The History of Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the use of an electric current to separate ions in an electrolyte. Galvanic electrolysis for hair removal produces a chemical reaction that turns salts in the hair follicle to lye. Thermolysis also uses an electrical current and is called electrolysis, but works by overheating the hair follicle.

The Discovery of Electrolysis

Electrolysis was independently discovered by two different scientists in 1800. English chemist William Nicholson, working with Anthony Carlisle, first used electrolysis to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. German chemist Johann Ritter also discovered electrolysis later the same year. In the first decade of the 19th century, English chemist Humphrey Davies used the new technology of electrolysis to discover many previously unknown elements, including potassium and sodium.

Electrolysis for Hair Removal

Electrolysis to remove unwanted hair was first attempted in 1869 by American ophthalmologist Dr. Charles Michel. He used the technology to remove ingrown eyelashes and reported his methods in 1875. Electrolysis was the first permanent hair removal method and remains the only one recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Improvements and Current Technology

A significant improvement in hair removal by electrolysis came in 1916, when New York professor Paul Kree developed multiple probe technology, allowing many hair follicles to be treated at the same time. In 1924, French physician Dr. Henri Bordier developed an alternative method of electrolysis, called thermolysis or diathermy, in which the hair follicle is overheated. The older method, galvanic electrolysis, in which the water and salts naturally occurring in the hair follicle are turned into lye that destroys the hair, is also still in use. Galvanic electrolysis and thermolysis are sometimes used in combination as well.

References

• Zap! Electrolysis and Skincare: The History of Electrolysis:
• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Electrolysis