Electrology as a Career

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Hi all,

I was wondering if some of the professionals would mind giving their opinions on their career choice. I had been planning on being an RN, but, I know how much electrolysis can change a person’s life. Also, there are none in my area and no well known ones in my state.
I know we have an electrology school here, and tuition would be free for me. I also know about the costs of the good machines.
I guess I’m mainly wondering about salary ranges, building clietelle, etc. Thanks for anything, J

#2

Since there is no “McDonalds of Electrolysis” you can forget about salary. There are very few places that actually hire people and pay them as employees. More common is a person running a place who has a rate split with the “independent contractors” working from her, or his location. In that situation, one makes anywhere from 40% - 60% of the hourly rate charged based on how much the owner of the location is providing by way of equipment and services. If one is just showing up doing the work and leaving, expect a 40% cut of the hourly rate. Places that hire employees usually pay between $10 - $25 per hour, but the rate of pay will depend on if they are paying for hours on location, or billable hours worked.

You will do well to build your own clientele and keep all the money. You only need to find a good location and work out a way to deliver clients to you in the small doses needed to allow you to actually give hours to the people who call asking.

Remember, we are not selling coca-cola. We only have a certain number of hours to sell, and it does us no good to have 100 people calling us looking for an appointment on any given day. Much better to have 5 people calling for work on a day, so that you can actually schedule them.

#3

Hi Templje,

An RN credential will probably provide job opportunities throughout the country, perhaps even the world. Electrology credentials are not uniform and are therefore limited by state requirements.

The RN program is 2 years or 4 years? How fast do you want to get into the field? You will likely be able to start faster in a career as an electrologist.

It is almost certain that you will not get health insurance, pension plan, paid sick days or holidays as an electrologist. You will have to find a way to arrange these benefits on your own.

As an employed RN, you have opportunities for many benefits.

Why not do both? Get your RN and your electrology certification.

Good luck and all the best.

#4

Actually, the RN’s still have to jump through hoops to transfer their extortionists papers, Ur, um, I mean credentials between states, and don’t even try to transfer between countries. They just end up telling you that you need to redo the entire process from scratch. I knew a nurse who decided that since she had to start from scratch anyway, she would do the Physician’s Assistant program instead.

#5

Thanks for the replies. The plan was to open my own practice, not use someone elses facilities. I could finish my RN in about 30 Months. Also, I know getting started would be expensive-machine, table, light, magnification, etc.
I think there are a few localtions here in La that would do well. I, personally will have to travel to Dallas or Houston for the closest electrologist. There are a few here, but all I called didn’t seem very personable and when I mentioned a full beard I was told to try laser for that much hair. And when I asked about machine specifics the question was kinda dodged.
So, I figure there is a good market for someone who specializes.

#6

I know an electrologist in Covington, Louisiana. There are others, whom I do not know, but know of, in other areas of your state. Would you feel comfortable noting the city in which you are located so that we can make referrals? Also, did you check the listing at this web site?

#7

I have been told by many of my patrons that they chose to come to me because I was an RN, to which I reply, all and good, but that never ensures that one will have a modern set up, a hygienic office, and a great personality. It just so happens that I have chosen to have all three of those components with the core idea being to always serve others well. I say that with much humility :whistle: . Another example is, if one has a CPE after their name, that alone does not ensure a modern set up, a hygienic office and great personality. Initials do not ensure one is better at their craft than the non-initialed, but may give a hint that one is putting more effort and time into refining and focusing on information related to do doing their craft well. Consumers are impressed with initials, so that is a one up.

I enjoyed my years working as a registered nurse very much and I loved, and still love, the educational process that goes with keeping those initials (I still do the hours of continuing education required to keep my nursing license active). I wouldn’t discourage anyone from becoming a nurse, but I have found an even greater fondness at this stage of my life in my electrologist role because I am my own boss. I make decent income. It is by no means lucrative by the time you subtract all sorts of taxes, health care, disability, continuing education and office expenses, etc. Best of all, one is in a position to make a physical impact on people who are so disgusted and depressed by having too much hair in all the wrong places. As the hair problem resolves, it is so much fun to observe a person slowly be reborn again.

