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STEREX SX-B User Manual

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Type: User Manual
Category: Epilator
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SX-B 

Epilator Manual

 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Sterex Electrolysis International Ltd 

 


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Contents

 

 
• Introduction 
•  Technical Data Sheet 
• Accessories & Controls 
• Theory 
• Treatment Techniques 
•  Hints & Tips 
•  Diathermy/Thermolysis only operation 
• Testing Procedure

 

 
 
 
 
 

 


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Introduction 

 

Thank you for buying the Sterex 

SX-B Blend epilator.

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
It is essential that you read the 
following pages of this manual and 
work through the practical CD, 
which is included with your SX-B 
Blend epilator, before you operate

 

this unit. (

Video available on request)

 

 


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Technical Data Sheet

 

 

 

ADDRESS:

  

Sterex Electrolysis International Ltd 

 

174 Kings Rd  

 Tyseley 

 Birmingham 

 B11 

2AP 

 U.K. 

 

 

Tel : 0121 708 2404  Fax: 0121 707 0028 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUIPMENT CLASSIFICATION: 

 

Class 1 Type B Applied Parts. 

 

The equipment is designed for continuous operation. 

The equipment is not protected against ingress. 

Do not use the equipment near flammable anaesthetic gases. 

 

Type B Equipment

 

No other electrical equipment may be connected to the patient simultaneously when using this 

epilator equipment. 

 

 

SYMBOLS

 

 

 

Applied parts Type B

 

  

Potentially Hazardous Output 

The manual must be read before using this equipment.

 

 

E.M.C. DIRECTIVE 

 

The EUT (Equipment Under Test) complies with European Electromagnetic Compatibility 

requirements. However, the EUT may emit electromagnetic radiation, which may interfere with other 

equipment in the vicinity. Likewise other equipment may interfere with the EUT. If such effects are 

to be minimised, increasing the distance between equipment and reducing cable lengths where 

relevant should help. 

It is advisable not to use such equipment on people fitted with pace makers and to take medical 

advice if fitted with any electrical devices. 

It is not recommended to use epilators within 3 metres of sensitive electrical appliances such as 

computers, medical equipment etc. 

 

 


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MEDICAL DEVICES DIRECTIVE 

 

The SX-B conforms to the Medical Devices EN60601 – 1:1990: Notified Body number = 0120 

 

 

FUNCTION 

 

The function of the epilator is to remove body and facial hair using Thermolysis/Diathermy and 

Galvanic or a combination of the two techniques called “Blend”.

 

 

 

MAINTENANCE 

 

The exterior of the epilator should be cleaned regularly with a dusting brush/cloth. Dirt, which is 

difficult to remove, can be cleaned off with a moistened cloth (99% water 1% mild detergent). The 

equipment must be wiped dry with a lint free cloth. Under no circumstances must the cleaning fluid 

get into the equipment. The use of other cleaning agents may attack the plastic and paint surface. 

 

Safety/Preventative Maintenance 

 

The equipment operates according to safety Class 1 (three-conductor power cord with protective 

earth contact). The mains/line plug shall only be inserted into a socket outlet protected with a 

protective earth contact. The protective action must not be negated by the use of an extension cord 

without a protective conductor. 

 

The ground accessible metal parts (case, sockets, jacks) and the mains/line supply contacts (line/live, 

neutral) of the epilator have been tested against insulation breakdown. 

 

Whenever it is likely that protection has been impaired, the equipment shall be made inoperative and 

be secured against any unintended operation. 

 

The protection is likely to be impaired if, for example, the equipment/mains cable: 

 

1.  Shows visible signs of damage 

2.  Fails to perform the intended user operation 

3. Has been subjected to prolonged storage under unfavourable conditions e.g. in an open or 

moist environment 

4.  Has been subjected to severe transport stress 

 

 

 

SERVICING OF EQUIPMENT 

 

Servicing of the equipment may only be carried out by Sterex Electrolysis International Ltd or by 

persons authorised by them. 

