CME Electrology Techniques & Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which factor most directly affects the depth of probe insertion required for effective follicle treatment?
- The client's skin tone
- The length and diameter of the hair shaft above the skin
- The depth of the follicle, determined by hair length below the skin (Correct answer)
- The ambient temperature of the treatment room
Correct answer: The depth of the follicle, determined by hair length below the skin
Probe insertion depth must reach the hair follicle's germinal matrix, and the depth of the follicle varies based on the anagen hair's length beneath the skin surface.
Question 2: What is 'tombstoning' in electrology treatment outcomes?
- A probe insertion error causing skin dimpling
- Regrown hair emerging straight and stiff after improper treatment (Correct answer)
- A pattern of permanent follicle scarring
- Multiple hairs treated simultaneously with one probe
Correct answer: Regrown hair emerging straight and stiff after improper treatment
Tombstoning refers to stiff, straight regrown hairs that appear after incomplete follicle destruction, often caused by shallow probe placement or insufficient energy.
Question 3: During galvanic electrolysis, increasing the milliamperage (mA) while keeping treatment time constant will primarily:
- Reduce lye production
- Increase the amount of lye produced (Correct answer)
- Change lye to a different chemical compound
- Have no effect on chemical output
Correct answer: Increase the amount of lye produced
The amount of sodium hydroxide (lye) produced in galvanic electrolysis is directly proportional to the total charge delivered, so higher milliamperage produces more lye in the same time.
Question 4: When treating facial hair in a male client who uses a pacemaker, what is the safest course of action?
- Use galvanic only, as it does not produce oscillating current
- Use thermolysis with very low intensity settings
- Consult the client's cardiologist and obtain medical clearance before any treatment (Correct answer)
- Proceed with blend at the lowest intensity setting
Correct answer: Consult the client's cardiologist and obtain medical clearance before any treatment
Pacemakers can be interfered with by electrical currents used in electrology; medical clearance from the cardiologist is mandatory before performing any modality on a pacemaker patient.
Question 5: Which hair growth phase is the MOST responsive to electrolysis treatment?
- Telogen (resting phase)
- Catagen (transition phase)
- Anagen (active growth phase) (Correct answer)
- Exogen (shedding phase)
Correct answer: Anagen (active growth phase)
Anagen hairs are directly attached to the dermal papilla, so probe placement can target the actively dividing cells of the germinal matrix for the most effective permanent destruction.
Question 6: Which probe size selection principle best applies when treating vellus (fine, light) hair?
- Use the largest probe available for maximum energy delivery
- Use a probe diameter matched to the follicle size, typically F2 or F3 (Correct answer)
- Use the same probe for all hair types to maintain consistency
- Use a flat probe rather than a cylindrical probe
Correct answer: Use a probe diameter matched to the follicle size, typically F2 or F3
Vellus hairs have small follicles, and matching probe diameter (such as F2 or F3) prevents energy from spreading beyond the follicle walls, minimizing tissue damage.
Question 7: What is the purpose of applying a 'pre-epilatory' product before electrology treatment?
- To permanently open the follicle for easier probe insertion
- To soften the hair and lubricate the skin surface for smoother probe entry (Correct answer)
- To chemically destroy the hair root before electrical treatment
- To block pain signals in the follicle
Correct answer: To soften the hair and lubricate the skin surface for smoother probe entry
Pre-epilatory lotions soften the skin and hair, reduce surface friction, and facilitate smooth, accurate probe insertion without unnecessary skin trauma.
CME Electrology Techniques & Methods 3
Which factor most directly affects the depth of probe insertion required for effective follicle treatment?