The current intensity required for successful electrolysis treatment depends on the following factors:
- Needle size
- Needle quality
- Hair strength
- Skin type
- Application time
- Insertion
- Client’s pain threshold
CLIENT PAIN THRESHOLD
‘Pain threshold’ refers to the amount of stimulation (pain) the sensory nerve endings can comfortably tolerate without withdrawing from the source of stimulation. The aim of the electrologist is to work within or as close as possible to the client’s pain threshold.
Pain thresholds vary considerably and are affected by a number of factors:
- Client’s general health – feeling unwell may heighten their sensitivity
- Menstrual cycle – female clients may be more sensitive at certain points in their menstrual cycle. Once identified and where sensitivity is extreme, treatment can be avoided at these times.
- Fatigue/stress/anxiety – it is best not to book a treatment at the end of a busy working day
Provided there is no obvious reason for increased sensitivity, encouraging the client with positivity and enthusiasm is helpful. The blend techniques offer variations of current and time to help more sensitive clients.
FACTORS AFFECTING SENSITIVITY
- Proximity of insertions: working too closely to other treated hairs in one session can result in over-treated skin and cause discomfort, spacing insertions will make treatment more tolerable. Always work within the tolerance of the skin.
- Treatment area: pain thresholds vary from area to area, e.g. upper lip is particularly sensitive, the chin less so.
- Duration: treatment duration should be judged by assessing the amount of work needed against other factors, such as skin sensitivity and client’s pain threshold.
- Cold weather: this may cause the follicle openings to constrict
