By Ashley M. Casey
Associate Editor
After 20 years with a major wireless company, Laura Pantaleo suddenly found herself without a job.
“I had to do something because I really didn’t have a Plan B,” she said.
Pantaleo, a Liverpool resident, enrolled in the Berkowits School of Electrolysis in Queens. Now a state-certified electrologist, Pantaleo has opened Gentle Touch Electrolysis at 514 Oswego St. in Liverpool. The building is also home to JT’s Creamery and Café, Infra Rayz Wellness Spa and Esthetics by Chelsea.
“I want to help people become more beautiful if they feel that something is holding them back,” Pantaleo said.
Not to be confused with laser hair removal, electrolysis is the practice of inserting a fine wire probe into the hair follicle and delivering an electric current to destroy the hair matrix. Pantaleo said most clients feel a “tweezing” sensation, but topical lidocaine is available to soothe discomfort.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved laser as a hair reduction technique and electrolysis as a hair removal technique, Pantaleo said. Some clients opt for electrolysis after undergoing laser to remove the hairs that laser is unable to reach.
“Laser doesn’t work on gray, red, blond or white hair. It’s looking for the melanin in the hair,” Pantaleo explained.
Electrolysis is suitable for any color of hair or skin.
“It’s non-discriminatory,” Pantaleo said.
Clients typically see results within nine to 12 months, Pantaleo said, depending on the body part in question, hair growth cycle, hormones and gender. She offers 15-, 30- and 60-minute electrolysis sessions.
The Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce helped Pantaleo find a location for Gentle Touch Electrolysis.
“It was an ideal location,” Pantaleo said. “All the [tenants] here are really supportive of each other, and it’s a really good environment — to feel good about yourself, inside and out.”
Gentle Touch Electrolysis is open by appointment only. Pantaleo said her hours are flexible, so clients can come in before or after work or during their lunch breaks. For more information, visit gentleelectrolysis.com.
