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Practitioner Reference Guide

Please note, all clients are different. The below probe guide is meant to help electrologists understand the average uses. Exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis.

Probe Selection
Probe size reference

All Ballet probes are available in F-shank (1.25mm) and K-shank (0.80mm) unless noted. One pack = 50 probes.

 

Size
Diameter (in)
Diameter (mm)
Shank
Materials
Common uses cases
2
0.002"
0.055mm
F & K
Stainless, Gold, Insulated
Finer, thinner hairs matching the diameter of the probe. Most commonly suitable for feminine hair growth, particularly feminine face, hands and feet. See diagram for regions of the body.
2 SHORT
0.002"
0.055mm
F Only
Stainless, Gold, Insulated
Finer, thinner hairs as above, particularly shallow.
3
0.003"
0.075mm
F & K
Stainless, Gold, Insulated
Fine to medium thickness hair, matching the diameter of the probe. Suitable for darker hairs which may be slightly thicker, or for more mature hairs. See diagram for regions of the body.
4
0.004"
0.1mm
F & K
Stainless, Gold, Insulated
Medium thickness hairs, mostly away from the face unless for masculine beard hair. Can be used for thick female leg hair or pubic hair. Match probe diameter to hair diameter, and see diagram for regions of the body.
5
0.005"
0.125mm
F & K
Stainless, Gold, Insulated
Thick hairs, particularly terminal hairs. These may be hormonal hair growth, pubic hair, or masculine beard, chest or leg hair. See diagram for more regions of the body.
6
0.006"
0.15mm
F & K
Stainless, Gold, Insulated
Very thick, terminal hairs, which may be particularly deep and require a more rigid probe to target. Mostly for masculine terminal hairs.
Variables to consider when choosing a probe
Probe width

The diameter of the probe should match the diameter of the living hair being treated. A wider probe will offer electrologists more control in the follicle, and it will conduct electrical current more uniformly to a wider surface area. This allows for more uniform heat distribution in the follicle, and more permanent hair removal. For thin hairs, a thinner probe is suitable, and for wider hairs, a wider probe is essential. 

Material
Medical-grade stainless steel is good for clients with healthy skin who are not sensitive. Steel is the simplest and most traditional material choice. 
 
Insulated probes limit the contact between the steel probe and the follicle to the tip of the probe only. This allows more precise targeting deep within the follicle, and helps sensitive clients by protecting the upper skin layers from reaction or electrical current. 
 
Gold is a soft, nickel-free metal that’s highly conductive. It is good for sensitive clients, particularly those with allergy to nickel. Heat settings can be lowered with gold and still achieve permanent results.
Unique hair and skin types
On sensitive clients, try different types of probes. Certain sensitivities, such as nickel allergies, may not be immediately clear. Ask your clients how their skin reacts after treatment.
 
Clients prone to hyperpigmentation after electrolysis may see benefits from different probe choices, such as Gold or Insulated, and lower electrical current. 
 
Curly hair can distort the follicle, making the root harder to reach. A one-piece probe like Ballet’s, and particularly a thicker probe, can allow an electrologists to straighten out the follicle and accurately target the root.
Material guide
Choosing the right material

Choose the material based on your client’s skin type and sensitivity profile.

Stainless steel

Sculpted from medical grade stainless steel. Most economical option. Ideal for clients with strong, healthy skin who respond well to electrolysis.

Gold

Gold is a soft nickel-free metal, gentle on the skin and more conductive than steel, for more immediate reaction and higher heat in the follicle. Redness and swelling are reduced and the skin more rapidly returns to homeostasis.

Insulated

Coated with medical-grade insulation less than one micron thick. Protects surface nerve layers, reducing discomfort. Suggested for high-sensitivity clients.

FAQ
Common Questions
What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved form of permanent hair removal. It is the science of directly targeting the base of the hair follicle with direct and/or alternating current, thereby eliminating hair regrowth.

Unlike shaving, waxing and tweezing – all of which target only the visible part of the hair and do not impact the follicle’s regrowth – effective electrolysis treatments occur at the base of the hair. This means that a growing hair removed with electrolysis will never grow back. 

Laser is another common hair removal option, but it is not considered permanent by the FDA. Where laser fails on pigmented skin and light hairs, the effectiveness of electrolysis will remain consistent. Electrolysis can also be performed safely on more intimate areas such as around the eyes and groin.

Ballet pioneered single-use one-piece probes in the 1980s when reusable probes were still common in many areas. Our attention to quality, efficiency, and safety set us apart in the industry. We still carry this attitude today. 

Ballet is the only major electrolysis manufacturer that focuses entirely on electrolysis probes. This allows us to update our products and our equipment with the highest frequency in the space. Our manufacturing is the most reliable and of the highest standard available.

Since our inception Ballet has been manufactured in South-East France. Using the feedback we collect from electrologists in conjunction with the micro-mechanical expertise of this region of France, we produce a product that is both technical and beautiful.

When Ballet first began in the 1980s, our founder Joseph Asch looked for something that captured both technical precision as well as beauty and power. Ballet dance served as an inspiration for us during this time.

Since its introduction, many changes have been made to the process of electrolysis. Over time, the creation of electrolysis needles has changed through many types, including modified sewing needles, one-piece needles, two-piece needles, tapered needles, and stainless-steel needles.

Needles have continued to develop because of problems with old needles, and Ballet concluded electrologists wanted a flexible one-piece probe with a smoothly rounded polished tip and inexpensive materials fit for one-time only use. These developments were made in the creation of the Ballet Sterile Disposable Needle.

Ballet developed a range of different electrolysis needles to fit the needs of different clients with differing sensitivities. Different types introduced included Stainless Steel Needles  (inexpensive), Gold Needles (for those with stainless steel allergy), and Insulated Needles (for greater comfort and less scabbing).

When Ballet Insulated Needles are used in place of normal Stainless-Steel Needles with high frequency current, the discharge of heat is confined to a smaller area, and the risk of surface damage is lower.

Different sizes are available for Ballet needles, varying for different types of hair. Needle size should be selected based on the size of the hair being treated, ranging from a size of 2 to 6 Frequency should also be adjusted, as thinner needle sizes create a hotter treatment. Ballet needles also have three shank sizes to fit all modern epilators.

See the Practitioner Guide for more details

Every aspect of a Ballet needle is based on extensive research and testing. Needles are also inspected several times to ensure that they meet shape and polish standards. Ballet needles are also micro-polished and have a gently rounded tip in order to ensure smooth insertions.

After passing rigorous inspection, Ballet needles are sterilized and packed into hospital quality packaging. In addition, Ballet needles are sterilized using Ethylene Oxide sterilization, which protects Ballet patients from any disease transmission via electrolysis needles.

Ballet
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