Electrology: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Method of hair removal}} |
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'''Electrology''' is either of two electrical [[depilation]] (often spelled "epilation" in this context) methods for the permanent removal of human [[hair]]. A practitioner of '''electrolysis''' as the term is used in epilation is called an '''electrologist''' (or sometimes '''electrolysist''' in the [[United Kingdom]]). |
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{{about|the method of hair removal|the chemical process|Electrolysis}} |
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{{More citations needed|date=November 2024}} |
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{{Confused|Laser hair removal}}[[File:1938-01-Washington-DC-Electrolysis.jpg|thumb|right|A [[beauty store]] advertising electrolysis hair removal, circa 1938]] |
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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]]. |
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One method really is [[electrolysis]], using a person's body as an [[electrolytic cell]]. This method is known to electrologists as '''galvanic''' (after [[Luigi Galvani]]). The other method does not involve true electrolysis, and is known as '''thermolysis''', [[radio frequency|RF]], shortwave or [[diathermy]]. Galvanic and thermolysis are often combined in a method known as the '''blend'''. All three of these methods use a metal probe 50 to 150 µm (microns, or 0.002 to 0.006 inches) in diameter which is inserted into hair [[follicle]]s to the depth of the [[dermal papilla]] or hair matrix, which is the site of formation of hair from highly [[mitosis|mitotic]] and [[keratin|keratinized]] [[cell (biology)|cells]]. |
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In electrolysis, a qualified professional called an electrologist slides a hair-thin, solid metal probe into each [[hair follicle]] without puncturing the [[Human skin|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 ([[thermal decomposition|thermolysis]]), or both (the blend method). |
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| ⚫ | Galvanic electrolysis was first reported in |
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==Methods== |
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| ⚫ | Thermolysis was developed in the |
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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. |
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===Galvanic method=== |
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Thermolysis allows more depilations in less time, typically 1-4 seconds per insertion, compared to 15 seconds to several minutes for galvanic. On the other hand, the galvanic method is more thorough, and leaves fewer follicles capable of regrowing hair. A third method, called "blend", was developed by Arthur Hinkel in [[1948]] and combines RF and direct current, combining many of the advantages of both methods. |
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| ⚫ | This method 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 (American ophthalmologist)|Charles Michel]] as a method for removing [[trichiasis|ingrown eyelashes]].<ref name="michel">{{cite journal | author = Michel CE | date = Oct 1875 | title = Trichiasis and distichiasis; with an improved method for radical treatment | url = | journal = St. Louis Clinical Record | volume = 2 | issue = | pages = 145–148 }}</ref> A galvanic hair remover is essentially a positive ground power supply that delivers 0–3 [[ampere|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. |
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===Thermolysis=== |
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Another method is known as '''thermolysis''', also called radio frequency (RF), shortwave or [[diathermy]]. |
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| ⚫ | 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 [[radio transmitter]], 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 [[electrocoagulation]]. |
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===Blend method=== |
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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.<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> |
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==Technique== |
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== External links == |
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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. |
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* [http://www.electrology.com/ American Electrology Association] |
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* [http://www.hairfacts.com/medpubs/electmed.html HairFacts - electrolysis medical data] |
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* [http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/electrolysis/ Electrolysis discussion group] |
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==Status of profession== |
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[[Category:Depilation]] |
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{{Globalize|section|USA|2name=the United States|date=April 2012}} |
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In the United States, electrolysis is regulated in many states, requiring training and licensing. |
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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. However, the [[U.S. Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) declared laser can only claim to reduce hair growth, not permanently remove it.<ref name="fda-laser">{{cite web |url=https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/resourcesforyouradiationemittingproducts/ucm252757.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725213940/https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/resourcesforyouradiationemittingproducts/ucm252757.htm |archive-date=25 July 2018 |title=Laser Facts |publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration |access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
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* [[Hair removal]] |
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** [[Laser hair removal]] |
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* [[Intense pulsed light]] |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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{{Cosmetics}} |
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{{Human hair}} |
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{{Electrolysis}} |
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[[Category:Hair removal|Electrology]] |
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Latest revision as of 20:53, 23 November 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2024) |
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
[edit]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
[edit]This method 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.[1] 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
[edit]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.[2] 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
[edit]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
[edit]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.
Status of profession
[edit] | 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 laser hair removal was developed and promoted as a quicker and easier way to remove hair. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared laser can only claim to reduce hair growth, not permanently remove it.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ 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
- ^ 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
- ^ "Laser Facts". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
