Question for the professional electrologists...

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Hi All,

I recently became acquainted with someone that is an esthetician that travels between offices–taking their equipment with them and works as an independent contractor, as well as out of their own small practice. I wondered if any electrologists do this as well.

Are electrologists capable of traveling to various offices to offer their services? Or is electrology more of a “one place” sort of practice?

I ask as I’m sincerely curious and interested.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

#2

It can travel, however, the question is, how portable is your equipment, and do you accept the extra possibility that the equipment can be damaged or lost due to all the moving around. Epilators don’t like being jostled about all that much, and a traveler would have to be careful to get recalibrations with more urgency than a stationary practitioner.

#3

It’s possible, but portable couches are really uncomfortable to use (for the electrologist, not the client) as you can’t tuck your legs under.

#4

I am considering doing exactly this, as there is a complete skin and body practice less than a mile away from me that needs an electrologist on staff. Discussion are currently under way and It will be a while before I start.

However, I do not intend to transport my epilator but will purchase a second unit (never hurts to have a backup). I will still be operating my own practice and will do all of my sanitation and sterilization in my own office as I am both familiar and comfortable with my equipment.

Joanie (I don’t whistle while I work - spreads germs! I have background music!) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

#5

I am opening a second office soon and will duplicate what I have at my first office as I have no intention of transporting an epilator with all the various cords needed, table, light source, gloves, probes, forceps,antiseptic containers, kleenex, cottonballs,paperwork,sharps container, magnification, disinfectant, etc., etc. It would take 15-20 minutes or more just to set everything up. Also, I am not willing to sacrifice my expensive equipment by moving it around. In the long run, one is better off purchasing items to keep them in the stationary mode.

I had this brave idea a couple years ago to take my show on the road to skilled and unskilled nursing home facilities. A lot of these places have shaving “parties” where the residents all sit together at an activity table and they all take out their little shaving kits and shave together. Not exactly a flattering thing you want to do in front of others. In fact, how much more degrading can it get for the elderly!

Dee

#6

Hello Everyone,

I appreciate your responses!

I can see how it would probably not be worth the risk to try moving your equipment back and forth between offices. Sounds like it’s better to keep it stationary.

I’m now wondering how the person I spoke with manages to move her equipment so frequently (microdermabrasion and microablation machines I think). Maybe that equipment isn’t quite as sensitive as electrology equipment.

Dee-- I can see why you wanted to take some dignity to the elderly–bless their hearts. The visual image I got from your description was sad and kinda’ scary. Maybe they heard about those botox parties and it gave them ideas…

Congratulations on opening a second location! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

#7

Thanks. This second venture may be interesting.

I’m now wondering how the person I spoke with manages to move her equipment so frequently (microdermabrasion and microablation machines I think). Maybe that equipment isn’t quite as sensitive as electrology equipment.

I just thought of something. At the beginning of the week, I walked into a local laser/spa center to asked some questions about their laser setup because one of my clients wants her underarms and bikini line treated and might want to try laser first. She was asking me for any recommendations for laser, so I thought I would go and check this place out. Another client, whose husband goes there, has not been very happy, so that made me more curious about the place. I was honest from the start and said that I am an electrologist and there were occassions where I have been asked for recommendations for good laser places and maybe I would offer their business cards??? I was told not to refer anyone until December because they were trying to settle a “few things”. Even though I told the manager that I was an electrologist, she started explaining hair growth cycles and how laser was better than electrolysis. I basically said “talk to the hand and not to the face”. Imagine instructing me on hair growth cycles! Next, I asked what kind of laser they use and she thought it was a yag! Imagine that! The best part and the reason I am bringing this up at all is, she said they move the laser from place to place as they share it with others in the area.

So, you see, it is really not that unusual for businesses to move delicate equipment around. This stuff is expensive and people can’t always purchase two of everything. There are many things that are mobile that fall into this situation, such as the mobile mammogram or the mobile dexascan for osteoporsis testing. I would assume that hospitals have technicians at their disposal for calibration purposes?

Dee

#8

A lot of these places have shaving “parties” where the residents all sit together at an activity table and they all take out their little shaving kits and shave together. Not exactly a flattering thing you want to do in front of others. In fact, how much more degrading can it get for the elderly!

One more thing we have to look forward to in our declining years! I have never heard of such a thing, but I also don’t quite “get it”; unless the staff (or your neighbor) is shaving you, why not keep this activity in private? Is life so boring, that this is considered excitement?

Anyway, my laser tech (Laser Perfect) is mobile and visits various spas in my area. The equipment is designed to be portable (to some degree) and she carries her supplies with her. Towels, bed, and room are provided by the spa. The lighting is poor (these are massage rooms), so it would be a challenge for electro, but is okay for laser.

I think that this business-model reduces overhead (no lease, just a fixed room-rental rate), opens up a new client base, expands the spa’s services (without an investment), and allows the laser tech to cover a wide area (with appointments in various cities).

#9

I have done some regular visits to other locations. In my state, I am allowed to visit a client in their home or other facility if they are handicapped. For second business locations, we must have an additional electrology facility license (which means application and inspection) and either take our personal license or get a duplicate.

Years ago, AEA had these great soft-sided briefcases available. A Fischer CBX fits perfectly in it. Each time I go, I stock fresh supplies in the bag, including a little tiny sharps container. I can’t take lighting or a table, so must make due with a little more primative workspace. Getting a handicapped person on a treatment table would be difficult anyway! Straddling a wheelchair or regular bed is no fun, but the client is so pleased with the personal attention and visit. I charge $10.00 above the normal charge, and usually do this on my day off.

#10

Hi Dee,

I can’t imagine why the laser people tried to lecture YOU on hair growth cycles. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> How absurd! Good for you for letting them know you weren’t having any of that.

I’m glad that you brought up the laser center you visited. It reminded me that I saw a post on an esthetic board recently, from an esthetician that works for a laser center and travels with her equipment. I had forgotten about that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I also forgot about mammogram and dexascan machines being mobile, great point! I guess it isn’t all that uncommon for some to take machines from place to place.

Barbara–it’s so nice of you to take your equipment to other locations to help those that may not be able to see you (or another electrologist) otherwise. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The cases for the older machines sound great! Too bad there isn’t anything like that for the current equipment.

#11

Apilus sells carrying cases for their epilators for about $300. I am unaware of anyone selling a case for the Silhouet-Tone machines.

Box shaped machines could easily be carried in a variety of cases and luggage without much, if any, modification. When all else fails, the original box and molded packing material should make do. (What? You threw that suff away the first day? The company will send you a replacement for $5 to $10)