March 21, 2026
The intensity of the sensation can vary wildly depending on your level of hydration, hair thickness, location on the body, length of the session, treatment modality, and whether or not you employ any pain management options. To better describe the various sensations you may experience, I think it is best to briefly discuss the three modalities of modern electrolysis.
The most popular and fastest modality is thermolysis. It is also the modality I default to for my clients at Gleam Hair Free. This method uses a very short application of high frequency current in each follicle, which causes water molecules to speed up and generates heat. Thermolysis is most commonly associated with a sharp, hot, stinging, burning, poking, or pinch-like sensation for the client.
The original and slowest method of electrolysis is known as galvanic and utilizes a direct current to produce a caustic chemical called lye in each follicle. Lye is naturally produced by the human body and, when introduced to your hair follicles, results in the rapid decomposition of the source of hair growth. Pure galvanic electrolysis is not commonly employed by electrologists anymore, but clients often report a sensation of tingling, shocking, or a ramping burning sensation.
The final and more common modality combines both thermolysis and galvanic and is known as the blend method. Blend tends to feel like a combination of the sensations listed above but is faster than pure galvanic treatment because the added heat of thermolysis speeds up lye production.
When it comes to location on the body, the most uncomfortable areas tend to be the genitals, upper lip, armpits, nipples, and any place with thin skin directly above a bone (shins, knees, shoulder blades, etc.).
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