The Rise and Fall of Applisonix Ultrasound Tweezers

Do you remember Applisonix Selectif Pro, this miraculous ultrasound tweezer which was intended to replace electrolysis on the permanent hair removal market? The manufacturer of Applisonix claimed that the tweezer could radiate ultrasound waves and that this energy could then be led to the base of the follicle, by the hair, where heat was created. All this, along with the promise “zero pain, zero skin reaction.” Powered by pseudo-scientific studies financed by the stock market launch of the manufacturer and an aggressive marketing campaign, this new gadget shook up the permanent hair removal industry. Three years later, it’s all over. If the rise was rapid, the fall was even more so. In a few months, Applisonix disappeared from the stock market. Their website is no longer in operation and all promotional material has been removed from the web. Thousands of salons that were duped, must now explain the lack of results to angry customers.

The story of Applisonix is certainly sad, but it is far from being a unique case. Each year new miraculous hair removal methods are made available. We only need to think of radiofrequency tweezers or devices using infrared light. The marketing concept of these gadgets is often similar: absence of independent “scientific” studies and huge promotional efforts combining video clips, magazines and increased web presence. Everything usually ends with bankruptcy or closure of the promoting company within 24 to 36 months, leaving thousands of customers without recourse, but with all their hair!

To you make the right choice in your quest of an efficient and permanent hair removal method, here are the 5 golden rules:

1. A hair is not a conductor!

Hair is made of keratin, a fibrous protein. This composite material is very strong and elastic, but it neither conducts electricity nor radiofrequency and even less ultrasound. To create heat at the base of the follicle, only two methods are effective: electrolysis and photoepilation. In the case of the latter method, the hair must be pigmented.

2. No sensation? Really?

If modern electrolysis devices are able to reduce the sensation of hair removal to a slight tingling, it is however not possible to completely eliminate any feeling. This is because each hair is surrounded by a network of nerve cells. Thus, by using heat to destroy the base of the follicle, there must be a sensation.

3. Hair shouldn’t resist!

The non-resistance of the hair when during the removal is an excellent indicator of the efficiency of the treatment. If it comes out with difficulty and the skin “raises”, the hair was probably ripped out and the results will be void. Using electrolysis, resistance does not exist since the hair glides gently outward. It is at this point that the electrologist knows that germ cells have been destroyed permanently.

4. Trust in history!

Electrolysis has been around for over 140 years, its effectiveness is therefore proven. Customers get exactly what they pay for: 100% permanent hair removal treatments, each and every time. Before investing in a new technology, it is important to try it for at least 3 to 6 months. It is only after this period that most of the hair has finished a complete cycle of growth and after which you can make your own opinion.

5. Choose the right partner!

The best technology will not be worth anything to you, if you are not supported by a supplier who is active and present throughout the whole lifecycle of the device. Make sure that the manufacturer and the device have been in the industry for a long time, that you will receive a complete training, and most importantly, that you will get a quality after-sales service.