Recommended "Pro" Machines?

Hair Removal Methods Do-It-Yourself Electrolysis
#1

I wasn’t sure if this post should be here since we are dealing with home electrolysis done by a (basically) professional.

My mom completed schooling earlier this year to become an Esthetician, and also learned how to perform electrolysis. We moved recently and our new community is quiet and away from the city bustle. Basically, while there are a good number of people around, shops are a little hard to get to, and with only one car, my mom hasn’t found any good, nearby salons to work in. So she is currently setting up a home business. She has all the esthetic materials she needs, except for an electrolysis machine.

So she’s looking into different machines and I mentioned I knew about this site I had looked at a few times for my sister (who ended up getting laser hair removal last year). This site has seemed very good to me, so I thought this would be the best place to ask our question:

What would be a good, professional electrolysis machine for an esthetician to use in a home business? And on a secondary note, are there any safety/power issues we should worry about, not being in a salon?

She wants to get a good machine, but not too expensive. Her school recommended a few machines, but the one they pushed (which she unfortunately can’t remember the name of, though she plans on calling to check this weekend) was supposedly $4,000+. Oh, that’s another thing: we need a machine available in Alberta, Canada. Is it possible to get a good machine in the $2,000 range? Or should we just forget the money and go whole-hog on a good investment?

One last question, on a totally different topic: can anyone share experiences on facial hair removal for men by electrolysis? Painful? Embarrassing to go out in public because you’re so red/bumpy (especially when you’re going to university)? I mean, since I am helping her, I might as well get something out of this, right? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Oh, to never have to shave again…

Thank you to whoever replies!

LighteningKid

#2

I think it is very nice that you want to help your mother.

There are excellent Electrology Schools in Canada and some very good Electrology Organizations.

Does your mom remember the name of the machine that she used at her school? What school did she go to? How long was her electrology training in the esthetics program?

Tell her to join an electrology association in Canada.
If she didn’t learn about trade organizations, google and find them.

At the electrology trade shows, your mom will have an opportunity to see equipment and ask questions. If your mom wants to be a true professional, she needs to be properly trained on her equipment and reading the manuals might not be sufficient.

#3

The manuals are often not enough to even explain how to work the various functions on the machine – especially with the computerized ones.

The answer to your question is that computerized machines are easier to get good results out of if you are are a beginner, and if you don’t mind buying the equipment used, you can score $4,000 machines for $2,000 frequently. As we speak, Ebay has a $2,000 Silhouet Tone ST-250 machine with a starting bid of $1,400, and last week an Apilus SM-500 went for $1,400

If your mom is relying on the few hours training that most non-electrolysis schools give, she will be surprised to know just how little she knows about doing this. Seeking more training and reading some of the books in our recommended reading list is advised.

lastly, your skin condition after beard work will rely on her skill level. Some people look like nothing has happened in as little as 45 minutes after treatment, others are swollen for up to a week. Some have temporary scabs or pigment marks, while others have none of that at all. You will find that the result of having no hair to shave, and no skin irritation due to the shaving process will be worth what ever your mother’s skill yield. You will also be helping her to become good at something that will make her one of the best in her area. Anyone who can clear a male beard can make short work of any lady facial hairs. She will also have you to show off to anyone who asks, “Does this really work?” You just have to give her enough time to do the job. Oh, yeah, that’s right, you live with her – looks like you have the time to give. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
(If I had a dollar for every client who joked about moving in with me)

#4

If your mom wants to present herself as a professional and offer the best treatments, I would not focus on getting old used equipment.

You indicate that you are in Canada, well, in Canada, your mom has great opportunities to buy the finest equipment and great opportunities for continuing education in the field.

Tell your mom about this website and suggest she participate.

#5

As I pointed out, lots of new equipment is available where someone planned on starting a business, never did, and have everything new from the factory. It is technically used, because it is not purchased from the factory.

If you can afford new, get new, if you can’t go with a new Apilus or Silhouet Tone, then a gently used one is just as good.

#6

Thank you all for your help and advice. Unfortunately, it seems my mom is now having second thoughts about adding electrolysis to her list of services. Personally, I think if she’s willing to do it, it could be her most attractive service, but she’s not so sure. I’ll have to see what I can do to convince her.

#7

She should think long and hard about it. Many people get into this business thinking that it is money for nothing (and chicks for free?) and slam right into the realization that it is actually real (hard) work.

They also find that they have to do a little bit more than just hang a sign saying that they provide the service to fill their schedule book.

#8

If your mom is looking to become a professional in this field she is going to need to have the best of the best. She is going to need the best schooling and equipment that she can get. If she can’t afford it then maybe she will need to take a business loan out of the bank. It can be done!

~ Megan @ Hair Removal [hair-removal-options dot com] A Guide to find the best hair removal option for you

#9

Apilus SM-500
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c114/surfwidow/d5dc30e9.jpg
this is mine and my goodness what cant it do X)

i love the flash thermolysis its a dream come true

‘a dream machine’ had it a year so far and now am looking to zap as much as i can X)

this is it in use DIY
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c114/surfwidow/elctrolysis/body1.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c114/surfwidow/elctrolysis/f7052b5e.jpg

I LIVE IN THE UK

And had to buy mine from New York USA - via EBAY - so its quite a stressful business - but all went well for me X)

#10

Not that Mr. Sparx would want to bother, but those who have an SM-500 would maybe like to know that the machine can be upgraded to run the programs of the SX-500 & IMPaac Software that came after it was discontinued. That means, one can bring it up to just below an Apilus Platinum. It can be an SX in SM’s clothing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

#11

It sounds like some folks out there want this person to go down the tubes before she even starts. Realistically, equipment hasn’t changed since the 60’s when vacuum tubes went away. We’re still using milliamps of DC or a few watts of high frequency AC. I personally don’t like all the computerized stuff as hairs on individuals, even in the same general body area, are different. There is no better teacher than experience. I would much rather rely on my own experience than some microchip that tries to do it for me. All the fancy equipment in the world will not help if you don’t know how to do a basic epilation with basic equipment. I’m not saying go out and buy something that looks like it came from a 50’s B Sci-Fi movie but be reasonable. Going into debt while starting up a business is usually a good way to lose everything. Why do you think there is so much almost new equipment from other start-ups that didn’t make it? I’m probably going to catch some flack for this but there is nothing wrong with older equipment, as long as it’s in good working shape. After you’ve made some money, then, and only then, go out and buy newer equipment. Bottom line is I would rather go to somebody that had experience and an antique than a newbie with a $4000 epilator.

#12

My thoughts on this subject are all over this board in exasperating detail, do I really need to restate my reply to this type of thing here?

#13

Not that Mr. Sparx would want to bother, but those who have an SM-500 would maybe like to know that the machine can be upgraded to run the programs of the SX-500 & IMPaac Software that came after it was discontinued. That means, one can bring it up to just below an Apilus Platinum. It can be an SX in SM’s clothing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

is this a software upgrade if so does this have to be done by a main dealer - cos they is expensive <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> :stuck_out_tongue:

#14

Yes, it is a software upgrade, and it will cost a few hundred dollars, however, that is something one can do down the line when and if it merits, and not something one needs to have up front.

I am just pointing out that the platform is expandable, and just what level it can actually reach before maxing out.

Sometimes one gets lucky and can find one of these being sold by the children and grandchildren of a person, and they don’t know what it is, nor what the value might be, and one could buy the unit, and pay for the upgrade to SX-500 without having paid for as much as a Cleo or Senior when all is added up.