 


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SPECIFICATIONS 

 

Operating Temperature 

10 degrees C to 50 degrees C 

Lines/Mains Voltage 

230/240V ac 

Mains Frequency 

50/60 Hz 

Power Consumption 

35 Watts approx. 

Maximum Ambient Temperature 

-10 degrees C to + 40 degrees C 

Protective System 

Class 1 Type B 

Weight 

2.75 kilos approx. 

 

 

Maximum available Thermolysis/RF 

Output Power 

0-2 Watts measured using a 5 K 

 non-

inductive Load Resistor 

 

 

Thermolysis/RF Output Frequency 

13.56 MHz 

DC/Galvanic Output 

0-15 Volts at a maximum current of 1 mA 

 

 

 

RANGE

 

& ACCURACY OF DISPLAYED VALUES 

 

 

 

 

 

Meter 

 

Accuracy 

Available Output Power 

Thermolysis/RF 

0-100% 

In 

1% steps 

0-2 Watts 

Galvanic/DC 

0-100% 

In 

1% steps 

0-15 mW 

Timer  

0-9.95 secs 

In 

0.5 second steps 

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL & STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

The permissible ambient temperature range for storage or transportation is -40 degrees C to +70 

degrees C. The maximum operating altitude is up to 15000M. 

The maximum relative humidity is up to 80%.  

 

 

OPERATING CONDITIONS 

 

The equipment has been designed for indoor use. The permissible ambient temperature range during 

operation is   -10 degrees C to +40 degrees C. If condensed water exists in the instrument it should be 

acclimatised before switching on. The epilator should be kept in a clean dry room, and must not be 

operated in explosive, corrosive, dirty or moist environments. 

 


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WARRANTY

 

 

Sterex Electrolysis International Ltd warrants to its customers that the epilator it sells will be free 

from defects in materials and workmanship for a 

period

 

of 2 years. 

This warranty shall not apply to 

any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or inadequate maintenance and care. Sterex 

Electrolysis International Ltd shall not be obliged to provide service under this warranty to repair 

damage resulting from attempts by personnel other than Sterex Electrolysis International Ltd 

representatives to repair, service or modify this epilator. 

 

 

FUSES 

 

There are two fuses supplied with the SX-B. A 5 amp fuse in the plug and a 1 amp fuse in the rear of 

the unit. 

 
 
 
 

 


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Accessories and Controls

 

 

Accessories

 

 
Your SX-B Blend epilator is supplied with the following accessories:

 

 

1 x  Unswitched Needle holder 

 

1 x  Indifferent electrode and lead 

 

1 x  Spare indifferent lead 

 1 

Footswitch 

 

1 x  Sterex badge 

 

1 x  CD (Video available on request) 

 

1 x  Instruction manual, also incorporated in CD  

 

1 x  Box of Sterex needles 

 

1 x  Tube of Apres after care cream 

 

1 x  Sharps box 

 

1 x  Client aftercare leaflets

 

 

Controls

   

 

 

 

 
 
WARNING! 

This epilator must not be placed on any soft surface such as towels or paper towel when in use, this interferes 

with the component cooling process as it inhibits or prevents air being drawn into the underside of the 

machine. This epilator should ideally be placed on a hard trolley surface.

 

 


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Theory

 

 

Galvanic was the first method of electrical epilation dating back to 1875. It was first used by Dr Charles 

Michel of Missouri U.S.A. He was an ophthalmologist or eye specialist and using Galvanic, or direct current 

he permanently removed in-growing eyelashes. 

 

In 1916, Professor Paul Kree invented the multiple needle epilator and technique. He still used galvanic 

current but the difference was that instead of using one needle at a time he used ten. All the needles were 

inserted one after the other and then left for several minutes. The client had to lie extremely still! The benefit 

of this technique was it allowed far more follicles to be treated in a given time compared to the single needle 

method. It was this invention that gave the electrolysis profession the boost it needed. 