From a business side of things, if there are few or no professional electrologists in your area, you got a market! Those with a specific niche where demand out weighs supply will be busier than they ever imagined (if they are truly skilled). Get the right set up and have the right attitude to offer the best and they will come. It takes 2-5 years to get your base clientele. It took me three years, personally. That’s why if you are an RN, you can stay employed easily as you try to build up your electrolysis practice. Once your electrologly practice starts bursting at the seams, you can work part time as a nurse or give it up altogether. My salary as an electrolgist is a little better or close to the same as what I could earn as a nurse, but the big difference is - I AM MY OWN BOSS and it doesn’t impact my physical body like nursing did.

The information I pasted below is pretty much in tune with the education I received as an electrologist, except the science part at my school was at an LPN level. Cost is similar, too. Beyond the tuition and travel expenses, expect to spend about $15,000-$20,00 to set yourself up properly. After you have become accomplished, make it a goal not to be selfish. Help to mentor someone who is struggling to become a great electrologist. Note: a perk for mentoring someone is, now YOU can have someone do good work on you, since you cannot work on yourself with much success!

Enough said! Here is some information that may help you. I don’t know what the quality of the electrolysis school is like in Louisiana, but maybe this will help you compare.

[color:#000099]On-Site Electrology Program

Perhaps a new career in Electrology is what you’ve been looking for! Begin a rewarding and high paying career in electrology with the American Institute of Education.

What Exactly is Electrology?
Electrology is the study of permanent hair removal with the use of an electric needle or probe, utilizing three modalities known as Electrolysis, Thermolysis and Blend.

600 Hour Electrology Program

This program is designed for comprehensive training in permanent hair removal. Our program covers much more than basic training in the field of electrology.

Course Outline & Hours Earned

GENERAL THEORY (350 COURSE HOURS)
A) INTRODUCTION TO ELECTROLOGY
This includes 1) the history of electrology, 2) current methods of permanent and temporary hair removal.
B) BASIC SCIENCE

A specific study of the following as these areas pertains to electrology:

Anatomy and physiology
Cytology
Histology
Survey of body systems: nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, excretory, reproductive, skeletal, muscular, and integumentary
Dermatology: normal integument, diseases of the skin
Hair: structure and function, growth cycles, regrowth
Hypertrichosis, hirsutism: causes, evaluation, treatment
Contraindications to electrology
Microbiology: a study of microorganisms, personal hygiene, hand washing, sanitation, antisepsis, disinfection, sterilization, aseptic techniques
Immunology
Basic electricity
Modalities of electrology: electrolysis, single needle method and multiple needle method, thermolysis, manual and automatic method, and the blend method
Electrology techniques and variables, including intensity, timing, depth of insertion
Operation, care, maintenance of equipment and instruments.
C)
PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology as related to unwanted hair
Interpersonal skills
Stress management and relaxation techniques
D) PROFESSIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Maintenance of professional standards
Professional associations
Ethical issues
Legal issues
Business principles and practices
a) Organization and supervision of an office
b) Office procedures and management
c) Record keeping
d) Bookkeeping and accounting
e) Taxes
f) Insurance liability (malpractice, property damage)
g) Public relations and advertising
h) Time management
CLINICAL PRACTICE (250 COURSE HOURS)
A. Interpersonal skills
B. Health history assessment
C. Consultation
D. Contraindications
E. Positioning and draping
F. Lighting and optics
G. Pre and post-treatment care
H. Modalities (electrolysis, thermolysis, blend)
I. Epilation techniques
J. Practice on all body areas
K. Aesthetic / cosmetic considerations
L. Side effects, tissue injury, and complications
M. Treatment records
N. Evaluation of treatment progress

Chapter Material Earned Hours
1 The Causes of Hair Problems 30
2 Structure and Dynamics of Hair & Skin 30
3 A Practical Analysis of The Hair & Skin 30
4 Neurology & Angiology 30
5 Bacteriology & Disinfection 30
6 Dermatology 30
7 Principles of Electricity and Equipment 30
8 Electrolysis 30
9 Thermolysis 30
10 The Blend 30
11 The Needle 15
12 General Treatment Procedure 15
13 Treatment of Specific Areas 10
14 Developing a Practice 10
Tuition Information

Tuition Includes: All training, the program text book, all study guides and all tests taken in the school, all disposable supplies and a supply kit that allows you to work in the school clinic.

