Electrolysis (cosmetology)

In cosmetology, electrolysis refers to either or both of two modalities for the permanent removal of human hair. One really is electrolysis, using a person's body as an electrolytic cell. This modality is known to electrologists as galvanic. The other modality does not involve electrolysis per se, and is known as thermolysis, 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 0.002 to 0.006 inches in diameter which is inserted into hair follicles to the depth of the dermal papilla or hair matrix, which is the site of formation of hair from highly mitotic and keratinized cells.

Galvanic electrolysis was first used by physician Charles Michel in the 1870s to remove ingrown eyelashes. A galvanic epilator is essentially a positive ground power supply that delivers 0-2 milliamperes through the body. The follicular probe is the cathode of an electrolytic cell. Sodium Hydroxide formed at the cathode burns out the hair matrix cells. Modern galvanic epilators automatically adjust the voltage to maintain constant current.

Thermolysis was developed in the 1920s. A thermolytic epilator is essentially a radio transmitter, usually with an output of about 0-8 watts at a frequency of 10.56 MHz. RF energy emanates from the probe to tissue within about a millimeter. The idea is to heat the hair matrix to about 48^oC, effecting electrocoagulation.

Thermolysis allows more epilations 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 modality, called "blend", was developed by Alfred Hinkle in 1948 and combines RF and direct current, combining many of the advantages of both methods.

See also: Waxing

External Link

• An online FAQ about electrolysis