Information About Electrolysis To date, needle electrolysis is the only proven method of permanent hair removal. Discovered in 1875 by Dr. Charles Michel, a French opthamologist, electrolysis has been widely used as a practical means of hair removal since the 1940’s. The two basic methods of electrolysis are: 1.Galvanic, which uses direct current, and 2.Short wave, which uses alternating current. In both methods, a tiny wire filament is inserted into the follicle and a tiny amount of electrical current is directed into the base of the follicle to destroy its ability to produce hair. A series of treatments over a number of months are necessary in order to treat hair in all its growth cycles. Some hairs will need to be treated two or three times to achieve permanency while others will be eliminated on the first treatment. Additional Information Regulations The Commonwealth of Virginia requires no licensure or regulations of any kind to practice electrolysis, even though 32 states require licensure. Therefore, anyone can currently perform electrolysis in Virginia. However, there are many excellent standards of practice set forth by the American Electrology Association (AEA) and the Communicable Disease Center for the safe practice of electrolysis. At Old Dominion Electrolysis, the owner/operator is internationally board certified by the AEA. And AEA standards of safe practice are in place and followed at Old Dominion Electrolysis. The owner is a registered nurse as well.