Students graduate with a certificate of completion and a proof of training certificate that allows them to sit for the State Board licensing exam.

Description Cost
Program Cost (total) $7,605
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#8

Thanks Dee. That is the exact info I looked at earlier tonight. As for me looking in my state, I have…a lot. It’s not that we don’t have any at all, but most seem to be jacks of all trades. They run a beauty shop and offer electrolysis along with all sorts of other salon-type services. I have yet to run across somewho who seems to specialize or be passionate about electrolysis. And, with all the work I need done, I need an electrolysis who is almost as interested in my goals as I am. You know, if you walk in and they see your full beard and all they think is ugh, sooo much work, well then, my chest would just kill em!!! Around here it’s more females with lip hair, or gilrs like my sisters and mother who have those 5-6 hairs under the chin (sorry mom) I think that there is real room in this state for someone who knows exactly what it is like to be hairy and is psyched to help you get clear. In the same way, i have been obeise too, and know how much becoming fit can change someone. It’s the same with hair removal. I have also seen people from Louisiana looking for someone on here. I believe most go to Texas. The school mentioned above has a course in Austin I believe, run by Christina Navarette whom I was going to give a try with for electrolysis, so that may work out. Thanks for any and all responses. Just thinking out loud, J

#9

The passion for removing hair seems to go hand in hand with electrologists that have had lots of hair removed in their lifetime and who were impacted by the process. It does work. It is a life changing event. Good luck with your decision, temp.

#10

Thanks Dearie, I have just posted pics of what my electrolygist and I am facing, have a look if you dare! J

#11

where are the pics?

#12

Hey Dee they are under the Post Nightmare? Cringing? Carpal Tunnel?

#13

I tell you what, Templje, with the proper training, your beard would almost guarantee that a novice graduates to pro by the time she or he were finished with you. She or he would also recoup their start up costs. :wink:

I will be truthful with you though, some people in this industry would run away screaming at the sight of you walking in their office door.

#14

Well if my beard got him/her to Pro, then my arms, back, chest, and “goodies” would have them at the top in the field!

#15

I love being an electrologist. I’m heading into my 30th year!!!

I’m in Kansas’ 3rd largest city, with more electrologists than the two larger cities…and I’m very busy. I know my colleagues in Wichita and KC book months in advance.

The obstacle in starting a new electrolysis business will be getting your name out there. I started out in 1980, working with an experienced electrologist, and it seems like it took about 2 years to get booked to full time. The ONLY advertising we did was yellowpages. In this day and age I would recommend internet (a webpage), professional and personalized newsletters and physician contacts.

After you get started - keep up on education and equipment. None of this “my epilator works just fine…no need to update” stuff, okay?

I’ve already said it, but I love this profession. You meet the most amazing people…you make a difference in their lives…and if you have a good work ethic - you make a good living.

So…wishing you the best!

#16

Thanks Ms. Barbara, Your enthusiasm shines through. As for a machine, I have already looked into the Apilus as a future purchase.

#17

Morning all. This is putting the cart before the horse, well, more like putting the cart on the other side of the field and the horse, well, he’s still at the vet. Moving on…as far as machines go, what’s the opinion on the aplilus Senior 2 as a beginning machine whilst saving up for a Platinum?I ask because I have recently seen one for sale under 1k wheeas the Platinum was 8-10k last time I looked. Thanks J

#18

The Apilus Senior II is the first of the machines that I would consider. Anything lower and I would feel like I stepped out of a Mercedes, past the Volvo, still past the Honda, didn’t look at the Buick, and settled into a Ford Festiva or Daewoo Nubria.