Permanent Hair Removal Methods |
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Essentially there are two methods in use today: electrolysis
and laser hair removal.
 Electrolysis methods
Electrolysis is a time-honored method of
permanent hair removal. There are two basic processes: galvanic and short-wave. In
both cases a thin filament (thin wire - also commonly referred to as a needle) is inserted
into the hair follicle as far as it will go. Then an electrical current is applied
to the follicle.
In the galvanic process a
direct current is used. The current causes a chemical reaction in the follicle that
produces sodium hydroxide. The sodium hydroxide destroys the follicle.
In the short-wave process a
high frequency current is used. This current quickly produces concentrated heat at
the filament tip which destroys the surrounding follicle tissue.
A third process, the blend,
is a combination of galvanic and short-wave currents.
 Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a relatively new
process that has only been on the market for a few years.
First of all, just what is a laser? It
is simply a source of very bright light. Lasers have another important characteristic -
they produce light of a single colour (wavelength for the 'techies' among us). By
careful selection of the material used in the laser tube, it is possible to obtain the
specific colour needed for different applications. In the case of hair removal red
light is used.
Like short-wave electrolysis, laser hair
removal also uses heat to destroy the follicle. The objective with
laser hair removal is to rapidly heat up the papilla and lower third of the root sheath
(to destroy the follicle). But do not want to damage other structures in the skin
like the nerve endings and blood vessels.
The advantage of the laser is that the laser
beam can treat several follicles at the same time.
The Future?
One of the most exiting methods under
development is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). This is a method for treating
all kinds of medical conditions. The method is based on applying a special
photosensitive (light-absorbing) solution to the skin. The solution is selected such
that it is absorbed only in the hair follicle. The skin is then exposed to light and the
hair follicle is destroyed. However, research is still continuing and the method has
not yet been approved for hair removal.
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