What Is Electrology?

Electrology is a process during which unwanted hair is permanently destroyed through the application of electrical current. A small metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle, the part of the skin from which the unwanted hair emerges, and a controlled amount of electrical current is applied to the cells from which the hair sustains its growth and nourishment. The type of electrical current administered (alternating, direct or a combination of the two) will determine whether the hair growth tissue is destroyed by heat (thermolysis), chemical reaction (formation of lye) or a combination of both.

Electrology vs. Laser Hair Removal

The latter is designated by the FDA as a permanent hair reduction method since it does not permanently eliminate all hairs in a specific treatment area. The Laser Hair Removal method has been generally available since mid-1990. Since lasers employed in hair removal target the chromophor eumelanin, the pigment giving the hair its darker color, clients belonging to Fitzpatrick skin type V-VI (dark brown to black) do not constitute ideal candidates for laser hair removal. It is not effective in the elimination of white, light and grey hair.

Electrology is suitable for almost everyone.

Treatments are designed for women and men of all skin colors (very light to very dark skin) and all skin types (dry to oily). It is effective in eliminating dark, thick terminal hair, light vellus hair ("peach fuzz"), red, grey and white hair.

Electrolysis can be performed on nearly all skin areas such as forehead, eyebrows, cheeks, chin, upper lip, neck, chest, arms, legs, toes, abdomen, back and buttocks. It can not be practiced on skin lesions, the inner ear, mucous membranes such as the inside of the nose or on inflamed or infected skin. There are some medical conditions which rule out electrolysis treatments while some may require the consent of the attending physician.