The shortwave method of hair removal destroys the growth source of the hair by

• A. Electrolysis
• B. Desiccation
• C. Electro-dessication
• D. Electrocoagulation

Answer: (C)

Shortwave hair removal works by delivering high-frequency current to the follicle, causing rapid heating and drying of the follicle tissues. This desiccation damages the papilla and germinative cells that feed hair growth, so the growth source is destroyed and a new hair cannot form. This specific process is electro-dessication, the method used with shortwave diathermy. While other terms describe heat or chemical destruction in different methods, the key idea here is dehydration of the follicle tissue to stop growth, which is why electro-dessication is the best fit.