While hair removal itself is ancient, the exploration of permanent hair removal is comparatively recent. The foundations of electrolysis were pioneered in 1875 by Dr Charles Michel, marking the first scientifically recognise method aimed at permanently destroying the hair follicle.
Fast forward to the late 1990s and early 2000’s, electrolysis began to lose popularity with the rapid rise of laser hair removal. Laser offered a faster, less labour intensive option, particularly for treating large areas, and quickly became the dominant modality in many clinics.
Today, however, the conversation has shifted again and with that the Australian Beauty Industry Council, Electrolysis Division presented a ground breaking event – The Electrolysis Symposium 2026 to get more conversations started. Mocha Group was there to report back to the industry on this extensive subject.
Beauty therapists now have an extensive range of hair removal options available, including:
- Laser
- IPL
- Waxing and Sugaring
- Plucking
- Electrolysis
- Depilatory Creams
- Shaving and Dermaplaning
With so many choices, an important question arises: How do therapists decide what is best for their clients?
Laser and Electrolysis: Not Competitors, but Complements
Laser and Electrolysis are often positioned as competing modalities, yet in practice, they function far more effectively as extensions of the same hair removal journey.
Laser remains an excellent choice for treating large areas and achieving significant long term hair reduction, however it does have limitations, particularly with lighter, finer hairs, hormonally driven growth, and certain skin and hair colour combinations.
– Electrolysis fills these gaps –
With Laser and Electrolysis arguably being the leading options for hair removal, lets have a quick look at what other differences we see:
| Laser | Electrolysis |
| Laser = permanent hair reduction | Electrolysis = permanent hair removal |
| Treats multiple hairs at once (large areas, faster sessions) | Treats one hair at a time (slower, highly precise) |
| Targets pigment (melanin) in the hair | Targets the individual hair follicle directly |
| Most effective on dark hair with lighter skin | Effective on all hair colours (including grey, white, blonde, red) |
| Required contrast between skin and hair | Safe for all skin types |
According to the FDA, electrolysis is currently the only hair removal modality recognised as permanent, not just permanent reduction. This distinction has prompted renewed interest globally and has contributed to what many are now calling a resurgence of electrolysis.
Education, Awareness and Industry Evolution
This resurgence was the driving force behind the ABIC Electrolysis Symposium 2026, the brain child of Karen De Gonzalez, owner of Skin Correctives Shellharbour and head of ABIC Electrolysis Division. After identifying a significant lack of awareness, education, and structured training in electrolysis within Australia, Karen set out to elevate the modality and the practitioners offering it.
“ABIC is working with SaCSA (Service and Creative Skills Australia) because we want electrolysis accredited as a standalone qualification in Australia, as it is in other parts of the world” – Karen De Gonzalez
The 2-day Symposium, presented by ABIC, focused on delivering up to date, evidence based education while fostering a sense of community and professional responsibility, ensuring practitioners are equipped to deliver safe, effective and ethical electrolysis treatments.
A key highlight of the symposium was the contribution of international keynote speaker and Training Academy owner Joanie Gonella. A true specialist in all three forms of electrolysis, Thermolysis, Galvanic and Blend techniques. Joanie brought a depth of scientific understanding rarely seen in Australian electrolysis education.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, a postgraduate certificate in Pre-Health Sciences, licenced as a professional Electrologist in California since 2003, and co-owner of the California Electrology Academy, Joanie delivered a series of world class lectures. These spanned from foundational theory and practical application, through to psychological considerations for clients undergoing treatment, as well as global best practice standards.
“I’m really about the science behind everything. I wanted to deliver not only the basics, but the basics from a scientific point of view. It’s about elevating the education within the industry” – Joanie Gonella
Core Fundamentals of Electrolysis
At its foundation, electrolysis is a precise and science based modality. Key principles include:
- A sterile probe is inserted into the hair follicle alongside the hair shaft. An electrical current is delivered through the probe to the base of the follicle, targeting the cells responsible for hair growth and permanently disabling follicular regeneration.
- Hair depth and growth cycles vary across the body. Different anatomical areas present with varying follicle depths and differing durations in the anagen (growth) phase, which directly influences treatment timing, modality selection, and outcomes.
- ‘Follicles retain evidence of past trauma’. Previous hair removal methods, such as waxing, laser, tweezing, or past incorrect electrolysis treatments, can alter follicle structure. A clients treatment history is therefore critical when selecting current and future modalities, as the follicle “remembers” prior intervention.
