Shortwave electrolysis requires only one needle or filament which is inserted into the follicle. A small amount of current is then applied to the inside of the follicle to cauterize the generative tissues.

Galvanic (single needle):  The galvanic or "direct" current was the original current used for destroying hair follicles. It was invented by an opthamologist in 1876 to remove ingrowing eyelashes from one of his patients. The early machines used a single needle but were very slow, taking up to a minute to remove one hair. Eventually, more needles were added, up to 12 altogether (mulitple needle galavanic). The client would have to complete the circuit by either holding a metal rod or inserting her hand in water. One needle would be inserted into a follicle and the current adjusted up, slightly. Then, the second needle would be inserted into another follicle and again the current adjusted up, and so on. The electrologist would keep testing each hair to see if it had loosened and remove it when ready.

The galvanic current is true electrolysis. It creates a chemical reaction inside the follicle which forms "lye". The lye, not the current, is what actually decomposes the follicle. The galvanic method was effect but very painful and cumbersome. Today, this multiple needle method, with many improvements, is still being used in some offices. Claims that this method cannot scar, are totally false. Further claims that it is the most effective method, are also false.

The Blend:  In the 1970's this method was introduced to the profession, along with a great deal of fanfare which persists to this day. Of the three major methods of hair removal, my personal opinion is that the Blend is the least effective. Although I used it on select clients for approximately 2 years, I finally gave up on it, forced to acknowledge that it did not work nearly as well as the shortwave method. Today, I do not use it at all in my office.

It was discovered that adding a small amount of shortwave current to the galvanic current would speed up the action of the galvanic, making it possible to loosen the hair from its follicle in a few seconds, only slightly longer than shortwave alone. The Blend relies on the chemical action caused by the galvanic current to destroy the hair, not the thermal action of the shortwave current.

Thus, the Blend is merely a combination of the two currents, galvanic and shortwave. Although it sounds like two should be better than one, I do not believe that enough of either current is used to be as effective as shortwave by itself. Furthermore, whenever studies prove that shortwave is more effective, users of the other methods search for excuses to decry the study. You will have to make up your own mind on this issue. What I have stated here, is my opinion. It has, however, been formed after many years of seeing the facts, both from my own experience and the work of many other technicians world-wide.

Laser:  This is the newest method of "permanent" hair removal and has generated a great deal of controversy. Some doctors who have used it in their practice, have given up on it, altogether. Others continue using the method with important caveats.

I have no experiential knowledge of laser's effectiveness. However, I have seen many patients who have had undergone one to many laser treatments. Those patients whom I have seen, have, subsequently, opted to stop laser and have electrolysis. Does this mean you should not try laser? It depends on several factors.

• If your hair is blond, chances are, laser is not for you. Light skin tone and dark hair is ideal for laser.
• Men who need a great deal of work done on their back, shoulders or chest, may want to begin with two or three laser treatments, then, switch to electrolysis.

In the Ann Arbor area, I refer patients requesting laser to Dr. Craig Cattell's office at ...Huron Street.