I am a licensed esthetician from Michigan who is attending electrolysis school. I am very excited to be able to add electrology to my services. I am in the market for a machine. Should I purchase new or would used be “safe”. I have a lead on a 7 year old Silhoutte Tone Sequentium VM. Is this a good machine? What about the Instantron and Apilus machines? Any advise is welcome! Thank you.
They are all good machines, but there are varying levels of product within the same company. I own the Silhouet-Tone VMC, which is the top level that sil-tone offers, and I STILL LOVE IT even though I have recently upgraded to the Apilus Platinum with PicoFlash thermolysis technology. I heard Instantron is a good machine, but James knows more about that. He has stated opinions about different machines here on hairtell, so you might want to look at his most recent posts to discover more information.
There is nothing wrong with purchasing a pre-used machine as these epilators are very sturdy and places like Silhouet-Tone and Apilus are international companies that offer service and advice. I have found the people at Silhouet-Tone to be very kind and helpful over the years and my first dealing with Dectro (Apilus) went well.
If you have a lead on a VMC, take that seriously because there are not many used ones for sale. I had two VMC’s and sold one for $2,500 a year ago. I’m not ready to sell my other VMC until I know I am truly the master of the Platinum. I have been told that the Platinum is much better for sensation than other epilators. I’m comparing what I had been using (the VMC) with what I have recently purchased (the Apilus Platinum) and some clients say the sensation is about the same and some say it is much,much better.
The point is, get the best you can afford now and then move up to even better as you get your business going. Or, go for broke and get the best technology in the very beginning of your electrology career.
Others will have to speak for themselves about their particular epilator choices, but that’s what I know now about this subject.
Great to have you entering this profession. What school do you attend in Michigan???
I am attending the Livingston School of Electrology. I was amazed how hard it was to find a school in Michigan. There appears to only be a couple that are actually open now. I am enjoying it thus far. It really goes hand in hand with what I do now and appears easier to me than when I did my esthetics.
You are not kidding about finding used machines! The VMC that I looking at is being offered at $1000. She states it is in excellent condition and again, is 7 years old. It also includes $50 in needles.
Congratulations on your upgrade! It does appear that the Apilus is the best technology you can get.
Do you offer other hair removal services? How does your electrolysis business do? It seems like laser came into the field and put some people out of work. I do here that the results of laser are not as effective has people of hoped for. There is no one in this community offering electrolgy and people are having to travel 35 miles or more to get this service. I’m really hoping I will be able to offer a good service here.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and opinions. I just want to make sure my first investment is a sound one. I realize practice makes a good electrologist and I’m sure a good machine helps!