noun
electrolysis
The removal of unwanted hair by using electric current to destroy hair follicles.
She chooses electrolysis to remove unwanted hair from her chin.
Etymology
The components mean electric and loosening or dissolution. The name of an electrical breakdown process became a term for destroying hair follicles with an electric current.
More examples
- Electrolysis usually requires several appointments to treat an entire area.
- The technician explains how electrolysis destroys individual hair follicles.
- He asks whether electrolysis will work on his light-colored hair.
Forms
electrologist noun — A specialist who removes hair using electrolysis.
Similar words
- depilation
- Refers broadly to hair removal, often at skin level.
- epilation
- Removes hair from the root without necessarily destroying follicles.