Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What type of hair removal method uses electrical currents to destroy hair follicles?

1. Shaving

2. Electrolysis

3. Threading

4. Laser hair removal

The correct answer is: Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a method of hair removal that specifically employs electrical currents to target and destroy hair follicles. This technique involves inserting a very fine probe into the hair follicle and applying a small amount of electrical current. This current effectively coagulates the tissue around the hair follicle, leading to permanent hair removal. Unlike temporary methods such as shaving or threading, which merely cut or remove hair at the skin's surface without affecting the follicle, electrolysis provides a permanent solution by disrupting the biological process that allows hair to grow. Laser hair removal, while also effective, works using concentrated light rather than electrical current; it targets the pigment in hair follicles to inhibit their growth, but it does not destroy the follicle as directly as electrolysis does. Therefore, for individuals seeking a permanent hair removal solution that specifically utilizes electrical currents, electrolysis is the established method.