So after weeks of searching and hours of discussion, my husband and I finally decided to just bite the bullet, go all in and buy the apilus platinum. After all the wonderful things that we’ve heard, we figured it was just the way to go. Now I know technique outweighs machine, but I’m a perfectionist, so I figured I would eventually get technique figured out and I wanted a great machine that I would be happy with now and years from now.
Anyway, I started electrology school a couple days ago. Today, I was talking to the owner of the school (electrology was her first specialty) and she advised me AGAINST getting the apilus platinum. She said the school used to teach off of one, but she found that none of the clients (and in turn, none of the students) liked it and everyone requested other machines (they also have fischers and a clareblend elegance). Apparently people thought it burned too hot, too fast. People also didn’t like the fact that it didn’t have the air feature.
I was really surprised at her answer because I was under the impression that the machine was a lot more comfortable, not more painful. Now I’m SO confused. It’s not like I can go to a store and try out all the different machines and I don’t want to over extend myself finacially wth the platinum only to find out I have a more painful machine… any advice?
I understand your confusion, but I also understand the territorial nature of this profession when it comes to epilator choice. It’s “pack mentality” at it’s best and most are not in the position to own all the epilators that manufacturers put before us to truly know what they are comparing.
The Apllus Platinum and Pure are top notch epilators for sensation, follicle destruction, skin reaction and time to completion. I own and have used a digital Gentronics with the air option and the Silhouet-Tone VMC and now I use the Platinum. All I can say is my job of removing hair permanently has become increasing better each time I moved up the ladder. If some genius engineer invents something better than the Platinum, I’ll buy it, as I have no allegience to a particular company. I just simply want the best.
It is NOT a more painful machine. Quite the opposite! Where are they getting this information? How were they using this machine? If they had one, did they get proper training?
Maybe you can ease your confusion by talking directly to someone at Dectro. James could help out on this one. It’s not for me to sell you on a particular epilator, but I tend to show my teeth when the hens start clucking. All I can say is my “relationship” with the Apilus Platinum has been very fruitful and satisfying. My clients have the final say and they all give a double thumbs up.
If used incorrectly, nothing is more painful, and more damaging than an Apilus Platinum.
When used correctly, nothing is more comfortable, and nothing leaves the skin looking more like no work was done at all.
Air current distraction devices? Seriously, those things only provided a distraction. Most companies that made them have stopped making them, and the feature can’t even be added to newer machines. The place where the sensation comes from is not accessable through the skin’s surface.
What I would worry about is your ability to get training on how to make the most of an Apilus Platinum if you actually purchased one. It would be best to take some time and visit one of their company locations (California, Massachusetts or Quebec) for the best instruction in the machine’s use.
An instructor who was still teaching to “find the treatment level via the customer’s pain tolerance” would be doing a GRAVE DISSERVICE to both the student and the victims of the overtreatments dished out by an over powered Platinum treatment.
My one complaint or shall I say, plea, is that Dectro make an instructional CD on par with what one would see and hear if they went to LA, MA or Quebec for training. Many elctrologists would like to buy the Plat or Pure, but they don’t have the means or desire to get traveling for a four hour course. They can still use this without the one on one instruction, but may only choose PicoFlash and PicoBlend modes and leave the other five modes on the shelf because they lack knowledge of when to use them.
I plan to contact a training center next spring and combine a training session with a road trip to Washington, D.C. I know I’m not using this great epilator to full capacity. How I wish I had an instructional CD…
Dee, have you put this request to Jean-Louis? I am sure he would help you if there were any way he could. Your request makes a LOT of sense, even for us non-pros.
I am sure they could get around the liability issue by having an up-front disclaimer.
I have made my suggestion known on the American Electrology Association forum and I was told that they need to evaluate each electrologists insertion technique and form to correct errors and this can’t be done with a DVD option. I would have to review that post again to see if I worded that correctly, but that is the gist.
I’m not even sure if I can get trained because I bought my AP used…
I understand your frustration. I used to work at a school where I repeatedly asked for the manuals for the Platinum as I wanted to understand it and teach others to use it. I never got the manual. I ended up resigning and contacted another school about the Platinum and this time, all of my questions were answered. If you like, and if you are in the NY area, I will be happy to provide you with personal instruction on the Platinum.
hi bfpengi - I like the platinum and think it is worth the investment but I also think that what is MOST IMPORTANT is buying a machine that you understand and have trained on. If you can’t be properly trained on the Platinum at your school, then visit a facility that provides specialized Apilus instruction. After you graduate from your school, the Apilus schools will provide you with a weekend seminar to train you on the Platinum.
I agree. If I end up getting the Apilus Platinum, I’m going to fly out to CA and get the training I need on it. Like I said. I’m a perfectionist and if I do something I like to do it right. Thank you everyone for your help. This board has been a WONDERFUL place of information for me. Anyone else have anymore input?
I am currently hunting for an electrologist in Dallas, and I wonder: is it reasonable to ask how long each person has been working with the Apilus Platinum? Given the discussion on this post (and the fact that I’ve already got hyper-pigmentation), this appears reasonable (to me, anyway).
I wouldn’t be phased if someone asked me that question, however, it’s not hard to learn how to use any Apilus model. Insertions are harder to accomplish than understanding how an epilator works. Having quality visual aids and lighting would be something to delve into as well. Terry Adams has a Platinum that she has had longer than me. She should be on your list as you get those consults. My client from Dallas really likes her work.