- Skin moisture levels influence treatment efficacy. As water is a conductor of electricity, hydration within the skin directly influences how efficiently electrical current and thermal energy are delivered to the follicle. Well hydrated tissue supports more effective conductivity, while dehydration can reduce treatment efficiency and consistency. For this reason, client education during consultation is essential. Practitioners should clearly communicate non-negotiable pre and post treatment considerations and care, including the regular use of hydrating skincare such as hyaluronic acid, increased water intake supported by electrolytes and salts, and appropriate supplementation with essential fatty acids (EFA’s) to support skin hydration and barrier function.
- During treatment, thermal energy within the follicle can reach approximately 70-74°C, a temperature sufficient to destroy germinative cells when applied with precision and appropriate technique. When discussing non-negotiable skin preparation, it is also important to recognise that, like all heat based therapies, electrolysis requires additional precaution for higher Fitzpatrick skin types (High 3/4+). The use of tyrosinase inhibiting ingredients are recommended to reduce the risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or persistent post-inflammatory erythema. Consistent and appropriate sun protection is also essential to protect treatment outcomes and support safe skin recovery.
There are 3 forms of Electrolysis:
- Thermolysis (heat based)
- Galvanic electrolysis (chemical reaction via direct current)
- Blend Method (a combination of thermolysis and galvanic)
Each method has specific indications depending on hair type, follicle depth, skin condition and client history.
Expert Contributions From the Symposium
The electrolysis symposium featured a diverse range of expert speakers, each contributing critical insights into the modality’s clinical, educational, and regulatory future.
With open ears and an active engagement from attendees, Terry Patriaca, VET Engagement and Implementation Manager at SACSA addressed those invested in the long-term success of electrolysis.
As a governing body with the ability to influence national qualifications and training frameworks, SACSA’s involvement marked a significant step towards formal recognition and structured education pathways.
Sarah Hughes, representing Dermalogica Pro, explained the science of post-treatment skin repair.
She highlighted the wound healing process and the role of Dermalogica Pro Restore in supporting barrier recovery immediately following electrolysis treatments.
Nancy Abdou, Founder and CEO of TADLI (The Australian Dermal & Laser Institute) focused on the evolving client journey. With many clients now seeing multiple practitioners across different clinics, she emphasised the importance of treatment sequencing, inter-clinic awareness, and updated safety protocols within a multi-modality framework.
Professional Panel Discussion
Day One, concluded with a diverse panel discussion, bringing together educators Kelly Dermody and Catriona Clayton, government representative Natalie Turmine, insurance specialist Sue Sparrow, and keynote speaker Joanie Gonella. The panel was hosted by Stef Milla, ceo of ABIC, with Karen De Gonzalez contributing from her dual perspective as an educator and business owner.
Sue Sparrow, founder of Sparrow Insurance, reinforced the importance of risk management. She highlighted that in an industry where outcomes vary based on skin condition and treatment history, appropriate insurance is essential to protect both clients and businesses from potential life-altering adverse events.
Noreen Roesler from Gemm16 shared outcomes from her government recognised research into galvanic electrolysis.
Drawing on over 50 years of clinical experience, she presented real world case studies demonstrating life changing outcomes, alongside practical guidance for clinical owners implementing permanent hair removal services.
Jarred Stedman, General Manager of Mocha Group, was delighted to be invited, soaking in the enriching education and share this spectacular event with the professional beauty industry.
“Seeing education handled and delivered with this level of care, courage, strength and patience is what will build our industry for a better, safer and more effective future. Mocha Group is proud to showcase this initiative and the growth of electrolysis in Australia and New Zealand.” – Jarred Stedman
“Its incredibly exciting for our industry to see an ‘oldie but a goodie’ treatment like electrolysis come back to life, not as a relic, but as an evolving, highly relevant solution. Seeing how treatment parameters have advanced and adapted to modern practice really highlights the innovation still possible within traditional techniques. From a clinic owner’s perspective, the introduction of electrolysis fills an important gap in our market. It allows us to effectively ‘mop up’ residual hair left after laser hair removal, particularly hair that is no longer eligible for laser treatment or not eligible for laser in the first place. Techniques like this strengthen our treatment offerings, improve client outcomes, and ultimately raise the standard of care across the industry.” Carly Knowles, Director, Bella Pelle Body Clinic & Business Coach, Total Coaching Academy
Additional Resource:
For deeper industry insights, keynote speaker Joanie Gonella hosts a podcast:
