Galvanic Electrolysis uses Direct current and is referred to as “true” electrolysis. It’s the first modality used in the field and has been around since 1875. With Direct current, electrons flow in one direction, in a closed circuit. For this reason clients must hold a metal “ground” in their hand during treatment with this modality. This completes or “closes” the circuit of electrical flow from the probe, through the body, into the ground, through the machine, and back out the probe. The moisture within the follicle acts as a conductor for the electrical current and when they come into contact a chemical reaction occurs. The salt and water break into individual elements and then rearrange to form entirely new substances. This chemical process itself is called Electrolysis. The new substances formed are sodium hydroxide (lye), hydrogen, and chlorine gas. The hydrogen and chlorine gas are of no concern to the Electrologist. The lye however, is the highly caustic agent that causes destruction within the follicle; it’s not the current. This is why Galvanic Electrolysis is actually a chemical process.

Thermolysis uses Alternating current and is often referred to as High Frequency or Short Wave. It was not used as a means of permanent hair removal until 1923 by Dr. Bordier of Paris, and caught on in the 30’s and 40’s. Alternating current is constantly changing directions and polarity. Continuous oscillations in polarity result in friction, which produces heat. The more conductive the substance is, like moisture in a follicle, the more intense the heat becomes. In Thermolysis treatments, this heat is what cauterizes and destroys the follicle. There are two variations of Thermolysis used; Manual Thermolysis using low-level heat for several seconds, and Flash Thermolysis using high-level heat for a split second. Because of its’ speed, Flash Thermolysis has become the most popular modality used today. It is not the most effective however, as it has a higher rate of regrowth.

The Blend Method is also referred to as Dual Modality, and combines both currents together in the same probe, resulting in a synergistic effect. Galvanic Electrolysis by itself is very effective, but slower. Thermolysis by itself is much faster but has a higher rate of regrowth. In the 1930’s St. Pierre of San Francisco was one of the first Electrologists to realize the limitations of Thermolysis. He joined forces with Arthur Hinkel of GE Company to produce the first Blend machine in 1948, which was the first to deliver both currents at once. This modality is so successful because the heated lye solution produced by the blended currents can be two to sixteen times more effective. It achieves this in three ways. First, the heat accelerates the chemical action of the lye on body tissue, making it even more caustic. Second, the addition of heat coagulates the tissue, creating a more porous structure for an even more caustic lye to penetrate. And finally, the heat creates turbulent movement in the lye, forcing it deeper into the porous tissue of the follicle. Basically, with the Blend Method we are getting the best of both currents; efficacy and speed.