I want electrolysis on my upper lip and I have a nickel allergy.
Became sensitized when I got my ears pierced as a teenager…
Is there a probe that will not cause me problems as I am desperate to have this done. Anything I should put onn afterward to sooth the area?
Thanks, this is a very informative forum!!
Ballet Gold Probes are the thing for you. Just make sure that you use a different one for every session, and just to be sure, a different one every hour of treatment, as the probes are a layer of gold over a cheaper metal core, which may in fact contain nickel.
Witch hazel after treatment is my recommendation. Thayer’s is my favorite. I buy it online by the case. My favorite scents are lemon, peach and lavender. They have a medicated formula if you are prone to acne. It’s more expensive than what you buy at the drug store,but worth it. Herbspro.com is where I buy my witch hazel, since I order large quantities, but you can probably find at least one of those flavors locally at Trader Joe’s, Sunflower Markets or Whole Foods.
Also, to soothe the area, use aloe vera gel (clear, not green or blue) during the day and a dab of tea tree oil at night for three days. Don’t go overboard with the tea tree oil.
Dee
I had irritation too when I pierced my ears when I was young. It runs in my family. And I had no problems with regular electrolysis.
Thank-you for being so helpful…do I purchase the ballet gold probes or will they be provided?
The tips on soothing sensitive skin afterwards are much appreciated!
Honestly, some electrolysis providers are very grouchy about providing you with gold probes, so it is best to just buy your own and show up with them. Texas Electrolysis supply 1800 626-6025 is one of the best sources, and can even provide less expensive gold ballet gold probes that are still sealed, but past the “expiration date”
For those discount minded folks who would be interested in these, they are still sealed, but because the blister packaging can separate just like old unopened toys, there is an expiration date on the probe packages, that only guarantees the seal is airtight for that amount of time, and after that, depending on the atmosphearic conditions the seal coul be compromised. The probe would still only be exposed to air, and not handling, so it should be good unless stored in a bathroom, where the air quality is not so good.
At any rate, If I wanted Gold Probes, I would just buy them and bring them. It assures you the good stuff, and is one less expense on your practitioner. Depending on your practitioner’s magnification, you will need something between a size 3 and a size 6. Just ask your practitioner what size probes are being used on you. Then you will know what to ask the folks at Texas Electrolysis Supply what to send you.
I agree that some electrologists may not use gold probes, heck, some don’t even know they exist, but before buying a pack, even at a discount, I would ask the electrologist if they have an assortment (different sizes) of gold probes available. I’ve been using gold for years. I also don’t have an extra needle fee (gasp!). I would really hate for someone to go to the trouble of buying their own without asking me first.
I think the more consumers ask, “what kind of probe do you use, what type of magnification do you use, what kind of epilator do you use, etc…” more electrologists will realize consumers are becoming educated and each individual electrologist’s standards will have to be raised in order to compete. That’s my dream at least, hope it’s not a just a fantasy!
You are RIGHT ON POINT, Choice. Standards need to be raised so the consumer see’s what modern electrolysis can do for them. This site is very important in that it drives information right into the confused consumers lap and thus spills over to the clueless practitioners out there that still practice with archaic standards that serve only to frustrate the client.
Thanks for your comments. They can’t be reiterated enough.
Dee
You just don’t know how much hate mail and angry phone calls I get from people mad about how they blame me and this site for the fact that prospective customers ask them on the phone what type of equipment and probes and if they wear gloves or not before even booking a consultation. I don’t really see why they are angry, it is sort of like customers calling a car dealer and asking do you have a service department, warrantees and do you have ASE recommended tools with ASE certified techs performing auto service.
Of course, if one’s answer to all the customer’s questions is to say, “No, I did not invest in all that stuff, and you will just have to trust me to wash my hands and change my probes/needles”, then, I guess I can understand a little why Voodoo Dolls of me are selling so well. 
Sharon, in terms of aftercare, I find applying witch hazel twice a day for a few days after the treatment works best and is least expensive. You can buy it at a local drug store.
OK, by some unknown behind the scenes work, all my threads have been run together. I really do appreciate the help and support.
