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{{about|the method of epilation|the chemical process|Electrolysis}} {{about|the method of hair removal|the chemical process|Electrolysis}}


'''Electrology''' is the practice of electrical ] to permanently remove human ]. The actual process of removing the hair is referred to as electrolysis. '''Electrology''' is the practice of electrical hair removal to permanently remove human hair. '''Electrolysis''' is the actual process of removing hair using electricity.


⚫ In electrolysis, a qualified professional called an electrologist slides a hair-thin, solid metal probe into each ] without puncturing the skin (when inserted properly). Electricity is delivered to the follicle through the probe, which causes localized damage to the areas that generate hairs, either through the formation of caustic ] (the galvanic method), overheating (thermolysis), or both (the blend method).
==Overview==
⚫ The practitioner slides a solid hair-thin metal probe into each ]. Proper insertion does not puncture the skin. ] is delivered to the follicle through the probe, which causes localized damage to the areas that generate hairs, either through the formation of caustic ] (galvanic method), ] (thermolysis method), or both (blend method).


==Modalities== ==Modalities==
Three methods or "modalities" are used in electrology. ''Galvanic'', ''thermolysis'', and ''blend'' all have their own merits, and one method is not better than another. The success depends on the skill of the electrologist, the type of hair being removed, the condition of the skin and the pain threshold of the client. All three methods, when properly performed, can be thorough at destroying the hair matrix cells, and leaving follicles incapable of regrowing hair. Three modalities are used in electrology: Galvanic, thermolysis, and blend. All three methods have their own merits, and one method is not better than another. The success depends on the skill of the electrologist, the type of hair being removed, the condition of the skin and the pain threshold of the client. All three methods, when properly performed, can be thorough at destroying the ] cells, and leaving follicles incapable of regrowing hair.


===Galvanic=== ===Galvanic method===
This modality is named after ] and uses a person's body as an ]. Galvanic electrolysis was first reported in the medical literature by ] ] in 1875 to remove ingrown eyelashes in patients with ].<ref name="michel">Michel CE. Trichiasis and distichiasis; with an improved method for radical treatment. ''St. Louis Clinical Record'', 1875 Oct; 2:145-148</ref> A galvanic epilator is essentially a positive ground power supply that delivers 0-3 ] through the body. The follicular probe is the ] of an electrolytic cell. ] formed at the cathode by the process of chemical ] kills the hair matrix cells. Modern galvanic epilators automatically adjust the voltage to maintain constant current. This modality is named after ] and uses a person's body as an ]. Galvanic electrolysis was first reported in medical literature in 1875 by ] ] as a method for removing ].<ref name="michel">Michel CE. Trichiasis and distichiasis; with an improved method for radical treatment. ''St. Louis Clinical Record'', 1875 Oct; 2:145-148</ref> A galvanic hair remover is essentially a positive ground power supply that delivers 0-3 ] through the body. The follicular probe is the ] of an electrolytic cell. Sodium hydroxide formed at the cathode by the process of chemical ] kills the hair matrix cells. Modern galvanic hair removers automatically adjust the voltage to maintain constant current.


===Thermolysis=== ===Thermolysis===
Another method is known as '''thermolysis''', ] (RF), shortwave or ]. Another method is known as '''thermolysis''', also called radio frequency (RF), shortwave or ].
Thermolysis was developed in the 1920s and first reported in medical literature by ].<ref name="bordier">Bordier H. Nouveau traitment de l'hypertrichose par la diathermie. Vie Med., 1924, 5:561</ref> A thermolytic epilator is essentially a ], usually with an output of about 0-8 ]s at a ] of 13.56 ]. RF energy emanates from the probe tip to tissue within about a millimeter. Thermolysis works by heating the hair matrix cells to about {{convert|48|to|50|C}}, causing ]. Thermolysis was developed in the 1920s and first reported in medical literature by Henri Bordier.<ref name="bordier">Bordier H. Nouveau traitment de l'hypertrichose par la diathermie. Vie Med., 1924, 5:561</ref> A thermolytic hair remover is essentially a ], usually with an output of about 0-8 watts at a frequency of 13.56 {{abbr|MHz|megahertz}}. RF energy emanates from the probe tip to tissue within about a millimeter. Thermolysis works by heating the hair matrix cells to about {{convert|48|to|50|C}}, causing ].


===Blend=== ===Blend method===
Galvanic and thermolysis are often combined in a method known as '''blend''', developed by ] in 1948, which uses both RF and direct current, combining many of the advantages of galvanic and thermolysis.<ref name="hinkel">Hinkel AR, Lind RW (1968). ''Electrolysis, Thermolysis and the Blend: the principles and practice of permanent hair removal.''Los Angeles, CA: Arroway Publishers, ISBN 0-9600284-1-2</ref> The galvanic method and thermolysis are often combined in the blend method, developed by ] in 1948, which uses both RF and direct current, combining many of the advantages of both methods.<ref name="hinkel">Hinkel AR, Lind RW (1968). ''Electrolysis, Thermolysis and the Blend: the principles and practice of permanent hair removal.''Los Angeles, CA: Arroway Publishers, ISBN 0-9600284-1-2</ref>


==Technique== ==Technique==
The practitioner selects a metal probe that slides easily into the ], usually the same diameter as the hair shaft or smaller. This is typically 50 to 150&nbsp;µm (0.002 to 0.006&nbsp;inches) for all three modalities. Care is needed to insert the probe at the same angle as the hair is growing out of the skin. The probe is inserted to the depth of the dermal ] or hair matrix, which is the site of formation of hair from highly ] and ]ized ]. The power and duration of the electricity are started at the lowest setting, then gradually increased until the hair comes out as easily as possible. If the patient experiences significant discomfort, the settings can be lowered. The practitioner selects a metal probe that slides easily into the hair follicle, usually the same diameter as the hair shaft or smaller. The probe is typically 50 to 150&nbsp;µm (0.002 to 0.006&nbsp;inches) for all three modalities. Care is needed to insert the probe at the same angle as the hair is growing out of the skin. The probe is inserted to the depth of the hair matrix, the site where hair is formed. The power and duration of the electricity are started at the lowest setting, then gradually increased until the hair comes out as easily as possible. If the patient experiences significant discomfort, the settings can be lowered.


