Classic Esthetics & Electrolysis - Calgary

Not as professional as expected. She didn't tell me about numbing ointment until 2 treatments in. Consultation was short and not informative at all. Another reviewer mentioned she listens to some radio station which was very annoying and very right wing. Not a relaxing environment to get treatment when you are already in pain and yes, you never get a full hour because the appointments are scheduled back to back.

Initially, I had a sense that she was somewhat good. It wasn't until I tried elsewhere that I realized how bad it was. I hate to write this, but at the same time, I want folks out there to be safe and comfortable. Here are my concerns: She disinfects with hydrogen peroxide, an outdated practice that is no longer supported by research. Her technique is slow, and involves a lot of touching and smearing of the skin, which increases the risk of infection. She switches from using some kind of fragranced gel after treatments, to polysporin. My last treatment, she squeezed out a bead of polysporin from a used tube onto her hand and rubbed it into my newly treated area. Afterwards, in the same area, I had the worst acne outbreak in my life. I'm still left with hyperpigmentation. Update: I'm now left with shallow scars, as well. I found her treatments to be very painful, when compared to another electrologist's treatments. Furthermore, Mary's electrolysis would leave me very swollen and red; scabs of yellow pus marked the majority of treated follicles for days after. After seeing a more current electrologist, with better results, I know it doesn't need to be this painful or damaging. She shared very little information with me and I think it resulted in poorer outcomes for me. For instance, she never informed me that it's best to have regular treatments; to treat the follicles after they've been weakened by previous electrolysis. She was very vague about what moisturizers to avoid, but seemed rather dismayed when I told her I was using a Cerave night cream. For trans clients, based on my experience, she will insist that you tell her your surgical status and wants to know if you're taking HRT. Furthermore, her intake forms are not very trans-friendly, and certainly not non-binary friendly. When met with this, I asked her why she needed to know my surgical status, and she redirected; then, I tried to tell her my t levels were sufficiently suppressed. After this, she asked my surgical status again and, due to an extreme discomfort, I caved and told her. I think she believes surgical status influences hair growth, more than actually wanting to know peoples' surgical status, but it made me very uncomfortable. Lastly, I don't believe she was very professional. Despite charging an hourly rate, she often scheduled clients with no time in between. This meant she was up to greet another client during the hourly session, or even ending the session early so she could start with the new client as the new hour began. She would listen to QR77 and sometimes even discuss her political beliefs with me. Furthermore, she would often leave harsh lines of untreated area; at one point I was left with a "Charlie Chaplin" rectangle on my upper lip. She often didn't treat the areas the we discussed before treatment.

I had electrolysis done a few years ago. And I wasn’t very knowledgeable of the process at the time. A lot of what I had done was a learning experience. The technician left my face scabbed and I broke out in small zits in every spot that was treated within hours. I was concerned about this and I was dismissed and told it was normal. Absolutely not normal. In no way should anyone’s face be left in the condition that my face was in.

I have been going to see Mary Gallagher at Classic Esthetics, as required, for 18 years. She is very experienced, knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. She is quick and efficient when performing her work. She always puts a very soothing lotion on my face, not Polysporin, when she is done, even putting a liquid makeup on when she knows I’m meeting people after. I’m always happy with the results. When I retired and no longer worked downtown I tried to find another electrologist closer to my home. I tried 2 different places and was not pleased with the treatments I was getting. The work was slow and I ended up with marks that lasted for weeks. I continue to use Mary as she’s the best. She’s always on schedule and I usually go for ½ an hour. She quite often works past my time to make sure things are “cleaned up”. She’s very personable and we talk about all sorts of things during my treatment. I suffer from bouts of Vertigo and lying flat on her table is a trigger. She always makes sure my head is well supported and she lifts the end of the table when she’s done so I can relax before I stand up. Very considerate!! In reading some of the other reviews that have been posted I cannot believe that a customer would make reference to a radio station you have on. That doesn’t have anything to do with your abilities as an electrologist. I’m sure if your client spoke up and asked you to turn it off you would have!? Finally, I would, and have, recommended Mary and Classic Esthetics as the best place to go for electrolysis. I give her 5 stars.

I have been going to Classic Esthetics for a few years now. Initially Mary had lots of work to do removing bristly black hair on my chin and upper lip. After about 4 monthly treatments the black bristly hair were permanently gone. I now only go for maintenance once every 2 or 3 months should something appear. Mary is professional, very efficient, personal and caring person. She is consistently on time; I have not had to ever wait for my scheduled appointments and is very competent in her skills. I would recommend electrolysis by Mary at Classic Esthetics. You will be happy with the service and price.

Mary is a very professional person. She is a kind and respectful person with deep knowledge about electrolysis. She cares to give you the best service for removal of hair. She has cleaned several areas on my body. I have no scars, no return of hair. It is just perfect. I would not hesitate to recommend Mary to any person desiring to permanently remove some unwanted hair on their body.

Very professional, awesome service and treatment. Mary is amazing. I have been coming in for months now and have had great results with hair removal on chin and upper lip. I highly recommend.

Electrolysis is both a science and an art. It is just not as simple as many websites or service providers make it out to be. The professional must take in to account your personal situation and learn how your body responds to treatments. Mary Gallagher is this professional. She knows what she is doing and works with you to set expectations on clearing away unwanted hair. There are not many qualified service providers left and laser is not the answer for every situation. I highly recommend Mary.