Recommendation for DIY machine to treat fine hairs

Hair Removal Methods Do-It-Yourself Electrolysis
#1

Hello. As my name suggests, I suffer from keratosis pilaris, everywhere but my face (thank god ^_^). I am interested in purchasing a machine to treat fine hairs, mostly on my arms, some on far side of my hands. No hair, no in-grown hair possible.

For the sake of safety I want to only use the galvanic method at first, maybe trying blend at some point, maybe.

The One Touch is not suited to the task with its thick, proprietary needle. Still, my trial did make me feel that overall attempt to do electrolysis myself would succeed with the proper equipment.

I have had some cosmetic electrolysis on my upper lip, bikini area, and eyebrows, with good success. At the cost of electrolysis in my area, the difficulty of others in seeing the hairs (no pigment often), and the time-savings of not having to drive in traffic, I figure a professional machine is a better investment. I am also relatively skilled with my hands and can even write legibly with my non-writing hand.

So what are my best options for a machine to be used in North America? I would prefer to spend $1,500 or less, but might go higher on a brand new machine.

I tried to bid on a Apilus Senior II on eBay today, but got out bid. I inquired into an Epil 200, as I had also seen recommend here, but it is only for 230V systems. I need to ask about price of Apilus Junior 3G, but I expect sticker-shock.

What other good makes and models am I missing?

Thanks.

#2

It’s been my observation that the Gentronics machines are by far the most popular galvanic machines on the market.

#3

A word of encouragement.

Some years back I had a patient with keratosis pilaris on his upper back and chest. Electrolysis will remove the follicle and also “cure” the condition. The amazing thing is that the guy was from Switzerland, and his Swiss insurance paid for his electrolyisis treatments: directly to me! Obamacare?

At the moment, I’m work with the young son (17) of an actor, with the same condition. His physician is focusing on the “demonex mite” (or an allergic reaction to the miserable critter?), as this has been hypothesized as the cause. Same question, for example, with rosacea.

I’m sure that once they find a cream (or pill) to kill this “monster” … well, suddenly we will all have conditions relating to the thing! “Find the medicine first … then create the disease.” I will use the cream anyway, because I find the notion of a BUG living in my skin disgusting!

#4

I had never heard of them before. Sadly it looks like the man behind it retired late last year, so no new epilators. Nothing on eBay either. Hmm.

So would your special probes be useful for fine hairs? Inserting the needle such that I puncture the root area is definitely my biggest concern as a neophyte.

#5

Thanks. That is my hope obviously. I have tried pretty much every conventional treatment and should have done this sooner.

#6

"I had never heard of them before. Sadly it looks like the man behind it retired late last year, so no new epilators. Nothing on eBay either. Hmm.

So would your special probes be useful for fine hairs? Inserting the needle such that I puncture the root area is definitely my biggest concern as a neophyte."

Jim did retire but there are plenty of Gentronics machines around and from what I gather, they are a very tough machine. One will turn up I’m sure.

The Laurier IBP is not intended for galvanic use ( and would be self-defeating for for that modaity ) An uninsulated needle would be better for your purposes. It can be used for blend but it is intended for thermolysis use.

#7

Thank your for the feedback on the needles.

Used machines are so sporadically available. I find so hard to comprehend how there is no Sterex SX-G type machine made for North America.

#8

Here’s the thing…galvanic machines, speaking from a design point of view, are very simple so an early machine in proper working condition will perform as well for your purposes as a late model one will. All the great advancements in epilators of today are directed at controlling the RF of thermolysis. Consequently, there is where the advantages ( and expense ) lie in the modern, advanced machines. For your galvanic intentions, you don’t have to take out a mortgage. I suggest you call Texas Electrolysis Supply and ask if they have any used galvanic machines. For personal use you need solid/dependable, not pretty :wink:

Blend is a combination of the two and some advantage can be had by finding an advanced machine. That Hinkel machine you spoke of in the other thread sounds like a sound bet. Mr. Bono can give you a very accurate opinion of that particular model, I’m sure. He is a well known expert on the blend method and very familiar with the Hinkel company and it’s products.

#9

Funny, I also made a bid on the same Apilus Senior II machine on ebay and of course got out bidded :confused: I’m currently looking for a machine myself but so far no luck