 

The use of high frequency, diathermy or Thermolysis as the Americans call it, for the removal of unwanted 

hair, was first written about in 1924 by Dr. Henri Bordier of Paris. The first diathermy machines were 

unreliable but soon gained in popularity, particularly in America where it was much quicker in the follicle 

than the pioneering galvanic. 

 

By the mid to late 1930’s American electrologists were using both techniques; the slower but more effective 

galvanic and the quicker but less effective diathermy. 

 

In San Francisco 1945, after seven years of experiments and research, an electrologist called Henri St. Pierre 

and his engineer friend, Arthur Hinkel applied for a patent for their combined current or Blend epilator. By 

combining the currents, the benefits of both techniques were utilised. 

 

Blend was born. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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When the two currents are combined or blended together you will achieve the greater effectiveness of the 

Galvanic but speeded up by the Thermolysis/diathermy. 

 

Galvanic: 

Galvanic current destroys by a chemical action in the follicle. When the current comes into contact with the 

moisture of the follicle it causes a chemical reaction to take place; the atoms and ions that make up the salt 

and water in the follicle separate, then reform to make sodium hydroxide (lye), hydrogen gas and chlorine 

gas. The caustic lye is the destructive action of Galvanic, which dissolves or decomposes the dermal papilla. 

 

Galvanic is more effective than diathermy because: 

 

Lye is always attracted to the area of greatest moisture, which is the dermal papilla. 

 

Lye is fluid and can reach all parts of the follicle. 

 

Distorted and curved follicles are effectively treated. 

 

The moisture gradient of the skin ensures the action is kept where you want it, down at the dermal 

papilla. 

The only disadvantage to Galvanic is that it is slow. 

 

Blend: 

When you blend the two currents together (using very low levels of Thermolysis/diathermy) the warmth 

increases the temperature of the lye, which makes it work quicker. When blended the lye also becomes more 

turbulent, so it gets into all the nooks and crannies of the follicle. The warmth of the diathermy makes the 

tissues surrounding the dermal papilla more porous, this allows the caustic lye to diffuse into it, making the 

treatment much more thorough. 

 

Contra Indications: 

Exactly the same for diathermy and other galvanic treatments with the addition of the following:  

 

1.  Do not work on or near areas that contain metal plates or pins. 

2.

 

Pregnant women should not be treated below the neckline.   

3.

 

Diabetic conditions - the same rules apply as for diathermy. 

 

Treatment: 

The setting at which the hair will epilate depends on the moisture present in the lower follicle and what is 
suitable for one client may be too high or too low for another. When using the Blend it should be noted that 
mostly, the diathermy/Thermolysis setting achieves adequate ‘warming’ on the lower setting of 4. However, 
there are occasions where the Thermolysis will need to be set higher to a maximum of 12. These 
circumstances include where the hair is strong and coarse and where the client’s skin is cold and therefore 
may require more warming in order to achieve successful epilation. It is advised that the Thermolysis 
intensity should be increased by 1 or 2 digits at a time. 

 


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Treatment Techniques

 

 

With the Sterex SX-B Blend epilator there are four main treatment techniques that are available and also a 

combination of those four to enable you to tailor the treatment to suit the client. 

 

Treatment Technique Number 1

 

 

1.  

Prepare your client as for diathermy. 

2. 

Give your client the indifferent electrode to hold, you may wrap a damp tissue around it if your clients 

hands are dry. It is preferable your client is wearing the least amount of jewellery possible. 

3. 

Seat yourself comfortably, and ensure you have easy access to the footswitch. 

4. 

Use Sterex needles appropriate to the size and length of the follicle. 

5. 

Attach all accessories. 

6. 

Switch on the SX-B at the back of the epilator ensuring there is nothing in the way of the fan 

underneath, i.e. towels or tissue. 

