Electrolysis School Career Guide

Electrologist 101

With a career in electrology, you can have a dramatic impact on the self-image and self-confidence of your clients. Unwanted body hair is a major source of embarrassment for many people. Men are teased about excessive back hair, and women are self-conscious about hair on their upper lips. Whether the cause is heredity, hormones, stress, medication or a glandular disorder, unwanted body hair can result in low self-esteem and problems in the workplace or in social settings.

Electrology is the only hair removal method medically recognized to permanently remove unwanted body hair. Small amounts of electricity are applied to the base of the hair follicle, destroying the hair growth tissue.

In order to be successful as an electrologist, you will need to be able to do the following:

• Communicate easily and put clients at ease
• Be comfortable handling electrology equipment
• Accept all types of people and bodies
• Motivate yourself and work independently
• Sit for long periods of time
• Work evening and weekend hours
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, health and safety

Your Electrology Education

What You’ll Study

In most electrology training programs, you will spend the majority of your time receiving hands-on instruction and practicing the art and science of electrolysis.

You will also gain the following skills and knowledge:

• Physiology of hair and skin
• Principles and techniques of eyebrow shaping
• Electricity and techniques of electrolysis
• Proper use of equipment, products and tools
• Sanitation and hygiene
• Recognition of common skin diseases
• Professional conduct, ethics and business management

Average Length of Study

The length of your training will depend on your state's licensing requirements. You may be able to complete your training in as little as a month of full-time study. More intensive programs can take a year or more, especially if you choose a part-time schedule.

Average Tuition

Tuition for electrology school - sometimes called electrolysis school - will vary depending on where you live and the hours of training required by your state. Programs generally range between $2,000 and $7,000, although the 1,100-hour programs required by some states can cost over $10,000.

Electrologist Certification and Licensing

Most states require electrologists to earn a license, but the requirements vary widely. Minimum education requirements range from 300 to 1,100 hours. You will probably be required to pass a licensing examination, and many states also have continuing education requirements. The American Electrology Association (AEA) offers a summary of state-by-state licensing requirements.

In addition, the the International Board of Electrologists Certification (IBEC) oversees an internationally recognized voluntary certification program for electrologists. Some states require you to pass the IBEC examination to earn your electrology license, so research the electrologist requirements in your state to discover whether or not the IBEC is a mandatory program for you.

To become a Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE), you must pass a state-designated test that measures your knowledge against a national standard of excellence. You will be required to maintain this credential with on-going continuing education.

Electrologist Career Overview

Electrolysis, or electrology, can remove hair from almost anywhere on the body. Common treatment areas include the eyebrows, hairline, neck, shoulders, back, chest, upper lip, earlobes, bikini line, underarms, toes and hands. Because of this wide range of treatment areas, you can expect to work with a wide range of clients, including men, women and teens.

Most electrologists work for themselves. Working for yourself gives you maximum flexibility to set your own hours and work on either a full- or part-time basis. With creativity and commitment, you can earn an excellent income. To open a professional office, you will need to purchase equipment - an investment of up to $5,000. You will also need at least 250 to 350 square feet of office space. Home-based offices are also an option in many states.

You can avoid the up-front investment of purchasing your own equipment and renting space by working for a spa, salon or established electrologist. In these situations, you can expect to earn about half of your hourly rate, plus tips.

Electrologist Career Outlook

Because it is one of the only safe permanent hair removal methods - and has been since it was invented in 1875 - electrolysis is very popular. There will always be a need for skilled electrologists. The rapid growth of day spas also points to the ever-increasing willingness of Americans to invest in their personal appearance - which only promotes electrolysis.

In the 1990s, electrolysis faced competition with the development of laser hair removal. The new technique was promoted as a quicker and easier way to permanently remove hair. However, the Food and Drug Administration soon declared that laser and similar devices can only claim to reduce hair growth - not permanently remove it, like electrolysis.

Electrologist Salaries

Electrologist fees range from approximately $45 to $120 per hour, depending mainly on location and practice setting. The average is between $60 and $80 per hour. Employees in a salon or spa generally receive half of the hourly rate, plus tips.

According to the American Electrology Association, full-time established electrologists average between $25,000 and $50,000 per year.

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Sources:
American Electrology Association, 2006.
Electrology Institute, 2007.