The electrolysis process makes it difficult to evaluate a practitioner, since it takes quite a few appointments before you actually start seeing results. You have to place a large degree of trust in the electrolysist, because even a good one will be prodding at your skin for a couple of months before you start to really notice the hair disappearing...but man, once you do, it seems to happen suddenly and is such a huge and wonderful relief.
For years I had a small facial hair problem that had caused me a great deal of stress, and I finally decided I had to start the process of getting it permanently removed. I did a lot of Internet research before finding Breier, and decided to make an appointment based on reviews and Arlene's contributions to the hairtell dot com forums.
I was confident in Arlene from the very first appointment, when she carefully explained the science behind electrolysis and what to expect during treatment. She uses state of the art equipment, is very gentle (causing a minimum of skin irritation), recommends effective & affordable aftercare treatments (she's also a licensed aesthetician, so she can also tailor treatments to your specific skin type or concerns), and her rates are INCREDIBLY reasonable for NYC. She's friendly and knowledgeable, and seems to treat a wide variety of people.
My confidence was well placed. For a little over a year, I traveled all the way from North Brooklyn to Kew Gardens for treatment. (Don't worry, her office is right across the street from an F train stop, and the E express train makes it easy to get there even from Manhattan.) Now THE HAIR IS GONE. I only regret that I didn't start treatment years ago.
If a year seems like a long time, realize that no process you choose for permanent hair removal--not even laser--is quick & easy. It takes a long time, and only electrolysis has been proven to be truly permanent (not to mention there is no potential for it to burn your skin and cause MORE hair growth instead of less...ahem, lasers). Arlene does not lie to you and guarantee hair removal by a certain date because she knows that it is different for everyone. But I don't think I can adequately express the relief I feel in not having to worry about daily hair removal, and having it all gone. A year is nothing compared to a lifetime. If you place yourself in Arlene's care, take heart that you will eventually know this relief, too...and without completely emptying your bank account for it!!
Pros: Honesty, skill, fair price
Cons: Wish I had found her sooner
more