==Treatment duration== ==Treatment duration==
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==Status of profession== ==Status of profession==

{{Globalize/US|section|date=April 2012}} {{Globalize/US|section|date=April 2012}}


In the United States, electrolysis is regulated in many states, requiring training and licensing. In the United States, electrolysis is regulated in many states, requiring training and licensing.


Electrolysis as a profession faced new competition in the 1990s after ] was developed and promoted as a quicker and easier way to remove hair. The ] declared laser and similar devices can only claim to reduce hair growth, not permanently remove it.<ref name="fda-laser">U.S. Food and Drug Administration (04/26/2011). </ref> Electrolysis as a profession faced new competition in the 1990s after ] was developed and promoted as a quicker and easier way to remove hair. The ] (FDA) declared laser and similar devices can only claim to reduce hair growth, not permanently remove it.<ref name="fda-laser">U.S. Food and Drug Administration (04/26/2011). </ref>

In the state of Connecticut the professionals govern a board called the .


==See also== ==See also==
*] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]


==References== ==References==
{{Research help|Med}} {{Research help|Med}}
{{reflist}}
<references/>


== External links == == External links ==

Revision as of 06:49, 27 August 2016

This article is about the method of hair removal. For the chemical process, see Electrolysis.

Electrology is the practice of electrical hair removal to permanently remove human hair. Electrolysis is the actual process of removing hair using electricity.

In electrolysis, a qualified professional called an electrologist slides a hair-thin, solid metal probe into each hair follicle without puncturing the skin (when inserted properly). Electricity is delivered to the follicle through the probe, which causes localized damage to the areas that generate hairs, either through the formation of caustic sodium hydroxide (the galvanic method), overheating (thermolysis), or both (the blend method).

Modalities

Three modalities are used in electrology: Galvanic, thermolysis, and blend. All three methods have their own merits, and one method is not better than another. The success depends on the skill of the electrologist, the type of hair being removed, the condition of the skin and the pain threshold of the client. All three methods, when properly performed, can be thorough at destroying the hair matrix cells, and leaving follicles incapable of regrowing hair.

Galvanic method

This modality is named after Luigi Galvani and uses a person's body as an electrolytic cell. Galvanic electrolysis was first reported in medical literature in 1875 by ophthalmologist Charles Michel as a method for removing ingrown eyelashes. A galvanic hair remover is essentially a positive ground power supply that delivers 0-3 milliamperes through the body. The follicular probe is the cathode of an electrolytic cell. Sodium hydroxide formed at the cathode by the process of chemical electrolysis kills the hair matrix cells. Modern galvanic hair removers automatically adjust the voltage to maintain constant current.

Thermolysis

Another method is known as thermolysis, also called radio frequency (RF), shortwave or diathermy. Thermolysis was developed in the 1920s and first reported in medical literature by Henri Bordier. A thermolytic hair remover is essentially a radio transmitter, usually with an output of about 0-8 watts at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. RF energy emanates from the probe tip to tissue within about a millimeter. Thermolysis works by heating the hair matrix cells to about 48 to 50 °C (118 to 122 °F), causing electrocoagulation.

Blend method

The galvanic method and thermolysis are often combined in the blend method, developed by Arthur Hinkel in 1948, which uses both RF and direct current, combining many of the advantages of both methods.

Technique

The practitioner selects a metal probe that slides easily into the hair follicle, usually the same diameter as the hair shaft or smaller. The probe is typically 50 to 150 µm (0.002 to 0.006 inches) for all three modalities. Care is needed to insert the probe at the same angle as the hair is growing out of the skin. The probe is inserted to the depth of the hair matrix, the site where hair is formed. The power and duration of the electricity are started at the lowest setting, then gradually increased until the hair comes out as easily as possible. If the patient experiences significant discomfort, the settings can be lowered.

Treatment duration

Most practitioners will advise that complete removal of male pattern facial hair takes between 1 and 4 years, with an average treatment length of 2 years in case of one session per week, one hour per session. Removal of body hair works considerably faster.

Status of profession

Template:Globalize/US

In the United States, electrolysis is regulated in many states, requiring training and licensing.

Electrolysis as a profession faced new competition in the 1990s after laser hair removal was developed and promoted as a quicker and easier way to remove hair. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared laser and similar devices can only claim to reduce hair growth, not permanently remove it.

See also

References

Template:Research help

  1. Michel CE. Trichiasis and distichiasis; with an improved method for radical treatment. St. Louis Clinical Record, 1875 Oct; 2:145-148
  2. Bordier H. Nouveau traitment de l'hypertrichose par la diathermie. Vie Med., 1924, 5:561
  3. Hinkel AR, Lind RW (1968). Electrolysis, Thermolysis and the Blend: the principles and practice of permanent hair removal.Los Angeles, CA: Arroway Publishers, ISBN 0-9600284-1-2
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (04/26/2011). Laser Facts.

External links


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