The word needle puts a lot of people off, so it is worth clearing up straight away. An electrolysis probe is a fine, smooth, flexible filament with a rounded end. It follows the hair down into the natural opening of the follicle; it does not cut or puncture the skin the way an injection needle would.
Choosing the right probe, and using a fresh one every time, is a big part of a comfortable, safe and effective treatment.
The main probe types
One-piece probes
A single continuous filament. A traditional, reliable design used across many treatment areas.
Two-piece probes
A filament joined to a separate shank, giving a little extra flexibility that can improve comfort and precise entry into the follicle.
Insulated probes
Coated along the shaft so the energy is concentrated at the base of the follicle. This helps protect the surface of the skin and is one of the tools we use to treat deeper skin tones safely.
Gold probes
Gold-plated for clients with metal sensitivities, since gold is hypoallergenic and conducts energy smoothly.
Sizing matters
Probes come in a range of diameters, and matching the probe to the hair makes a real difference. As a rule the probe should be close to the thickness of the hair being treated: too fine and the energy is concentrated too narrowly, too thick and it becomes harder to enter the follicle comfortably.
Your practitioner selects the diameter for your hair and area, and will often change probe as they move from, say, fine facial hair to coarser hair elsewhere.
Sterility and single use
Every client is treated with a new, sterile, single-use disposable probe that comes from sealed packaging and is opened in front of you. It is used only for your appointment and is safely discarded afterwards; probes are never reused between clients.
This, alongside proper skin preparation and clean technique, keeps the risk of infection very low and is a standard part of professional practice.