I am looking into electrolysis right now in NYC area. I’ve seen a few good reviews for certain professionals on this site but they are not board certified after checking… so my question is, is board certification important or is it overblown?
Is it safe to go to someone who is not board certified?
Thanks,
Eva
I think the only way you will truly see if someone is experienced and professional enough is to go in for your consultation and have a sample treatment. If they’re not plucking, the speed is good, the healing afterwards is good, and they answer all your questions correctly, you should be good.
Because electrolysis in NY is not regulated and therefore, continuing education is not required, I think it is a good idea to choose an electrologist in NYC who is board certified as these electrologists have chosen to undergo testing and continue their education… and they don’t have to.
The board certified electrologist in NY is considered the elite by electrology educators as these are the professionals who are buying the trade books as they come out, they are the ones looking at the newer machines and tools, they are the ones who go the extra mile to take the extra classes and seminars that are offered throughout the country.
Arlene, when they say it’s not regulated, does that mean anyone can go buy a machine and open shop? With absolutely no background or proof of competence? I’m just wondering in that I live in a regulated state and can’t imagine this.
Mantaray
Hey, we have rules in New York State. You have to be at least 16 years old. Other than that, yeah, anyone who can get a machine can try their luck. 
:o
It is true that in unregulated states, anyone can and ofter do set up shop. Some in the area have been doing Blend for about 20 years or more. Another went to a convention in BC and bought an apilus and just set up shop. This person then trained someone else on using a similar machine. One large office in seattle, the owner trains those who work for her, with a commitment that they will only work for her.
I had electrology performed on myself about 12 years ago, and when I completed schooling to become a Medical Assistant, I found that there were already many trained who could not find work, even though the forcast says that it is the most needed field for students. Investigating, I found a electrology school in California and was able to one of their courses. My desire is to offer a quality electrolysis service at a reasonable price, and I believe I am doing so. What is probably more important, is that I am enjoying what I am doing. I have a technical background, and have done a few things that I like. I have a thermal data logger that I put a thermocouple into my dry oven and feeds a rs232 connection to a laptop computer which graphs the thermal cycles for sterilization. That way, if anything abnormal happens during a cycle, I will know by the chart, what and when something went wrong, and will know if another cycle needs to be run or not. While not manditory, I do like knowing what is going on with my equipment, and it really was not difficult to set up.
So, in unregulated states, it would be a good sign seeing the CPE, initials or other credentialed intials, behind the electrologists name. At least, that equates with someone who is participating in continuing education courses. Right?
Looking for either a CPE or CCE after a name, indicates that they hve taken the extra effort to at least learn enough to pass a National Exam. I believe that most if not all of those that are certified, do believe in continuing education. I know I certainly do. Some of those around my location have not bothered to take the exam, or have tried and failed, with the exception of some of the electrologist who have been around for ages. I does indicate that at least the person took some inititive and was able to pass a national exam. Which is why I took the CCE exam. The CPE exam is only offered once a year, and must be taken at the convention. But now I am getting into a pet complaint I have about the AEA. It is not a quarantee that they are good, but it is at least an indication that they have put some extra effort into knowing what they are doing. At least that is my opinion.
A previous thread may be of interest to you.
Consider Writing for the AEA Bulletin
http://www.hairtell.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/39024/page/3#Post39024
I’m not sure how to paste a link here, but the thread is on the third page of Professional Electrolysis
Yes, anyone can set up shop to administer laser hair removal and anyone can set up shop to administer electrolysis in the state of NY. The only difference is, without the proper training, it might be impossible to get insurance.
Interestingly enough though, if someone in NY wants to wax, it requires taking a course from a state approved school, passing the exams, graduating with a certificate that will then enable the graduate to take the state written exam, and take the state practical exam where skill is tested, pass these state exams, and then, finally get licensed to administer waxing.
So, is some sort of certification a good thing when looking for an electrologist or a laser tech. in NY? Well, its no guarantee that you’ll get the best tech. but at least you will know your board certified electrologist is making an effort to reach out to a greater community where she/he hopes to learn more.
Arlene! You have neat little blocks under your name! A Hairtell first!
Does that mean you’re having a baby! How’d you do that.
Oh dear, how do you make a baby? 
Is that what you want to know? :whistle: Well, um, maybe I need to respond in private! 
Oh… you were referring to the ABC blocks. 
… how did I make them appear?
Well, go to your profile.
Then, at the bottom you will see a feature called AVATAR.
Andrea has a few images for you to choose from.
Since the ABC blocks seemed like some sort of educational symbol to me, I decided to use that one.
Looking forward to seeing your choices!
No, I was asking YOU if YOU were announcing something special, Arlene. Sorry for not being clear on that one. Ill go take a look at those images and have some fun with it.
Thanks,
Dee