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Electrolysis, Thermolysis or the Blend Method: Which is Right for You? 

When you're trying to select the right permanent hair removal technique, the choices can be overwhelming. Some of the options that are available include electrolysis, thermolysis and the blend method. These are in addition to all the other methods that claim to be the best. How do you determine which hair removal process is best for you? Just like other decisions you make in life, it all comes down to researching your options while also taking into consideration your skin sensitivity and your tolerance to pain. For this discussion, let's begin with electrolysis, a process that has been practiced for decades. 

Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique that works by destroying individual hair follicles so that hair can no longer grow. Here's how it works. Being careful not to puncture the skin, a slender probe is inserted into a hair follicle. Once inserted, an electrical current is passed through to the end of the probe, at which point a chemical reaction takes place. The reaction causes the salt and water molecules located in the follicle to change into lye which loosens the hair and causes permanent damage to the follicle base. The loosened hair is gently pulled out with tweezers. This process is repeated at every follicle where hair is to be removed.  

While this process has the best track record for permanency, electrolysis can be painful and expensive. And because it's tedious, this method is not recommended for large areas of removal. In addition, numerous treatments are often necessary. It's recommended that this process is performed by an experienced technician because if done improperly, the skin can be irreparably damaged or the follicle may not be properly altered which can lead to hair regrowth. 

Thermolysis is a similar hair removal process that works by inserting a probe into a hair follicle. Once inserted, the water molecules inside the follicle bounce around and generate heat. This heat is what causes the destruction to the base, or the dermal papilla of the follicle that prevents future hair growth. This more expeditious hair removal method is not as effective as electrolysis, and can cause burning and scarring which is why it is best performed by a professional. 

The 'blend' method of hair removal is a combination of the above two hair removal techniques that results in a quicker and more efficient process. This process is gaining in popularity. Combining the heating element of thermolysis with the molecular transformation produced from electrolysis creates heated lye and it's the heated lye that expedites the follicle base damage. In addition to being quicker and more efficient, the blend hair removal process is generally effective on all types of hair.  

When it comes to permanent hair removal, electrolysis, thermolysis and the blend method have all been proven effective. Because these procedures involve the use of needles or probes, it's of utmost importance that properly sterilized equipment is used to reduce the risk of infection. Further, only trained professionals should perform these procedures to greatly reduce any associated risks.