Should electrologists wear gloves?

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

In my common sense, I would think so.

Well, I had to find a new electrologist due to relocating. I have tried 2 electrologists before, and they both wore gloves.

This new electrologist seems to have a reputable business and is registered, but she did not wear gloves and answered the phone straight from doing work. She also applied the gel to soothe redness with her bare hands. We all know what gloves are for. I don’t think there is a sink in her work area. Although I am not sure they need one right in their office.

I’d feel uncomfortable to tell the electrologist to wear gloves when I think it’s common sense to do so…

One thing I like is her electroloysis machine. I don’t have to hold a device with a wet towel and it is less painful than the other electrolysis I have used.

Any tips? Probably find another one…

#2

Sounds like she uses thermolysis. You can look for any other electrologist who uses thermolysis instead of galvanic if you like the way she treats you. I really think she should have worn gloves, I would be concerned about her hygiene practices in general after something like that.

#3

It looks like she’s been in business for a long time. I wonder why a reputable person wouldn’t wear gloves. I wouldn’t answer phones or do anything else while servicing a client. The other electrologists I had did not answer the phone.

It’s such a sticky subject to bring up if she’s been doing electrolysis a long time…

Hopefully I find one using the same type of machine…

#4

Since it is my job description to be the lightening rod around here, and frequent Devil’s Advocate, I will make a statement here. It is not a horrible thing to have electrolysis done without the practitioner wearing gloves. The added expense of gloves in a practice allows you peace of mind, in that you don’t have to worry as much about the practitioner’s hygiene, and the practitioner is less likely to get sick from any skin disease that you may have.

In general, those who don’t use gloves, don’t because they like to be able to feel the skin’s surface, and have that help them find hairs that need to be removed.

While I do wear gloves, unless the client requests that I don’t, I took the time to find a glove that I can feel the skin through. The Nuvo white vinyl glove from Dash Medical Gloves is thin and stretchable enough to allow me the gloveless sensation. They also have nytrile gloves that are just as thin.

#5

It doesn’t have to be the same machine. Any reputable machine that does thermolysis should be fine (so long as the operator is competent). If you REALLY want a great experience, look for an Apilus Platinum. It uses picoflash thermolysis (among other things) and I seriously can’t even feel it.

#6

It’s not a requirement in my book. As long as they wash their hands before they sit down to do electrolysis on me of course.

And, yes, if you start looking for someone else, just call around and ask whether they use thermolysis. The method where you hold a rod is usually either galvanic or blend.

#7

Keep in mind, if the person has a machine that has and auto-sensor, and that person uses the automatic mode, then one will still have to be in contact with a metal ground. It doesn’t have to be wrapped in a soggy sponge, or covered in goop, but it must be in contact with your skin. This only allows the machine to sense the insertion, and give your worker the ability to work faster, which saves you money.

#8

I’m much more concerned with what the person does with their hands than whether they wear gloves. Answering the phone, opening doors, touching their face, or doing anything that could transfer bacteria to their hands and then to my open wounds is the real issue. A good wash of the hands and I’m satisfied.

#9

Phones are absolute hotbeds of bacteria, too. The first electrologist I went to answered her phone at one point, but washed her hands afterward so hopefully yours did.

#10

I don’t know if she washes her hands. Do you see yours wash their hands to feel okay? Is it required in each state to wear gloves?

#11

These things change all the time, but I am unaware of any state that mandates use of gloves. It is just something that is talked about all the time at conventions, seminars and such.

#12

NC has required the use of gloves since the beginning of NC licensing, early 90’s.

#13

Thank You for that “Choice”. It would make sense that when the head of the electrolysis board is also the head of a CEU granting agency giving lectures about gloves, the board would rule that gloves would be the standard. Of course, since I have never had the pleasure of trying to get licensed in NC, I would not know that.

Anyone else know of a state where gloves are mandated, or is North Carolina the only one?

#14

According to Spanish regulations the sink should be in the room working, in view of the customer.
The use of gloves is not mandatory but advisable.

At least it was so few years ago.

#15

Interesting thread! My electrologist doesn’t use gloves either. I know one of the reasons she doesn’t is because of the whole “feel the skin” thing which I actually appreciate. If it means doing her job better and faster then why not.

Having said that though, from a client point of view, I think that if a practitioner decides not to wear gloves they should make an effort to demonstrate hygeine to the client (i.e. wash their hands, wipe them…etc…and not leave the client worried about where the hands have been) and they should ask them if it’s ok and/or assure the client of hygeine standards.

#16

who answers the phone during treating somebody? how about switching answer machine on and as for gloves id definately prefer a lady use them ,its just a matter off getting use to wearing gloves and in the uk its mandatory .

#17

On the subject of the phone thing…
If you were a first time caller to a hair removal practice, and the phone was answered by an answering machine, would you:
A) Hang Up and call someone else
B) Leave a message with your phone number and hope for a return call
C) Hang up and maybe call again later, if you think about it, or don’t get someone else on the phone sooner

The fact is that either an electrolysis person has someone to answer the phone and actually answer all questions as well as she or he would, or one is losing money on every lost phone call.

#18

James, when searching for an electrologist, one promising electrologist only ever had an answering machine. The first time I left a message. She returned my call and left ME a message just a few minutes later. So then I instantly called her back and got the answering machine AGAIN. The next day I tried one more time and got a machine. That was the last phone call I made to that lady, I moved on. :stuck_out_tongue:

I agree that answering the phones is best, but you need to not deduct it from client time (obviously) and change gloves (and/or wash your hands very well).

#19

A client deserves your undivided attention you can always call them back.

#20

My only point is that an electrolysis practitioner who doesn’t have a standing secretary is faced with the reality that every lost phone call could be lost income. With the average electrologist working only 400 to 800 billable hours a year (full time work would be 2080 hours a year) every lost billable hour or lost client (which represents many billable hours) makes a difference.

I am not saying that proper measures should not be taken, and I certainly don’t believe that the client on the table should pay for the minute the electrologist is on the phone, but when one doesn’t have someone else to answer the phone and keep the money coming in, one may end up needing to go back to clock punching work and there won’t be an electrologist there to work on anyone but their friends and family on their days off.