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archeologist say that men shaved as far back as 20 thousand
years ago, using sharpened rocks and shells. Societies all
around the world use diverse hair removal methods, from sugaring
to caustic depilatory creams. However, the hair eventually grows
back and the procedure must be repeated endlessly.
The oldest method of permanent hair removal is electrolysis. It
works as advertised for most consumers if done correctly, but it
requires training and skill by the operator. A hair-thin probe
is inserted into each hair follicle, and low-voltage electricity
is applied, causing localized damage to the follicle and
preventing hair regrowth. Proper insertion of the probe follows
the natural opening of the follicle and does not penetrate the
skin.
This method of hair removal has a proven track record of more
than 125 years, and most studies show 90%-93% customer
satisfaction with the results. However, it can be expensive if
large areas are to be treated, and waiting while a technician
attends to each individual hair in turn can be tedious. It can
be moderately painful. If the technician is unskilled, permanent
scarring can occur, and unsterilized equipment can spread skin
infections.
The treatment may have to be repeated 3-4 times, both to redo
follicles which were not destroyed after one treatment, and to
catch follicles which were not producing hairs at the time of
treatment and thus went unnoticed. Hair follicles are not always
in an active growth phase; however, after a year or so, most
follicles will have been treated. Because a majority of hair
follicles are in a dormant, non-growth phase at any given time,
treatment must be repeated at 2-3 month intervals to catch them
all.
The term "needle-free electrolysis" is sometimes used to
describe hair removal devices which function by passing electric
current down the hair shaft to the follicle by a tweezer or a
conductive patch. These systems are completely ineffective, as
Epilady -Hair Removal InnovatorEpilady -Hair Removal Innovator
People with unwanted hair have sought miracle hair removal
techniques since ancient times. The appearance of Epilady
epilators in 1996 ended the hair removal controversy for ever.
Epilady introduced the first consumer electric hair remover and
changed forever the hair removal field. Epilady has distributed
some 30 million products... try to imagine all that hair!
Epilady products include dual head epilators that offer easy
switch functions. Their wide epilating head shaves any angle of
the skin. The dual sided shaving heads is especially ..
hair is a poor conductor of electricity.
Battery-operated home units are sold on at department stores,
the Internet and on Ebay, usually for around $20. The most
popular brand is One-Touch by Babyliss, though others are
offered as well. From personal experience, I can testify that
these units do indeed work, but a lot of practice is necessary.
Consumers who try this option should be aware that despite the
detailed and quite adequate instructions accompanying the units,
there is a learning curve, and many people have found that
performing electrolysis on themselves is too difficult to be
worth the trouble. However, if you do decide to use this option,
a pair of magnifying glasses and a good set of tweezers can make
the procedure much easier.
Electrolysis has a long history, and many researchers were
experimenting with electrical methods of hair removal as far
back as the American Civil War era. The first workable
electrolysis machine was invented by St. Louis ophthalmologist
Charles Michel, who in published results of permanent hair
removal with treatment by a battery-powered electrified needle
in 1875. He had been using his device to treat ingrown eyelashes
since 1869. This DC-current powered method is referred to as
electrolysis or galvanic electrolysis because a chemical
reaction in the hair follicle causes formation of sodium
hydroxide, which damages the follicle. The chemical reaction is
as follows : NaCl (salt) + H2O (water) + direct current = NaOH
(sodium hydroxide) + Cl (chlorine) + H (hydrogen).
Subsequent improvements included a machine using multiple
needles, invented by Paul Kree in 1916; and the use of AC
current, called diathermy, which causes direct thermal injury to
the hair follicle, reported in medical literature in 1924 by Dr.
Henri Bordier. The latter method is also referred to as
thermolysis, short-wave, high-frequency, and radiofrequency hair
removal.
Minor improvements continued through the 1930s and 1940s. In
Winning Ways Of Waxing For Hair Removal Depending on your particular skin, hair type and rate of hair growth, waxing has been known to provide smooth results as long as 3-8 weeks and is suggested as the longest lasting temporary hair removal method.
Waxing is a popular hair removal process for both males and females these days. It s a method that can be done at your convenience in your home or by a professional at select salons and spas.
Depending on your particular skin, hair type and rate of hair growth, waxing has been known to provide smooth results as long as 3-8 weeks and is suggested as the longest lasting tempor ..
1948, Arthur Hinkel and Henri St. Pierre received a patent in
1948 for a combination method they developed, and 20 years later
published "Electrolysis, Thermolysis and the Blend", which
described their experiments with different hair removal
techniques. "Blend" refers to the fact that blended methods
often work better than just one method alone.
Further improvements included incorporating transistors and
computerized controls, as well as insulated probes and sterile
disposable needles. However, despite attempts to automate
electrolysis equipment, the effectiveness and safety of
electrolysis is highly dependent on the skill of the operator.
Electrolysis professional organizations exist and set standards
for member certification, but in many states, anyone is legally
permitted to offer electrolysis services. Therefor it is
important for anyone seeking electrolysis to get references
beforehand.
Use of this hair removal method continued into the early part of
the 20th century, when it was briefly eclipsed by X-ray hair
removal, which was advertised as safe and painless. It should be
noted that people in this era displayed a generalized, dangerous
lack of knowledge about the dangers of radiation; shoe stores
even featured x-ray machines to aid in shoe fitting!
After the X-ray fad ended consumers returned to electrolysis
until the advent of effective laser treatment in the 1990's.
These days, most hair removal is done by laser, but electrolysis
is still useful for isolated hairs, and for pale hair which
responds poorly to light-based treatment.
About the author:
P Tuurenhout http://www.hair-transplant-2006.info"> http://www.laser-hair-removal-now.info
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P TuurenhoutElectrolysis-Hair Removal For The Brave
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