Frequently Asked Questions about Electrology Programs and Careers

The definition of electrology is using electricity to remove hair at the root, or even moles and warts and other skin imperfections. So electrologists permanently remove unwanted hair from the face and body of their clients and patients through the use of electrolysis. The process of electrolysis uses an electric current to destroy the tissue, the dermal papilla, ridding the patient of the unwanted hair. Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal treatment, as opposed to temporary procedures such as laser hair removal.

There are three modalities of electrolysis that are used widely today. First is galvanic, which is a chemical process that eliminates hair growth cells through a chemical reaction. The galvanic modality is usually used with multiple (up to 16) needle galvanic electrolysis.

Second is thermolysis, which uses heat to destroy the hair growth cells within the follicle. Thermoloysis can use the flash method with high intensity current for less time, or a lower intensity current for a longer time. Lastly, both galvanic and thermolysis can be blended to use both heat and chemical reactions to destroy the hair growth cells.

Patients of electrologists are often women who wish to removed excess facial hair, or are tired of wasting their valuable time shaving and waxing legs, armpits, upper lips and other unwanted hair. But many men also choose to visit electrologists to have their beard or eyebrows thinned, or to have unwanted hair removed from their bodies. Other common procedures include eyebrow shaping, hair line adjustment, or the removal of hair from moles. Electrologists are often entrepreneurs working in private practice, or in a cosmetology setting. Patients will see the permanent hair removal specialist by appointment.

The electrolysis process begins with the electrologist sterilizing the client's skin with an antiseptic. A tiny needle is slid down the opening of the follicle into the papilla, tissue below the hair root. The electrologist adjusts the timing and intensity of an electric current that is then sent through the needle. The hair is then removed by the electrologist with a tweezer. Amazing, right?

The most important part of an electrologist’s job is make their patients feel comfortable, and to form a trusting relationship with their clients. Permanent hair removal is a very private, personal experience for clients, and some may even be embarrassed about their unwanted hair. Be ready and willing to let them know that they are in good hands, and that you are going to take great care of them.

The next most important trait for permanent hair removal experts is to have a genuine desire to help people. An electrologist needs to be outgoing and be able to make a client feel relaxed, and also very understanding and empathetic with any feelings of discomfort the client may have. Having a friendly, warm electrologist to guide them through the process step-by-step can be an immensely helpful thing for the patients.

Being a self-starter is important for electrologists who wish to own their own businesses. Though salons, spas and dermatologists’ offices may employ permanent hair removal specialists, many instead choose to work independently and start their own companies. If that’s the case, you should have the entrepreneurial spirit to start and maintain your business as it grows.

This is a highly specialized field that is specific to the beauty and skin care business. The variety of potential job titles may be small, the amount of job opportunities and locations where you could become employed is great. Electrologists can work in day spas or salons, or sometimes in dermatologists’ and other medical offices.

Individuals can either apply to an existing electrolysis practice, or as a complement to medical or cosmetology practices. Because of the low cost of opening one’s own electrolysis business, a huge amount of the licensed professionals in this field are entrepreneurs who have founded their own hair removal businesses.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists in their “Skincare Specialists” category. The BLS (2015) anticipates that job demand in the skincare field will grow 40% through the year 2022, with the possibility of about 17,700 jobs being added to the field. This is significantly faster than the average for all other occupations and faster than that for other personal appearance worker occupations. If you are considering a career in the beauty trade, electrologists and other skin care related fields are hot right now.

The American Electrology Association estimates the average salary for a full-time electrologist somewhere between $25,000 and $50,000 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2015) lists the median annual salary for skin care specialists and electrologists as $33,810, not including gratuities. The salary of an electrologist can vary greatly by location of the business, whether you are self-employed or working for a salon or spa, whether you work part-time or full-time, the number of years of experience you have, and many other factors.