Student Q: Cannot perform a single insertion on a specific client

Professionals Only!
#1

Hi all,

Firstly, I’m enrolled in an electrolysis course with theory+practical assessment, so I’m not a professional (yet) but definitely a proper student if you call it that. I have about 20-30 hours unsupervised practice at the moment.

Two of my clients have brown straight hair and I call them my ‘dartboards’ since I have zero issue performing insertions on legs, face, it’s really quite effortless, everything “just works” and I can basically throw the probe at them and make a good insertion.

I started (attempting) to work on a new client today with the following specs:

  • MTF transgender
  • extremely fair skin (Fitzpatrick 1)
  • red hair, curly on scalp and straight on beard, legs

Skin felt very elastic/rubbery. I could not get even one single insertion on her face, or legs, after trying for literally 30 minutes and I gave up. (On my ‘dartboards’ I would have at least 60-100 insertions and removals by then.) Tried correctly sized, undersized and oversized probes (F2, F3, F4).

Patient does not report Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or any other skin-affecting condition other than mild (managed) excema.

Equip is Sterex SX-B + sterex two-piece probes, blend mode, I mix between single and dual handed as it feels right.

I am 100% okay if it’s just my technique not being great as a newbie, but it really felt totally different, and I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions or comments about this.

Thanks in advance.

1 Like
#2

As a teacher of 30 years it’s my opinion that you shouldn’t be working on faces until you have at least 160 hours of work on the body. I would try using a ballet needle which is one piece and stronger. The follicles are very tight on large hairs like bikini, underarms and beards so you need a strong needle to get in but you have to be careful that you are still staying in the follicle and not breaking the skin. We do an online training program that is virtual if you’re interested. We have animated videos teaching proper insertion. You can check out beard removal with electrolysis on our utube channel. Jade Clinics.

#3

Hi Jdesloges,

Folks have to start somewhere. My goal was to get an insertion, not to remove any hairs (no power was applied). I am continuing with regular work on legs and other areas as well, and I don’t see how having 160 hours on legs will make me magically better at other areas.

Virtual training courses aren’t going to help since this is a practical issue. As you are fully aware with your experience, watching a video and doing it with your own hands are two very, very different beasts.

I will talk to my course leader and see if i can arrange a practical before my final assessment to work on insertions on other areas.

Appreciate you taking the time to consider my concerns.