About the screws (behind my right ear) in my skull from the microvascular decompression surgery, they did not bother me at all during electrolysis. I held the ground and rested my hand on my stomach. I wasn’t asked to hold it near my face. All went well.
Actually, I never gave them a second thought. I don’t even know what method she used, I left that to her, but will inquire next week. I did feel a slight tug every now & then, but not the tweezing sensation. The 30 minutes flew by. I wish I could have an hour session, but I am told she is limited to time that she can work on face.
For those of you considering electrolysis, ask these great people
anything that concerns you. They are so helpful and willing to impart their knowledge for our benefit.
Please do KEEP YOUR POSTS IN ONE THREAD so your story is not in bits and pieces all across the site. we really need your co-operation in this matter. You will also get better service by keeping all important info available in one thread on your treatment journey.
8 red dots out of 160 follicles is not a problem. It is my opinion, however, that Tea Tree Oil would have gotten rid of the red dots quickly, if not kept them from appearing. It certainly would have dissolved the puss in the white pimple overnight in most cases. Lastly, many people are allergic to Neosporin, so be careful with its use.
Sorry James…I thought different topics required a seperate post to get an answer. I was just afraid the red dots problem would not get answered under nickel allergy or titanium screws.
So very sorry.
Not a problem. Actually, those of us who answer questions (as opposed to the masses who read the strings) check the active topics and what has been posted in the past 3 days and give our answers. Only people reading the index would miss a new addition to an old topic. The point is, why would any of us volunteer answer people go checking the “Show All Posts” function for every person who posts a question? In the way you were going about doing things, that would have been the only way for anyone to know your whole story.
Big Hugs to you, and good luck! 
I wouldn’t use any soap on your face until the skin heals. these are probably tiny scabs forming which will fall off within a week or so; they are normal. just use tea tree oil or aloe vera or witch hazel on them.
James or lagirl…which brand of tea tree oil(seems to be 100’s) do you recommend and do they all need to be diluted when using on face? I read tea tree oil can affect hormones, I’m entering menopause, should I just stick with witch hazel/aloe and skip the oil? I would like to avoid the red dots next treatment.
Thank-you!
You want pharmaceutical grade melaleuca. What ever brand you use, it should be in a Brown Bottle, and should have a 35-3 to a 45-5 ratio
I haven’t read the whole thread, but I believe I to am allergic to nickel and some other metals. I can’t wear earrings, piercings or necklaces, or rings for that matter without breaking out and getting huge rashes. I know my electrologist uses some sort of gold probe. The one she first started using caused much worse irritation.
Either way, I don’t think it will be that bad. The irritation may just last longer. That is the only thing that I noticed.
HI Everyone!
Just wanted to update and get your opinions. I have now had 4 30 minute treatments (blend w/gold probe) on my upper lip & brow area. She informs me at the end of each session how many hairs have been removed. 1st 180, 2nd 220, 3rd 160, 4th 120. She works about 20 minutes on upper lip & 10 on brow area,also removing a few strays here & there. I have been going every week, Labor Day week was skipped, & have appointments set up for the next 2 weeks. She said I’m cleared (round 1) and am wondering how often I should be going from now on? I know the hair grows in three cycles, but is it a constant growth or do they come in spurts? I am very happy with results & have no problems afterwards, using the witch hazel & aloe.
Thanks to all for your help & opinions, I really appreciate it!
Well… congratulations on your first clearance. Those numbers sound good. I log the hair counter information and time as well, as it serves as a useful guide for those “how long” questions that we try to answer as best we can. It also shows benchmarks of progress that alert practitoner and client that things are going well. Expect those numbers to look like hills and valleys for the first six months and then time and numbers level and drop down until there is nothing to register because you have reached success - permanent hair removal.
I always like to see my newly cleared clients in about three weeks, but I tell them if they have a spurt of new hair coming forth before that time, they are welcome to call and I will work them into my schedule. Some clients are tempted to tweeze, so they need that reassurance that they can come back sooner than three weeks if they desire.
If all goes well for a short time on a three week schedule, then we go to 4-5 weeks.
Thanks for coming back and I’m glad that Round 1 is behind you.
Dee