Electrolysis Probes
Electrolysis has experienced quite an evolution after it’s initial invention in 1875. What was once a long and excruciating process is now much less painful and less time consuming. A key reason for this improvement is the type of probes.
In the 19th century, needles were inserted into a single hair follicle while connected to a negative electrode and applied a current. At times, sewing needles were even used to replace electrolysis probes. The practice of using unsterile needles often resulted in burns, scarring, irritation and infection. In 1908, multi-probe electrolysis was developed to speed up the process, and although was more cost-effective, it proved to be too uncomfortable.
“Today’s machines regulate the current distributed to each probe gradually increasing current at the beginning of each insertion and tapering it off at the end.”
Many of the probes used back then were heat-forming platinum and gold needles. These probes depreciated with constant use and were very expensive. Steel probes were typically the preference, but these were costly and needed to be thrown away one after the other.
Today the variety of electrolysis probes are safe, sterile, disposable, and produce more effective results. The three main brands of probes are Uni-Probe, Pro-Tec and Ballet.
Uni-Probe
Another type of probe is the Uni-Probe. These come in over 15 diameter and length variations. Uni-Probes are pre-sterilized and disposable. They have a safety cap to prevent contamination. These probes cannot be dry-heat sterilized or placed in an autoclave, thus ensuring the utmost cleanliness. To learn more about Uni-Probes, please visit their site at: https://www.uniprobe.com/uniprobe.shtml
Pro-Tec
Pro-Tec probes are two pieces and are oval-shaped. They have medical-grade IsoGard and IsoBlend teflon insulation. This insulation focuses the current at the probe’s MicroGard tip, which provides a reduction in intensity, and minimal discomfort. There is also a color-coded SteriGard protective collar, which further prevents contamination. The oval shaped tip allows for a smooth insertion process, prevents the probe from piercing the follicle, and offers resistance when the hair root is felt. To learn more about Pro-Tec probes, please visit their site at: https://www.dectro.us/en/protec-probes
Sterex
A Sterex probe is a two-piece electrolysis needle. It is disposable, sterilized, and eliminates the need for reusing needles. These probes are manufactured from diamond drawn stainless steel and they are coated with strong quality insulation material. These types of probes are most suitable for flash thermolysis. A unique aspect of Sterex probes is that they provide flexibility, lessening the chance of inaccurate probing (the needle actually bends if it meets any resistance). People with sensitive skin would benefit from this type of probe being used on them. These are one of the finest quality electrolysis needles available.
Ballet
Ballet is the industry leader in sterile, disposable electrolysis probes. Shaped from 18/8 nickel-chrome Swedish surgical stainless steel, Ballet probes have a curved tapered point and a mirror-like surface. This shape offers easy and efficient insertion both for the electrologist and for the client. These probes are manufactured with three main types.
Ballet Gold Probe
Gold probes are considered the highest quality. The needle is plated with nickel-free 24 carat gold. These types of probes are ideal for clients with sensitive skin or those who have sensitivities to nickel or stainless steel. Skin typically returns quickly back to normal after most treatments.
Ballet 18/8 Nickel/Stainless Steel Probe
This type of probe is good for general purpose usage. It is ideal for clients with strong healthy skin who respond well to electrolysis treatments. It is devised from 18/8 nickel-chrome Swedish stainless steel, the same type of steel utilized for fine surgical instruments. Micro-polishing is used to create the probe’s rounded point.
Ballet Insulated Probe
This type of probe is becoming increasingly popular. It is composed of stainless steel and insulated with high-quality Teflon. The insulation is medical-grade and less than one micron thick. It is a one-piece probe, making it more rigid than the two-piece probes. The tip is extremely sharp and it is the only segment of the probe that is uncovered. It is designed for smooth insertions and withstands long treatments. The insulation protects skin during strong heat (thermolysis) mainly for younger clients or removing vellus and shallow hair.
When using an insulated probe, the energy emitted with each impulse converges at the tip of the probe. The energy travels to the base of the follicle, where the hair growth cells are located. This focusing of the energy, exactly where it’s needed, increases the effectiveness of each insertion, thereby allowing your power setting to be slightly reduced. Reducing both the intensity and duration of the current will increase the client’s comfort but it is also important to understand that the insulation provides another level of protection. It protects the surface of the clients skin from coetaneous reactions that can occur when current touches the skin surface.
We use a variety of probes including Ballet, Pro-Tec, and Sterex. Book your free consultation today and leave the excess hair removal up to us.