily and permanently be removed.
The amount of heat (and the destructive force) generated in the follicle will be greater if the surrounding substances conduct electricity. Water being a conductive substance, it is easy to understand that tissue moisture in the immediate vicinity of the electrolysis probe plays a vital role. Similar to galvanic, the key to achieving great results with thermolysis is drinking lots of water in the 24-hours of before your appointment, ensuring your skin stays well hydrated!
And, if you’re concerned about feeling heat or pain from the friction and heat, you really have nothing to worry about. We use two frequencies in electrolysis — 13.56 and 27.12 MHz (megahertz), which are ultrafast shortwave radio frequencies. Combined with timings that are mere tenths, hundredths or thousandths of a second, thermolysis at this speed is the most comfortable form of permanent hair removal that exists today!
How “The Blend” Works
The blend combines both galvanic and thermolysis techniques for hair removal. In this modality, the high-frequency current (thermolysis) is not used to coagulate tissues but simply to warm them to enhance the destructive power and the propagation of lye that’s produced by the galvanic current.
By warming the tissues around the probe, the intercellular matrix is transferred into a porous mass. This porosity makes it easier for the lye to infiltrate all open spaces in the follicle, increasing its range of activity. The thermolysis shortwaves also produce vibrations in tissue fluids surrounding the probe. Thanks to these vibrations, the lye produced by the galvanic current will start moving and rapidly saturating tissues around it. This means lye can then be effective on a wider target area and continue its action after the probe has been removed.
The blend technique is especially effective in cases where hair follicles have become distorted and or difficult to reach with just galvanic or thermolysis alone. Together, they enable the caustic soda (lye) to reach the germinative cells responsible for hair growth more easily.
We hope this sheds a little light on the subject of “how” we do what we do! Yes, it’s magical, but you see, it’s also really science! See you real soon in the salon!