Laser Technician (International Board of Electrologist Certification) IBEC Board Exam

During electrolysis, what is the target area to kill the hair follicle?

1. The hair root

2. The hair shaft

3. The hair bulb

4. The surrounding skin area

The correct answer is: The hair bulb

In electrolysis, the primary target area to destroy the hair follicle is the hair bulb. The hair bulb is situated at the base of the hair follicle and is the part where hair growth originates. It contains living cells that are essential for hair production. When the electrolysis probe is inserted into the follicle, an electric current is delivered to the hair bulb, which effectively destroys these living cells and, thus, the follicle's ability to produce hair. Killing the hair root is somewhat misleading; while the hair bulb is often referred to as the root of the hair, it is specifically the bulb that is critical in this process. The hair shaft, being the visible part of the hair above the skin, contains no living cells and, therefore, does not contribute to hair growth. Effects targeting the surrounding skin area are not focused on the follicle and do not directly contribute to hair removal; instead, they may cause irritation or other unintended effects without effectively preventing hair regrowth. Therefore, targeting the hair bulb is essential for successful electrolysis treatment.