Working on a smoker of 40 years , no Lye

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Hello Hairtell’s , Help please.
I have a transgendered female client , Ginger and grey facial hair, age 60, my first of such health that has smoked for over 40 years and drinks often (alcohol) , 20 smokes a day habit , 6 standard drinks and wants electro to the face.

Session 1, (60 minutes) the client squirmed and was rather uncomfortable at real low settings, as i couldn’t generate any noticeable lye and the hairs were tough to tweeze. The client pained whilst being treated and jumped each time i removed a hair.
So after that I referred the client to go see their Dr and get some numbing cream.

Session 2, (120 minutes) All numbed up and back to normal range for blend, I still didnt get any lye…
Is this normal?
The skin of this person is like plastic to the touch , full of little veins around the cheeks too.

After a session of the numbing cream at normal average healthy person settings on the blend machine there was a bit of swelling on her face for about 3 days.

Im concerned that this client may be a drama and most of all i dont want to damage her already horrible skin…
If i was to do another session what would you recommend?
(what would you do?)
OR
Should i pass on working on her because of her health and skin condition? There’s not really anything that can be done…

Many thanks , stay beautiful

#2

the lack of lye is more likely the result of alcohol than it is smoking. It’s a real problem becasue the lack of moisture in the skin will affect all modalities, and as long as they continue drinking you will see some issues no matter what you do. Honestly if this were my client, I would go the thermolysis route .This will help with the lack of moisture somewhat but it honestly may be for the best if you advised this client to cease either the drinking, or the electrolysis, for both discomfort and effectiveness of treatments. Be aware though, most who drink regularly arent telling you all of it and most arent aboutto stop for the sake of getting their electrolysis treatments. Your concerns are legitimate however and you should stand your ground, unless the drinking stops you cant treat them.

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#3

Thank you so much for your help, i didn’t know that about alcohol.
It makes sense when you tell me though, thanks lots.

#4

I agree that thermolysis is the right approach when the skin is too dry. As much as the alcohol and smoking are causing problems, I would also bet she isn’t following a hydrating skincare routine or following a diet conducive to healthy skin, and this might make all the difference. She doesn’t need to be perfect in this regard, but there needs to be enough moisture to make your job easier. I would also suggest that she stops electrolysis while she works out a routine to get her skin in a better condition.

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#5

Thank you Thermo, I will recommend as you say, that’s good advice .

#6

Male type beard hair is always challenging. I do a lot of this kind of work. Hydration is important. Encourage more water and more salt. You need both to make lye. Also make sure you’re using a big enough needle. A 4 or 5 is my guess. If they’re ok with some scabbing go through the work once or twice with flash and then switch to blend.

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