Karen Luster Electrolysis

I have been debating whether or not to write a review because my experience with Karen was so positive. I also really hate writing negative reviews about a specific person (not companies but people), but I really feel this needs to get out there so potential clients can know about a negative experience.
I went to her for two years straight once a week— after that I went off to school. Since I was off at school I would just come back on breaks. So, I went to her for two years straight once a week and then off and on for 8 years for a total of 10 years.
In the consultation Karen told me about the three methods but the only method that works is the blend method. She was very vocal about the flash method not working and that people think it works because the area gets clear quicker but the hair always comes back and it never dies. The blend method is the only method that kills whatever makes the grow hair, but it is slower and takes a while. With me not knowing anything, I took her word for it and said I wanted the blend because of course I wanted the hair dead and gone and if it took longer so be it.
I ended up moving to Chicago permanently and needed someone in town. I went to a consultation, I ended up using this lady services, not only did she say the three methods of hair removal were acceptable and worked BUT the best method is actually the flash method.
The difference between the flash and blend is that with the flash you have to be more accurate. The blend does work, but you do not have to be as accurate and it takes a lot longer. The flash method is the preferred method with most electrolysis because not only does it kill the hair faster but it allows them to get to more hair. My new electrolysis was really shocked when I told her how long I was going.
I have been with this new lady for about a year and not only did she clear the area that Karen was working on in that time she was able to remove hair in other areas that I never plan on because this is expensive, but we had time left in our sessions. The method this lady uses is the flash but if you want to use something else she will.
Sometimes in our sessions Karen would talk about how the other electrolysis in town would stretch out her clients in order to keep getting the revenue because of course once the hair is gone you no longer need the electrolysis services; a part of me think she was actually talking about herself. There is a part of me that wants to give her the benefit of the doubt and say she can’t do the flash method because you have to be accurate with that in order for it to work— but another part of me says if that is the case why she not up front about it and say she only does the blend method.
I am more disappointed and hurt than angry. Karen was so nice and she really made me feel comfortable during our sessions. I even recommended someone to her, which I never do. I do agree with Nakita that Karen is not reliable, but after what she said about the other electrolysis in town, stretching out the appointments, I did not want to make the switch— plus I really liked Karen.
The lady I go to now has heard of the other electrolysis in Champaign that Karen talked about (she never heard of Karen) and said that lady has retired, so I don’t know if there is another one there or not.
I do agree with Karen that the laser method does not work. I don’t see how it does considering you have to kill the thing that makes the hair grow and that is located deep in the skin.
Karen did put a small dent in the area she was working on, but it was nowhere near what my current person is doing. I ended up spending a lot of time, money, and walking around with over grown hair that looked gross for a long time.
I am not saying not to go to Karen, but if you do I would recommend getting a second opinion.
Again I am more hurt and disappointed than angry. I should mention the hair I wanted gone (and it is no longer there because of my new electrolysis) was on my face.

She was great at explaining the process and seemed to really know what she was doing. The office is nice and very clean. However she didn’t show up for our second appointment, or answer the phone, or even call me back. Come to think of it I don’t think she ever even asked my name. I waited outside in freezing January for 15 minutes because you can’t even enter the building unless she lets you in. Needless to say I was none too happy and gave up.

I got a temporary job in Champaign and began to commute from Bloomington each day. I wanted to see who offered electrolysis in Champaign because the commute was bad enough without trying to schedule odd hours with my regular Bloomington electrologist (who, for several reasons, I already knew I didn’t want to stay with). I found Karen on the Yellow Pages website, made an appointment, and haven’t looked back. My job in Champaign is over and I still drive to her from Bloomington– that’s how excellent she is.
Karen is a true professional. Her space is welcoming and comfortable, and she really cares about doing a great job (which she does). She’s extremely honest and helpful.
I’ve been to two other electrologists and neither of them hold a candle to Karen for their services. Her prices are fair and I know she goes out of her way to not only provide a one-​of-​a-​kind service, but she’s also very knowledgeable and keeps up with the current techniques and science of electrolysis, which is incredibly important.
I’d been going to my first electrologist for almost a year, and while I liked her very much as a person, I found out after only two visits to Karen that because the first woman hadn’t kept up with the trends and information, I was misinformed about what really works and doesn’t work.
As a result, I felt that very little headway had been made on my treatment areas… after nearly a year! Karen is an invaluable resource for knowledge.
I can already see a marked improvement in my treatment area. I highly recommend you give her a call to check her out.