The Pinch Technique for Pain Reduction

One of the main reasons that people tend to shy away from electrolysis is because they fear it will be too painful. The idea of a metal probe being inserted into a hair follicle and zapping it just sounds like it could be a lot worse than more temporary methods of hair removal.

If you are looking for a natural way to make the treatment more bearable you should ask your electrologist if they can proceed using the pinch technique.

What is the Pinch Technique?

The pinch technique is used when the electrologist pinches a small area of the skin to be treated between the thumb and the index finger during electrolysis.

The idea is to stop the nerve endings in the area from sending the pain signals back to the brain, therefore causing less discomfort during the procedure.

While the technique may not completely remove the pain, it has been proven to lessen the sensations significantly. If you want to remove any sensation of pain you can also ask your electrologist if it would be beneficial to use numbing pain before treatment.

How does it Work?

Before commencing on any area the electrologist should pinch a small section of the skin to be treated between the thumb and index finger.

The skin should only be pinched and pulled into a vertical pull.

A horizontal pull may actually create the opposite effect, meaning more discomfort or pain for the patient.

It is important to make sure that while the skin is being pinched in place it is also held taut. This action actually helps “pop” the hairs up and makes it easier for the electrologist to insert the probe and apply the current.

The pinch is continued to be held in place until all of the treated hairs have been removed with tweezers. Once one area has been treated, the next area will be gathered and pulled in the same pinching action and processed in the same way.

It is important to remember to collect enough skin in the pinch to make sure that the technique works in regards to pain reduction and also stretches the skin properly to be able to see and work on all follicles correctly.

Here is a video on how this technique works: 

How Effective Is It?

Cross section of a hair and hair follicle

Those who use it swear by it. It is especially effective on super sensitive areas such as the upper lip where almost everyone feels some degree of discomfort during the procedure. It’s also very effective on areas where hair grows in all types of directions.

In addition to being a great pain reducer it also helps the electrologist see in which direction each hair is growing so that he or she can make sure to insert the probe correctly.

If electrolysis is to be successful, the probe needs to literally kill the follicle, and the dead hair should immediately come out easily. The pinch technique seems to make the procedure easier.

Can You Ask Your Electrologist to Use It?

Yes, most definitely. The technique is not taught in training, but it is something that is usually picked up with experience.

You can ask your electrologist if they are familiar with the technique and if they are willing to use it during your treatment as a natural aid to reduce pain.

If they are not familiar with it there is no harm in asking them how they aim to reduce discomfort and if they would be willing to try using the technique.