Robin Harris, the electrologist at Charlotte-James, has been my electrologist for some time now. I have very sensitive skin, and tried two other electrologists before finding Robin. I actually have some discoloration and pitting on my face from the second electrolysis salon where they used only thermolysis. I seriously recommend avoiding pure thermolysis at all costs. SERIOUSLY.
Robin, however, can perform full galvanic or blend, and she is VERY experienced. She actually taught one of my previous electrologists. She is knowledgeable. Most importantly, she performs effective electrolysis with, in comparison to my previous experiences, the least amount of pain possible. I've had painful electrolysis, and this is not bad at all. With Robin it feels no worse than a friendly pinch, and that's without any anesthetic. She does not try to sell you a bunch of creams, lotions, or beauty products. If you inquire after anesthetics and skin care, she is very knowledgeable, but she is too professional to start peddling like the avon lady. Beware of others who might be trying to make a buck off you. There is also a dermatologist practice associated with the Charlotte James Clinic office. The treatment room is sterile and professional, like a doctor's office. This is what I recommend. From my previous experience, I would warn you away from any electrologist's office that looks like a beauty salon on the inside. You aren't getting your hair styled, you are undergoing a medical procedure on your skin. Keep that mindset. Think of electrolysis in terms of a skin treatment not a hair treatment.
Robin started treatment on my first visit by gradually increasing current intensity until the test hairs came loose. If you go somewhere else and the technician jumps right to zapping without matching the current to your individual skin, then the electrologist may be over-treating your hairs and burning your skin badly. With Robin, my skin looks passably normal within two to three hours after the treatment, and the hairs have not been coming back. With my previous thermolysis treatment, the skin would look horrible for a full week, sometimes with whiteheads, and always with scabbing --these are warning signs, not indications of effective treatment. You don't want to end up pitted or spotty. Try Robin instead. Also, Robin has a care for your comfort on the table. She does not ask you to twist about or lay on your side, and she offers different foam pads to adjust your body comfortably before even starting. I highly recommend getting electrolysis here.
Street parking has a two hour limit with meters. The meters were recently updated to the sort that takes credit cards. One block south, by BestBuy, curb parking is four hours.. A good hand car wash is right next door, so you can have a car wash during your appointment. There are numerous restaurants nearby as well as the Best Buy and Marshalls. It is near that stretch of Sawtelle with the asian restaurants and supermarkets.
I think Robbin limits her sessions to two hour appointments, but, to avoid skin damage, it is better not to do marathon treatments, anyway. If you have a lot of hair to treat, then you can go to Robin every other day. You don't need a week and a half just to heal. With permanent hair removal, patience is very important. Oh, and the rest of the staff in the office has always been very friendly to me. I actually enjoy going there for my zapping!
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