7. 

Switch on the Thermolysis/diathermy, Galvanic and timer sections, the digital readouts will register 01 

or 00. 

8. 

Using the slow up button increase the timer to 5.0 seconds. 

9. 

To alter the Thermolysis/diathermy intensity, depress the foot pedal and using the slow up button 

increase to 04. Do not be concerned if the numbers fluctuate up or down a number this is normal with 

digital readouts it does not mean the current is fluctuating. 

10.  To alter the Galvanic intensity, depress the foot pedal and using the slow up button increase to .15. Do 

not be concerned if the numbers fluctuate up or down one. 

11.  When you remove your foot from the foot pedal the digital readouts for the currents will go back to 00 

or 01. 

12.  Insert the needle into a typical follicle in the area you wish to treat and depress the foot pedal. When 

you hear the “beep”, after 

seconds, remove your foot from the foot pedal and then remove the needle 

from the follicle. 

13.  Test the hair to see if it will remove, if not check the client’s level of sensation and increase the 

Galvanic current. If they feel nothing increase by 10 digits, if they can feel something increase by 5 

digits. 

14.  Increase the Galvanic in this manner a follicle at a time until you have reached the working point then 

record it on the clients record card. 

15.  The level of Galvanic current will vary on every client, don’t worry if you seem to be turning it up 

“high” as long as the client is comfortable you cannot over treat the skin.

 

16.  The level of Galvanic current required 

will

 vary between clients, whereas the level of diathermy will 

stay the same; normally 04 when blending. Remember the Thermolysis/diathermy is there not to epilate 

with but as a catalyst to increase the action of the more effective Galvanic. 

17.  There may be more erythema and even oedema than associated with diathermy, this is a normal 

galvanic reaction that goes down very quickly. 

18.  After care is the same as for Thermolysis/diathermy.

 

 

 

 

 


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Technique Number 1 is the main technique and is always the one you try first but if your client feels 

uncomfortable, one of the other three techniques should be used. You should ask your client after each 

increase if she is happy with the sensation but do not inform her you have just increased the current! 

 

Do discuss the sensations felt by your client, as you can offer other techniques and combinations of 

techniques to suit each client. 

 

Treatment Technique Number 2

 

 

This is known as the “Lower for Longer” technique as the intensity is lowered but the time is lengthened. 

This technique is used if your client feels uncomfortable with the higher current and shorter time of technique 

number 1. 

 

If when using technique number 1, your client says she is finding it too uncomfortable then reduce the 

Galvanic current by 5 digits and increase the time by 1 second, or reduce by 10 digits and increase time by 2 

seconds. 

 

Technique number 2 will not treat as many hairs as the main technique as you will be in the follicle for 

longer, but the sensitive client may prefer it. If the treatment area is the face, however, your client may decide 

to have the main technique as it will remove more hairs even though she may prefer the sensation of the 

second. Whichever treatment technique is chosen is ultimately down to the client. 
 

Treatment Technique Number 3

 

 

This is known as the “Treat and Leave” technique as you treat a group of hairs, but do not remove them 

immediately. If the client is sensitive but anxious to have as many hairs removed as possible, this technique 

is a useful and popular one to offer. 

 

If your client says she is finding technique number 2 too uncomfortable then reduce the time back to 5.0 

seconds. Treat a group of at least 10 hairs, then treat a further group of at least 10 hairs, after treating the 

second group go back to the first group with your tweezers and remove the hairs, then go back to the second 

group and remove those hairs. 

 

The action of the lye continues for a brief period of time, even though the current is switched off and the 

needle is withdrawn, in this technique we specifically utilise the “carry on effect” of the lye. 

 

The benefits of this technique are lower levels of current but with a quick treatment time and the fact that the 

hairs are removed en masse saves time too. 

 

It is worth noting that with all techniques if the occasional hair does not want to release do not attempt to 

treat it again or force it, let the carry on effect work. Return and remove the hair at the end of the treatment. 

