Oregon Esthetician State Board

Which of the following are methods of electrolysis?

1. Galvanic, thermolysis, and blend

2. Thermolysis, irradiation, and laser

3. Diathermy, blend, and radiofrequency

4. Electrotherapy, sclerotherapy, and blend

The correct answer is: Galvanic, thermolysis, and blend

The methods of electrolysis commonly recognized within esthetics include galvanic, thermolysis, and blend. Galvanic electrolysis involves direct current that causes a chemical reaction in the hair follicle, effectively destroying it. This method targets the root of the hair, making it a foundational technique for permanent hair removal. Thermolysis uses high-frequency alternating current to achieve a heating effect within the follicle, resulting in hair removal. Unlike galvanic processes, which rely on chemical reactions, thermolysis allows for quicker treatments, making it a preferable choice for some estheticians. The blend method combines both galvanic and thermolysis techniques, maximizing effectiveness by utilizing the benefits of both systems. This combination allows for slower, more controlled processes that can be adapted based on individual hair and skin types. Other options include methods that do not specifically classify as electrolysis. For example, irradiation and laser treatments do not use electrical current to achieve hair removal, while diathermy and radiofrequency involve different modalities that focus on tissue heating rather than the direct destruction of hair follicles. Similarly, sclerotherapy targets the treatment of spider veins and is unrelated to hair removal techniques. Therefore, the correct answer identifies the three established and recognized methods of electro