Theory and Principles of Electrolysis
Core concepts
Electrolysis permanently destroys the hair follicle's germinative cells by introducing energy into the follicle. The three modalities rest on different physics. Galvanic uses direct current: the needle is the cathode (negative), tissue fluid at the tip undergoes electrolysis, producing sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas at the cathode. The caustic lye destroys the follicle's germinative cells and papilla. Thermolysis (high-frequency/shortwave) applies alternating current; the needle tip acts as a small electrode and the tissue's resistance converts the current to heat, coagulating the follicle. Blend combines both currents simultaneously, so lye is produced while heat accelerates and spreads the chemical reaction.
Understand the variables that govern tissue effect: current intensity, duration, needle diameter and insertion depth, moisture content, and the conductivity of tissue. The follicle must be treated along its length, not just at the surface, because germinative cells line the upper follicle and the bulge area as well as the papilla.
Traps in questions
- Polarity: in galvanic, the needle is negative (cathode); the indifferent/dispersive electrode is positive (anode). Lye forms at the needle.
- Thermolysis does not use lye; its effect is thermal coagulation.
- Blend is not "galvanic plus a separate thermolysis pass"; both currents flow at once.
- Depth and duration matter as much as intensity; more current is not automatically better and raises risk.
Rule of thumb
Think "chemical vs. thermal vs. both." If a question asks which modality depends on tissue moisture and lye formation, the answer is galvanic (or blend). If it asks which relies on tissue resistance generating heat, the answer is thermolysis.