 

 


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Treatment Technique Number 4

 

 

This technique is rarely used as it takes so long, technique 4 is Galvanic only. Some clients prefer the 

sensation of the Galvanic only technique but few are happy with the longer treatment time of 10 seconds per 

follicle. 

It is an option though for the very sensitive client or those with just a few hairs. 

 

If your client really finds all the Blend techniques too uncomfortable then turn off the Thermolysis and 

increase the time to 10.0 seconds. 

 

Within the fourth technique, if the client is not comfortable, you can decrease the current and increase the 

time thereby having a “lower for longer” method or offer “treat and leave” as a method of increasing the 

number of hairs treated.

 

 

Treatment Techniques In Brief

 

 

Technique Number 1 

 

1.  Prepare your client as for Thermolysis/diathermy 

2.  Choose the size of needle as for Thermolysis/diathermy 

3.  Set the Thermolysis to 04 

4.  Set the timer on to 5.0 seconds 

5.  Set the Galvanic to .15 

6.  Insert the needle and depress the footswitch 

7.  Wait for the “beep” and then remove your foot 

8.  Try the hair to see if it will release... If not 

9.  Increase the Galvanic intensity by 5/10 digits 

10.  Insert into another follicle and depress the footswitch 

11.  Increase Galvanic intensity 5/10 digits at a time until you reach the working point. 

 

 

Technique Number 2 

 

1.  Turn the Galvanic intensity down

 

digits 

2. Increase 

the 

time

 

by 1 second (to 6 seconds) 

 

 


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Technique Number 3 

 

1.  Decrease the time back to 5.0 seconds but leave the Galvanic intensity as it is. 

2.  Treat a group of approx. 10 hairs 

3.  Do not remove the hairs 

4.  Treat another similar size group of hairs 

5.  Remove the hairs from the first group of follicles with your tweezers 

6.  Remove hairs from the second group of follicles 

 

Technique Number 4 

 

1.  Increase the timer to 10.0 seconds 

2.  Switch off the Thermolysis 

3.  Leave the Galvanic intensity where it is 

4.  Treat the follicle and remove hair 

OR lower the intensity and lengthen the time OR treat and leave. 

 

Technique No 1 = Higher for Shorter  

 

Technique No 2 = Lower for Longer 

Technique No 3 = Treat and Leave 

Technique No 4 = Galvanic Only

 

 


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Hints and Tips

 

 

Reactions can be the same as diathermy, worse than diathermy or better than diathermy, but all reactions will 

go quicker than diathermy. 

Erythema (redness) and even oedema (swelling) are not unusual around the follicle opening, nor is skin 

whitening. The skin whitening is a classic reaction to Galvanic and should not be confused with the 

blanching of the skin seen when the diathermy is too high. 

 

Frothing 

This is something you may see at the follicle opening from time to time. Frothing is merely the 

hydrogen gas escaping from the follicle, mixed with lymphatic fluid. 

 

Hairs not coming out: 

 

 

Turn up the Galvanic. 

 

Leave the intensity but increase the time. 

 

Leave the intensity, leave time but treat and leave.

 

 


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Diathermy/Thermolysis Only Operation

 

 

1.  Attach unswitched needle holder and footswitch. 

(Or attach switched needleholder, not supplied, if you prefer but do not use footswitch) 

 

2.  Plug in and switch on epilator. 

 

3.  The mains light will come on and you will hear the internal fan. 

 

4.  Switch on the Thermolysis on/off button. 

 

5. 

Using the up and down buttons to set the Thermolysis intensity to the level required whilst depressing the 

footswitch. 

 

6.  If working on a new client start at between 15 and 18 and increase by 1 or 2

 

digits at a time, working on 

a different follicle each time, until you have reached the working point. (The working point is reached 

when the hair removes without traction.) 

