Smith Electrology

Smith Electrology is an electrolysis practice in Annapolis focused on permanent hair removal. For more than 35 years the practice served the area as Ruth Allen & Associates. Owner Heidi Smith took over that practice and renamed it Smith Electrology. The owner no longer provides treatments, and the electrologists on staff are licensed.

The first visit is a one-on-one consultation that covers goals, hair growth patterns, comfort level, and a review of hair and skin history. The electrologist assesses hair and skin and builds a personalized treatment plan. Clients aren't required to commit at the consultation, and a short treatment is often included. The 30-minute consultation is listed at $35 on the booking site, and booking it takes a $20 deposit. Many clients start with a first session of 60 to 90 minutes.

Electrolysis is priced by session length rather than by the area treated. The booking site lists sessions from 5 to 120 minutes, and the length and schedule are chosen during the consultation. Per-session prices listed there are $60, $65 and $70 for the 5, 10 and 15 minute options. The method destroys the follicle at its root without relying on pigment, so it works across hair colors and skin tones. Thermolysis, galvanic and blend methods are offered, with blend often selected for coarse or distorted follicles and galvanic for deeper or stubborn growth.

Most treatment journeys run 12 to 18 months, though timelines vary. Early on, visits are usually weekly or every other week; in the middle phase they are typically every three to six weeks, and later every six to twelve weeks. Before an appointment, clients avoid waxing, plucking, threading, bleaching and depilatory creams, and don't shave the area for 36 to 48 hours; exfoliating products are stopped 5 to 7 days ahead. Afterward, temporary redness, swelling or small bumps usually settle within 24 to 72 hours, and sun exposure on the treated area is avoided for 7 to 14 days.

Hours are Monday and Tuesday 9 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday and Thursday 12 PM to 8 PM, and Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM. The practice is closed Friday and Sunday. Numbing cream can be used during treatment, and the electrologist can recommend one and explain how to apply it. The practice describes its services as inclusive and affirming.

Each visit begins with an assessment of hair and skin and a discussion of goals, leading to a personalized treatment plan.

A calm, private treatment space that the practice describes as clean and controlled, meeting professional hygiene standards by its own account.