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The Electrolysis Epilator

All needle type electrology is performed with the use of an epilator. The electrolysis epilator is the electronic device that emits the treatment energy used in the destruction of the hair follicle. 

Along with the epilator, the electrologist uses a probed instrument, called the needle holder, which holds a small needle in its tip. The needle holder is connected to the epilator via a thin electrical cable. Some types of epilators also use a second electrical cable, the patient electrode, that the patient holds (or is attached) in order to complete the electrical circuit.

Electrolysis epilators are divided into three types: thermolysis units, multiple needle galvanic units, and blend units. Modern epilators are computerized or, to some degree, automated. Computerized epilators are known to more precisely regulate the treatment energy delivered, and some have additional features such as auto-sensing, which automatically starts the treatment once the probe is inserted into the follicle. Considering the magnitude of treatment required for beard removal, a full featured, computerized epilator can greatly enhance the process.

Thermolysis Epilators 

Thermolysis units are designed for a single purpose: to emit high frequency (HF) treatment energy. The electrolysis needle, itself, does not get hot. This HF energy is used to heat surrounding tissue and kill the hair growing cells by electrocoagulation, or a cooking action. Most of the high frequency energy leaves at the tip of the probe, or needle. Thermolysis units do not require the use of a second electrode (which the patient would hold). Depending on the specific thermolysis method employed and the size of the follicle, treatment may last from less than one second’s duration to more than 15 seconds. 

Thermolysis provides the least effective method for treating thick, course hair, but is an acceptable way to treat very fine, shallow hair.

Galvanic (Multiple Needle) Epilators

The second type of electrolysis epilator is the galvanic unit. Modern technology is all but eliminated the use of single needle galvanic units. Today, galvanic units will be of the multiple needle type. In the multiple needle galvanic process, usually 12 to 16 follicles are being treated at once -- each with its own needle and associated needle holder. Because the electrologist cannot hold these dozen or so needle holders during treatment at once, they are suspended over the treatment area by a harness. The use of a harness, as one may imagine, does not offer the same degree of control as the electrologist's hand. Therefore, multiple needle electrolysis is usually performed on the body as compared to the face. It is best suited for the bikini or inner thigh area. Galvanic units require the use of the patient electrode. Galvanic treatment requires about two minutes for large follicles. This explains the reasoning behind multiple needle versus single needle use. 

Galvanic is a very effective method for treating thick, course hair.

Blend Epilators

The third type of electrolysis epilator is the blend (or double action) unit. Blend epilators are a combination of thermolysis and galvanic units in one machine.  During blend treatment, galvanic treatment is performed along with thermolysis heating action. Both treatment energies are delivered at the same time. This combination, or double action, method is much more effective and efficient than either thermolysis or galvanic on its own. The blend epilator is a single needle unit. Additionally, blend epilators are able to function as a thermolysis epilator as well. We find a computerized, auto-sensing blend epilator to be the unit of choice for permanent beard removal. Blend units require the use of the patient electrode. If you are not holding a patient electrode (or one is attached), you are not receiving blend treatment. 

Blend treatment requires about 8 to 12 seconds for large follicles, and is well-suited for facial work.

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