Early on, a few leaders of the AEA used to call me “you laser-lover!” It was, of course, in jest; but all new technology excites me — I want to learn more and I reject nothing. Indeed, laser has found it’s place, but it has also done something terrific for the electrology profession.
Over the years, there was a distinct “flakiness” about electrology. Hair removal was something to be ashamed of, and many operators were less than “above board.” Electrologists operated in tiny rooms in hair salons (or hotel rooms) and training was often abysmal. There actually was an office in my town called: “Madame Chi Chi Electrolysis Salon.” Can you believe it?
The American Electrology Association (especially under the direction of Teri Perticca) really changed things and moved us light-years ahead. However, laser and the medical interest in hair removal, really “blasted” electrology out-of-the-closet. Public exposure, including this amazing forum, has been terrific for our profession and for the public. Everything has gotten better — and it has mostly been because of laser!
I’m still a promoter of electrologists finding their place in a medical setting: a doctor’s office or medical spa. There are benefits, working in such a setting, that can completely transform the direction of our profession and bring us (finally) into the 21st Century. And that’s what I’ll be working on for the next few years — God willing.
But laser hair removal? Only benefits for electrology!