Hawaii Cosmetology License Practice Test

Electrolysis is the method that uses an electric current to destroy hair roots, making it the most effective permanent hair removal technique. This process involves inserting a tiny needle into each hair follicle and applying a direct electric current, which disrupts the function of the hair follicle, ultimately leading to its destruction. As a result, new hair can no longer grow from that follicle.

In contrast, thermolysis uses heat generated by radio frequency or alternating current, which targets the hair follicle but does so through a different mechanism. Laser hair removal relies on light energy to target the pigment in hair follicles, while photo-epilation utilizes broad-spectrum light to achieve similar results — neither directly employs electric current to destroy hair roots like electrolysis does. Because of its precise application, electrolysis is particularly effective for all hair and skin types, emphasizing its unique characteristic in the realm of hair removal techniques.