Gold vs. Stainless Steel Electrolysis Filaments + Filament Sizes Explained

Choosing the right electrolysis filament can make a big difference in your treatment. But with different materials, sizes and styles available, it can be difficult to know which one to reach for.

Should you use gold or stainless steel? What do sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 mean? Does a larger number mean a longer filament?

Let’s break it down.

Gold vs. Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?

Stainless Steel Filaments

Stainless steel is a popular everyday choice for electrolysis and is suitable for a wide variety of clients, treatment areas and hair types.

They are durable, versatile and available in a range of sizes and styles. For many electrologists, stainless steel is the filament they reach for most often.

Gold-Plated Filaments

Gold-plated filaments are coated with a thin layer of gold and can be a great alternative for clients with sensitive or reactive skin.

They may also be a good option for clients with a known sensitivity to nickel, which can be present in stainless steel alloys.

Because gold filaments are more expensive than standard stainless steel, many electrologists keep both options on hand and choose between them based on the individual client and treatment.

What Do Filament Sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Mean?

One of the most common points of confusion for newer electrologists is filament sizing.

The number refers to the diameter or thickness of the filament, not its length.

The basic rule is:

The smaller the number, the finer the filament.
The larger the number, the thicker the filament.

As a general guide:

Size F1 – Ultra fine
Size F2 – Very fine
Size F3 – Fine
Size F4 – Medium
Size F5 – Coarse
Size F6 – Very coars

What Does F2SH Mean?

If you use Ballet filaments, you may have also come across F2SH.

The F2 refers to the filament size, while SH stands for "Short." An F2SH is therefore a Size 2 filament with a shorter needle length than the standard version.

This is an important distinction because SH does not indicate a different diameter or size of filament. It's still a Size 2; the filament itself is simply shorter.

Short filaments can be particularly useful when working with shallow follicles or areas where a shorter insertion is appropriate.

How Do You Choose the Right Filament Size?

A good general rule is to match the diameter of the filament as closely as possible to the diameter of the hair being treated.

Fine hairs will generally call for a finer filament, while larger, coarser hairs will generally call for a larger filament.

Choosing an appropriately sized filament can help with:

• Accurate insertions
• Effective delivery of treatment energy
• Client comfort
• Appropriate contact within the follicle
• Efficient treatment

If you're treating a larger hair and follicle with an unnecessarily fine filament, you may not be making the best use of the available follicular space.

At the same time, bigger isn't always better. A filament that is too large for the follicle can make a smooth, accurate insertion more difficult.

The goal is to choose a filament that suits the hair and follicle you're actually treating.

Don't Get Stuck Using One Size

It's easy to find a favourite filament size and start reaching for it automatically, especially when you're newer to electrolysis.

But not every hair is the same.

You might be treating very fine facial hair during one appointment and significantly coarser hair during the next. Even on the same client and treatment area, you may encounter hairs of different diameters.

Having several filament sizes within reach allows you to adjust your selection throughout the treatment rather than trying to make one size work for everything.

What About Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Filaments?

Filament material and size aren't the only choices you'll come across. You'll also need to decide between insulated and non-insulated filaments.

We've covered that topic separately in our Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Electrolysis Filaments blog, where we take a closer look at the differences and when you might choose one over the other.

→ Read: Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Electrolysis Filaments

What Should You Keep on Hand?

There isn't one perfect combination that every electrologist needs.

Your most-used filament sizes will depend on the type of work you do and the clients you treat. However, having a selection of sizes gives you the flexibility to properly match your filament to different hairs and follicles.

It can also be helpful to keep both stainless steel and gold-plated options available so you have an alternative when treating clients with particular skin sensitivities.

Over time, you'll likely develop your own favourites, but it's always helpful to have options available when the treatment calls for something different.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Filament

Choosing a filament isn't simply a matter of finding your favourite and using it for every treatment.

Material, size, insulation, hair diameter, follicle size, skin and treatment technique can all play a role in your selection.

Understanding your options and learning when to change your filament is another part of developing your skill as an electrologist.

At A & E Beauty Supplies, we carry a variety of professional electrolysis filaments in different materials, sizes and styles.

Not sure which filament to choose? Reach out to us! We're always happy to help you find the right option for your treatments.