Electrology
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Electrology is the practice of electrical hair removal to permanently remove human hair from the body. 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).
Methods
All three methods (galvanic, thermolysis, and blend) 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 method is named after
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.
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.[3]
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.[citation needed] Removal of body hair works considerably faster.[citation needed]
Status of profession
![]() | The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (April 2012) |
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
See also
References
- ^ Michel CE (Oct 1875). "Trichiasis and distichiasis; with an improved method for radical treatment". St. Louis Clinical Record. 2: 145–148.
- ^ Bordier H. Nouveau traitment de l'hypertrichose par la diathermie. Vie Med., 1924, 5:561
- ISBN 0-9600284-1-2
- ^ "Laser Facts". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.