Electrology 142375 221298587 2008-06-23T22:30:11Z Vishnava 6847159 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/75.34.231.16|75.34.231.16]] to last version by Dandv (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) :''This article is about the method of epilation. For the chemical process, see [[Electrolysis]].'' '''Electrology''' is the practice of electrical [[depilation|depilation]] to permanently remove human [[hair]]. The actual process of removing the hair is referred to as '''electrolysis'''. The practitioner slides a hair-thin metal probe into each [[hair follicle]]. Proper insertion does not puncture the skin. [[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|lye]] (galvanic method), [[Electrocoagulation|overheating]] (thermolysis method), or both (blend method). ==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. ===Galvanic=== This modality is named after [[Luigi Galvani]] and uses a person's body as an [[electrolytic cell]]. Galvanic electrolysis was first reported in the medical literature by [[ophthalmologist]] [[Charles Michel (American ophthalmologist)|Charles Michel]] in [[1875]] to remove ingrown eyelashes in patients with [[trichiasis]]. <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 [[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 epilators automatically adjust the voltage to maintain constant current. ===Thermolysis=== Another method is known as '''thermolysis''', [[radio frequency|RF]], shortwave or [[diathermy]]. Thermolysis was developed in the 1920s and first reported in medical literature by [[Henri Bordier]]. <ref name="bordier">Bordier H. Noveau traitment de l'hypertrichose par la diathermie. Vie Med., 1924, 5:561</ref> A thermolytic epilator is essentially a radio transmitter, usually with an output of about 0-8 [[watt]]s at a [[frequency]] of 13.56 [[megahertz|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°[[Celsius|C]] (118.4° Degree Fahrenheit), causing [[electrocoagulation]]. ===Blend=== Galvanic and thermolysis are often combined in a method known as '''blend''', developed by [[Arthur Hinkel]] 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> All three of these methods use a metal probe 50 to 150 µm (0.002 to 0.006 inches) in diameter which is inserted into the [[hair follicle]] to the depth of the dermal [[wiktionary:Papilla|papilla]] or hair matrix, which is the site of formation of hair from highly [[mitosis|mitotic]] and [[keratin|keratinized]] [[cell (biology)|cells]]. ==Treatment duration== Most practitioners will advise that complete removal of facial hair takes between 1 and 4 years, with an average treatment length of 2 years.<ref>[http://www.tsroadmap.com/physical/hair/zaptime.html Transsexual road map - How long will electrolysis take?]</ref> ==Status of profession== In the United States, electrolysis is regulated in many states, requiring training and licensure. 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 permanently. However, electrolysis regained lost popularity after the [[Food and Drug Administration]] 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 (May 17, 2002). [http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/laserfacts.html Laser Facts.]</ref> ==See also== *[[Hair removal]] * [[Laser hair removal]] * [[Intense Pulsed Light]] ==References== <references/> == External links == * [http://www.electrology.com/ American Electrology Association] * [http://www.electrolysis.co.uk/ British Institute and Association of Electrolysis] * [http://www.scmhr.org/ The Society for Clinical & Medical Hair Removal, Inc.] * [http://www.ighrs.org/ International Guild of Hair Removal Specialists, Inc.] * [http://www.hairfacts.com/medpubs/electmed.html HairFacts - electrolysis medical data] [[Category:Depilation|Electrology]] [[el:Ηλεκτρολογία]] [[he:אפילציה]] [[simple:Electrology]]