the History of Electrolysis

Electrolysis has been around for over a century, and while it may seem like a modern beauty treatment, its origins go way back. Let’s take a fun trip through history and see how a simple eye problem led to one of the most effective hair removal solutions of all time!

How It All Started: The Accidental Discovery (1875)

Our story begins in 1875 with Dr. Charles Michel, an ophthalmologist (that’s an eye doctor!). Back then, some people suffered from a condition called trichiasis, where eyelashes grow the wrong way—into the eye! (Ouch!) Dr. Michel was searching for a way to stop these rogue lashes from growing back when he came up with a groundbreaking idea:

What if we zap the hair follicle with electricity to destroy it permanently?

Using a tiny needle and a small electrical current, he successfully removed problem eyelashes without them ever growing back. It worked so well that word spread beyond the medical world, and soon, people were asking:

"Hey, can we use this to remove hair from, like… everywhere else?"

The Beauty Industry Catches On (Early 1900s)

Once people realised that electrolysis could permanently remove unwanted hair, it quickly became the go-to solution. Throughout the early 1900s, beauty salons started offering electrolysis treatments, and it became a luxury service for those wanting silky-smooth skin without shaving or waxing.

The Evolution: Faster, Safer, and More Effective (1920s–1970s)

By the 1920s and 1930s, electrolysis became more refined and comfortable. New technology allowed for faster and less painful treatments.

-1930s – The blend method was introduced, combining heat and chemical reactions.
-1940s–1950s – Electrolysis became a Hollywood secret, with actresses swearing by it for flawless, camera-ready skin.
-1960s–1970s – Improved machines made treatments quicker and more precise, making it more accessible to everyday people.

But then… something new entered the scene.

The Laser Hair Removal Boom (1990s–2000s)

When laser hair removal arrived in the 1990s, people thought it would replace electrolysis. After all, lasers could treat multiple hairs at once, making the process much faster. But here’s the thing:

Laser hair removal only reduces hair growth—it doesn’t permanently remove it like electrolysis does. Electrolysis remains the ONLY FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal.

So, while laser hair removal became popular for quick treatments, electrolysis held its ground as the ultimate choice for people wanting a permanent, no-regrowth solution.

Electrolysis Today: The Gold Standard of Permanent Hair Removal

Fast forward to today, and electrolysis is more advanced than ever. Modern machines make treatments faster and more comfortable. It’s safe for all skin tones and hair colours, unlike laser, which struggles with light or grey hair.

So, what started as a fix an ingrowing eyelash has turned into a beauty staple for smooth, hair-free skin!