Seeing follicle openings

Hair Removal Methods Do-It-Yourself Electrolysis
#1

I have a pair of the lower cost Chinese 6x loupes. And have been experimenting with some insertions (no power).

For some reason, I was anticipating being able to see the follicle openings - but I can’t at all, even when gently stretching the skin. Will this always be the case, or are you working at a level of magnification where you can see the follicle openings.

I’ve been trying with hair on my arm, though the hair is very fine, blonde and not straight. I have been on MtF HRT for almost three years. The hairs are approx the width of an F2 needle.

It’s not easy at all.

Is the magnification in this video of Josefa’s close to what you mostly work at, or is it more or less. The 6x loupes don’t provide the level of magnification shown in this video.

But even in this video, it’s not possible to see the actual follicle openings. It seems that once the probe is at the correct angle for each hair, then the probe is matched up with the base of the hair (rather than seeing an opening in which the probe can be inserted).

Is this just how it is for electrologists.

#2

If they’re true 6x loupes then you shouldn’t be struggling to see the openings. Many electrologists work with loupes that are 3x

#3

I use an 8X magnifier and it does not give me near as close up as that video. I have no idea what Josepha uses for optics for that .

#4

Thankyou Iluv2zap.

Are you able to see hair follicle openings with your 8x or don’t you need to, given your level of experience.

I’m not sure what my expectation should be in terms of what I hoping to be able to clearly see. Naturally, it feels like it would be so much simpler and easier if I could clearly see follicle openings. But, I’m also thinking that maybe I don’t need such a level of resolution - though I can’t imagine how I will be able to become proficient without being able to see follicle openings.

Of course it could be that my hair on my arms/legs is very fine and the follicles very small after 3 years HRT.

btw, I had thought you were working with a microscope now.

Does an OPMI 99 provide sufficient magnification to see follicle openings.

#5

As i already wrote in personal communication follicle “openings” are quite often not present at all; the hairs are just breaking through the skin. Especially if the horn layer of the skin is relatively thick. That’s nature - usually more complex than our models…

Despite of that it is usually quite clear how to do the insertion correctly.

#6

Kellie,

I think the magnification of Josefa’s video is 15X-20X.Only microscope has that magnification.
Even with 20X you will not see the follicle openings most of the time.How Beate explained, often the follicle opening does not exist.

Fortunately you do not need to see the opening to make accurate insertion. If you have Michael Bono’s book “The blend method”, on page 102 there is explanation how to make insertion using the “PATHFINDER”.

OPMI 99 microscope is perfect for electrolysis if you can afford it. The vision is the most important tool in the office.

Dimi

#7

Fingernails/toenails are very similar to hairs.

Look at your fingernail. You will see an “opening” … but it’s not actually an opening. I mean, you can’t drop anything down in the nail bed (without bleeding), and similarly the “follicle opening” (infundibulum) is not the entrance to an open tube.

Hairs and follicles are bound together at the cellular level (just like fingernails). Like Dr. Beate said, sometimes you don’t see any “opening” for a number of reasons she stated. Focus on the first couple of millimeters out of the follicle, AKA “pathfinder.”

#8

Thankyou Beate, dimi and Michael, for your comments above.