 

7.  Using the single arrowed, smaller up and down buttons the numbers go up and down very slowly. These 

buttons are for slower minor adjustments, you need to press continuously on the button until the desired 

level has been reached. 

 

8.  Using the double arrowed, larger up and down buttons the numbers go up and down very quickly. These 

buttons are for fast major adjustments, you need only press for a short time on the button to reach the 

desired level. 

 

9.  All clients are different, they have different tolerance levels and current intensity requirements but as a 

rough guide the average working range is 20-30. Some clients will need lower levels some, higher. 

 


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Testing Procedure

 

 

1. 

Attach indifferent electrode and needleholder to the epilator (not the footswitch). 

2. 

Plug in and switch on epilator at the rear of the unit. 

3. 

Does the mains light come on? 

4. 

Yes. Go on to number 9. 

5. 

No. Try the epilator in another plug socket. 

6. 

Still no mains light? Replace fuse in plug. 

7. 

Still no mains light? Replace fuse in rear of machine. 

8. 

Still no mains light? Return for repair. 

9. 

Can you hear the internal fan? 

10.  Yes. Continue to number 12. 

11.  No. Return for repair. 

12.  Switch on the three on/off buttons. 

13.  Firmly press the fast up and fast down buttons on all three sections. Do the numbers go up and down 

quickly? 

14.  Yes. Continue to number 16. 

15.  No. Return for repair. 

16.  Firmly press the slow up and slow down buttons. Do the numbers go up and down slowly? 

17.  Yes. Continue to number 19. 

18.  No. Return for repair. 

19.  Set the Galvanic side to a minimum of 15. 

20.  Remove the chuck cap from the needle holder and place the exposed metal chuck against the metal 

needle holder attachment on the machine. 

21.  Does the green test light glow? If green light comes on during tests and the Galvanic has a read out, 

then the Galvanic current is flowing. 

22.  Yes. Shake the needle holder lead vigorously. If the green light stays constant i.e. does not fluctuate the 

needle holder is O.K. Go on to number 24. 

23.  No. If there is no green light the needle holder lead is faulty and needs replacing. If the green light 

fluctuates there is an intermittent fault and it needs to be replaced. 

24.  Place the exposed metal chuck against the indifferent electrode. 

25.  Does the green test light glow? 

26.  Yes. Shake the red lead vigorously. If the green light stays constant i.e. does not fluctuate the red lead is 

O.K. Go on to number 28. 

27.  No. If there is no green light the red lead is faulty and needs replacing or if the green light fluctuates 

there is an intermittent fault with the lead and a new one needs to be purchased. 

28.  Put the Thermolysis side on 10-15, the Galvanic on 15-20. 

29.  Insert the footswitch. 

30.  Do the Thermolysis and Galvanic digital readouts go back to 00 or 01? 

31.  Yes. The footswitch is O.K. 

32.  No. The footswitch is faulty and needs to be replaced. 

33.  Set the timer to 05.0 and depress the footswitch. After 5 seconds is there a “bleep”? 

34.  Yes. The timer is O.K. 

 


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35.  No. The timer may be faulty, first check the footswitch is being depressed correctly. 

36.  If timer still doesn’t work and you are certain that the footswitch is O.K. then the machine needs to be 

returned for repair. 

37.  To test the Thermolysis turn off the Galvanic.  Remove chuck cap and any needle from chuck, set 

Thermolysis to 25, depress foot pedal and place point of exposed metal chuck against the inside of your 

wrist, can you feel current, no increase Thermolysis by 5 digits and try again if you do not feel a 

warming or a slight sting by the time you reach 60/65 and your accessories are ok on previous tests.  

Your machine needs to be returned for repair. 

N.B. You will need to depress the footswitch to alter the Thermolysis and Galvanic current intensities; the 

timer can be altered without the depressing footswitch. 

 

** Spares of all accessories should be kept i.e. needleholder and lead, indifferent lead and footswitch.