I am new in the business and looking into buying loupes because I don’t see well enough with the standard magnification lamp. I wear prescription glasses and because my prescription will likely change, I can’t wear contact lenses, and I don’t have a lot of start-up cash to spend, I was looking at the clip on loupes that companies like Orascoptic and Sheer Vision offer. It appears due to the clip-ons needing to be lighter weight, they only offer up to 3.5x magnification. With a working distance of 11 - 14 inches, is 3.5x magnification enough to comfortably see the hairs and follicles? I figure after the low magnification of the lamp, that 3.5x would be much better, but I don’t want to invest $500 if I’m going to quickly realize I need MORE! Help… need to make a quick decision! Thanks!!
Have you joined the American Electrology Association Forum on Facebook? That would be a good idea to post your question there.
Personally, I invested in surgical loupes. I paid about $2,000 for them years ago. Don’t skimp on your eyewear for health reasons and for the good of the client. You will get many requests to remove very fine vellus hair. Don’t look for bargains on this point.
Thanks Dee… What magnification strength are your loupes? That is my biggest question that I can’t seem to get answers on! Thanks! 
My question would be how much can you put towards this endeavor. If you can spend the time to get over the initial brain confusion of looking through them, stereo microscopes are an almost perfect solution for electrolysis. They allow individual focusing of each eye piece, thus eliminating the need for glasses for many people, and offer magnification ranging from 6 times up to 40 times life size, depending on what scope you use.
Personally, I am spoiled by mine.
Trust me, I spent more than a thousand dollars on stuff I never use now, before I went for broke (literally) and got my first operating room stereo scope.
Thanks James for your reply!
Well, I’m almost broke as it is!! LOL I spent $2500 on an epilator and I have been in limbo waiting for my state Board to drag their feet in issuing my license so I can work! (long story) But I’m a single mom of two who has not had any income for several months, so I’ve only got about $750 earmarked for magnification right now. (no credit options) Not sure what stereo micrscopes are, but they’re probalby out of my league right now. :-/ I don’t like the magnification lamp… it just doesn’t seem to provide adequate lighting or magnification. So, if I’m going to go with loupes, what is the minimum magnification strength you would recommend? I think I can afford the 4x flip-up loupes that incorporate my eyeglass prescription. Is 4x adequate? Thanks!
Kelly
Like I said, the better magnification I got, the more I wanted.
If you are doing thick terminal hairs on guys, and leg hairs 4 times magnification might be fine. If you plan on doing tiny lady hairs, and cookie duster mustaches on girls, 4 times magnification won’t make you all that happy.
Thanks James…
What are stereo microscopes???
Kelly
Here is a good example of a stereo microscope that would be decent for electrolysis. You would just want to get it with the longer pole, so it sits higher.
So I know this thread is old but what about the el cheapo loupes on eBay? Less than $100.