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Insulated and Non-Insulated Needles
One and Two Piece Needles
Advice for Apilus Users
Advice for Non-Computerised Diathermy and/or Blend Machine Users
At HOF Beauty, we strive to support our customers and offer our advice and expertise. As Advanced Hair Removal Specialists, we’d like to offer you our advice in response to the global shortage of Ballet insulated needles.
Ballet insulated needles are currently facing a global shortage due to supply chain disruption. We have been informed that the shortage is expected to continue until at least the end of Summer 2024. We appreciate that this shortage may be a difficult time for our Ballet needle customers. We have consulted with our specialist educator and trainer, who has provided guidance on alternative needles that you may wish to use during this shortage.
Our extremely experienced educator Janice Brown, who you may have met in our training sessions, has worked in advanced hair removal for many years and has written books and training documents that are highly regarded in this field. Janice has kindly shared her expert knowledge to guide you in choosing the best alternative needle in the interim.
Insulated and Non-Insulated Needles
Insulated needles are covered with an insulating material while leaving a small area at the tip where the emitted energy is concentrated in a focused area at the base of the follicle. This type of needle is used with rapid thermolysis modalities, such as PicoFlash, MicroFlash, MultiPlex and Synchro in Apilus machines.
Non-insulated needles have no insulated covering allowing the current to flow along the entire needle shaft. As opposed to insulated needles where the energy is concentrated at the tip.
One and Two Piece Needles
Switching between one and two piece needles can sound and feel daunting. Here we have some education on these needles to help you with the transition. Both types have their individual advantages so it’s a great time to expand your knowledge and skills which will help refine and develop your technique further.
One Piece needles are constructed from a single piece of metal with no breaks, where the needle is an extension of the shank. This means they are far more rigid than two piece needles. Consequently, our insertion angle must be accurate and in line with the follicle opening. The rigidity can prove to be beneficial to many electrologists as it can provide the user with more follicle feedback and therefore a higher chance of an accurate insertion.
In situations where it is physically difficult or not possible to get our hand to the right angle to achieve an accurate insertion with a one piece needle, our two piece needles can be of a great advantage. Two Piece needles have two separate components; the shank (which fits into the needle holder) and the shaft (the needle) which are joined together by a crimping technique. As the needle is more independent from the shank, the electrologist will feel flexibility while using a two piece needle. Two piece needles allow the shaft to flex, meaning that even if you cannot align your hand to the follicle opening, the needle will flex and allow for easier insertion at awkward angles.
Advice for Apilus users
For Apilus machines, we recommend that you use Pro-Tec IsoGuard Two Piece Insulated Needles. These are manufactured by the same company that manufactures the Apilus units and have been created for optimised efficiency with Apilus machines.
It is essential that an insulated needle is used for flash modes, MicroFlash, PicoFlash and Multiplex. Also, an insulated needle must be used when using the Synchro mode on the xCell and Platinum models. The machine settings when switching to Pro-Tec IsoGuard needles is the same as when using Ballet insulated needles.
Advice for Non-Computerised Diathermy and/or Blend Machine Users
If you are using a non-computerised diathermy and/or blend machine, such as our Carlton and Silhouette machines, you can simply switch to one-piece stainless steel or gold needles. Ballet Gold and Stainless Steel needles are not impacted by the global shortage and are available for purchase from HOF.
The Ballet Gold One Piece Needles are plated with 24 carat gold. This is a highly conductive metal but is gentle on the skin. For clients who suffer from allergies and sensitive skin, or react negatively to stainless steel needles, Ballet Gold is a great option.
Ballet Stainless Steel One Piece Needles are the most economical Ballet needles. This surgical grade steel needle offers smooth, precise, and comfortable insertions.
Always refer to your user manual for further details and information regarding pre-sets and setting options. If you no longer have a copy of your manual, please get in touch and we can send you a digital copy.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our offices on 01480 404 200, or at info@hofbeauty.co.uk, where we will offer our support and guidance.
