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.

Shortwave or Thermolysis: This is the method of choice at my own clinic. The shortwave current was introduced in the 1940's for permanent removal of unwanted hair. This method was fast and very effective. It was so effective, in fact, that the mulitple needle galvanic all but died out.

Shortwave electrolysis uses a single 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 tissue which generates the hair. This method requires more knowledge of skin and its reaction than does any other method. Proper insertion and application of current are essential, both for effectiveness and skin care. Technicians using other methods, often attempt to discredit this method. Frankly, I believe this is due to their inability to use it properly. Click here for a discussion on the Shortwave method.

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.