Frequently Asked Questions

I graduated from the New England Electrology Institute with a degree in Electrolysis, Laser and IPL hair removal. I trained for a year in electrolysis and laser hair removal before opening Beauty & the Beas. I am licensed in Massachusetts and I follow the CDC / AED  standards for sterilization, patient care and safety.  Training REALLY MATTERS because New York is an unlicensed state for both electrolysis and laser. That means anyone can buy a laser or an epilator and start using it; without safety training, without insurance, without understanding hair growth patterns or contraindications. Many people train for a few days or weeks which means they are learning hair removal on the job on your skin. In New York, there is no insurance requirement. There are no standards for training, instrument sterilization or continuing education. New York state is the wild west of hair removal! Before you choose a provider ask about their education and whether they follow the national standards. Ask if they have insurance and whether they sterilize their equipment. And if you hear of a deal that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

My electrolysis equipment is the Apilus xCell, the gold standard in epilators.  It is the gentlest, most comfortable permanent hair removal equipment available on the market today. Because the electrical pulse is delivered in mere thousandths of a second, the energy targets the base of the hair follicle so rapidly that your nervous system barely registers it. I can customize treatments to match your hair type and comfort level. I am an expert in the three electrolysis modalities: Thermolysis, Galvanic and Blend. 

My laser is the Lumenis Splendor X, a powerhouse in the aesthetics industry and the first laser to offer Blend X technology, allowing me to blend 2 lasers for maximum effectiveness and comfort. I can combine the Alexandrite laser with the ND-YAG laser and tailor the treatment to your skin type, hair color and thickness. The unique square spot size prevents gaps in treatment while the system blows cold air onto the skin, drastically reducing the snapping sensation you get with other lasers. 

I offer three electrolysis modalities: Thermolysis (heat), Galvanic (chemical), Blend (heat + chemical). My training and equipment allow me to switch between these modalities to match your pain tolerance, hair thickness and skin type. If you’re interested in learning more, please read on.

Thermolysis (heat): I apply a micro current to the hair follicle, causing the water molecules to vibrate which generates heat to destroy the stem cells. This is ideal for clearing a large area.

Galvanice (chemical): I apply direct current which triggers a natural chemical reaction within the hair follicle. This is ideal for coarse facial hair and those with reactive or sensitive skin.

Blend (heat + chemical): This modality combines the rapid action of thermolysis with the chemical destruction of galvanic. This method is ideal for follicles that are distorted or curved from waxing or tweezing.

Yes, I am experienced in treating PCOS / PMOS -caused hair growth. It is possible to get your unwanted hair under control so that you don’t have to shave every day. We will discuss your symptoms and health history during the consultation. I will create a customized plan to help reduce and eventually control the hair growth caused by the imbalance of hormones.

Electrolysis is ideal for white or gray hair because it’s not dependent on the color of the hair for removal. If you have tried waxing or laser without good results, you will love electrolysis. It’s more comfortable than waxing and laser and even better–it’s PERMANENT! Call or text Laura for a free consultation.

Electrolysis is FDA-approved REMOVAL. Laser is reduction. It’s not uncommon for hair to grow back after laser, partucularly if there are hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy, perimenopause, IVF treatments, menopause, etc.). If you wish for complete permanent hair removal, electrolysis is the only option. Electrolysis is also great for removing the last hairs that the laser missed.

Men also suffer from unwanted hair! I can treat your ear hair, nose hair, back hair, shape your beard, remove your knuckle hair, tackle that unibrow, clean up your collar line. Call me–we’ll discuss your needs and set up a discreet treatment plan.

Yes! We will discuss which hair-removal method is best for you depending on the date of and extent of your planned surgery. There are two critical requirements to get ready for your surgery: 1) enough time to complete the hair removal 2) a guide from your surgeon that outlines the areas to be rendered hair-free. I like to combine electrolysis and laser to speed up the process. For complete removal expect 24-36 months of regular hair removal treatments.

Whether I can remove the hair in a tattoo depends on the tattoo. See Laura to determine if your tattoo is eligible for safe hair removal using electrolysis. You can text a photo to (929) 977-2327.

If you are taking a pill, these medications bind to recepotors in the hair follicle to stimulate new hair to grow in hormonal areas of the body (chest/breasts, abdomen, upper and lower lip, cheeks, chin, neck, underarms, upper thighs and bikini areas). T and Minoxidil act like fertilizer that “wake up” dormant follicles to grow a hair. Electrolysis will eliminate an active hair but it will not prevent a dormant follicle from growing a hair. This does not mean that electrolysis is ineffective for anyone taking these medications but it could require more treatments to attack the new hairs as they emerge. As long as you are taking Testosterone or Minoxidil, you risk waking up dormant follicles. Sticking to a regular treatment plan will help us stay on top of any new growth.

Some clients find their treatments more comfortable when they use a topical numbing cream. Please let Laura know if you choose to numb before an appointment.

I do not offer on-site numbing but there are many great over the counter topical options that I can recommend for electrolysis or laser hair removal:

Zensa: FDA-approved, peaks in 40 minutes, contains Vitamin E for skin protection

Ebanel Numb520: affordable, contains aloe, peaks in 20 minutes

Dr. Numb: fast-acting, peaks in 20-30 minutes

It is important that you do a test before your appointment to ensure you do not have an adverse skin reaction.

You will need time to apply the topical before your appointment so you are at peak numbness. Your results will vary based on metabolism and the thickness of your skin.

I am happy to hear you wish to continue your hair removal treatments with me but you cannot skip the consultation. The consultation is our time to discuss your hair removal goals and health history. It is also required to keep my state license current. In addition, my insurance company requires a consultation. By requiring a consultation, I prioritize your safety. 

Between your electrolysis or laser appointments, you may shave or trim your hair. Do NOT pluck, tweeze, wax, sugar, or thread your hairs between appointments. I know it’s hard! Also note that we cannot treat skin that is recovering from recent chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or other professional or medical skin care treatments (i.e. Botox) or skin that has had significant sun or tanning bed exposure. Don’t worry, just wait 24 hours after a facial and two weeks after Botox or fillers and laser skin treatments–speak to Laura if you’re unsure. Discontinue retinoids and actives 48 hours before your treatment. Please wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and stick to your treatment plan and you’ll be silky smooth before you know it!

At this time, I do not take insurance but I can provide you with a properly coded receipt so you can submit it to your insurance carrier. Many electrolysis and laser clients have had success with insurance reimbursement for hair removal. I am happy to help you through the process. Just ask!

Hey, stuff happens. If you are late for your appointment we will try to accommodate your full time slot. If we cannot, your appointment will be shortened accordingly and we must charge the price of your full appointment. No-shows will be billed for the appointment.

We require 48 hours notice if you need to change or cancel your appointment. A cancellation of less than 48 hours will trigger full payment for the service. After three late cancellations you will be limited to same-day appointments only.