Trade Schools With Electrolysis Programs
Electrolysis is a technique that uses electrical currents to remove unwanted body hair. More effective than shaving and waxing, the process eliminates hair for good. Those who conduct the procedure, known as electrolysis technicians or electrologists, receive training on the required equipment to run it safely and hygienically.
People who choose an electrolysis career mainly work in salons and spas. Clients go to these workers, often scheduling multiple sessions, to have leg, eyebrow, upper lip, and armpit fuzz removed. Described as fairly painless, electrolysis is the only FDA approved method for permanently removing hair.
What Is an Electrolysis Technician?
An electrolysis technician is a trained worker who operates electrolysis machinery, using it on clients. Workers insert a small needle into a single hair follicle before using electricity to kill it. Then, the employee removes each hair with a pair of tweezers before moving on to the next one.
Every day, an employee comes into work, looks at the appointment schedule, and gets the room ready for the first client. In between appointments, workers sterilize the machinery and place used needles into the appropriate bins for disposal.
Depending on the hours set by the employer, someone with an electrolysis job may work evenings and weekends. Clients schedule appointments for non-work hours, so employees can expect to keep a flexible schedule based on need.
What Are an Electrologist's Job Duties?
Electrologists do many different things throughout the day. For example, workers keep equipment running and perform maintenance on it as needed. Also, employees clean workspaces and dispose of used rubber gloves and needles. These measures help prevent the spread of bloodborne diseases.
Workers maintain a schedule of appointments, ensuring that there is enough time between clients to clean the room and equipment. If patients need extra procedures to get rid of hair from certain areas, it is up to the electrologists to ensure that each schedules an appropriate follow up appointment.
An electrologist helps people feel better about themselves. There are plenty of reasons why clients may need hair removed from various body parts, some of which are embarrassing. Employees work in close physical proximity to customers and should have interpersonal skills.
- Operates electrolysis equipment
- Communicates with clients
- Maintains a clean workspace
- Removes hairs with tweezers
- Schedules client appointments
What Types of Skills Should an Electrologist Possess?
Workers must have good people skills. Many first-time clients arrive nervous about the procedure. Even those who have undergone electrolysis before may have anxiety before the hair removal begins. Having a cheerful and calming nature puts customers at ease.
People with an electrolysis job need to have an eye for details in order to locate tiny follicles. Understanding diseases that lead to excess hair and how to treat them are other necessary skills. Employees conduct exams before beginning treatment, deciding where on the body to begin.
How Do Electrolysis Technicians Maintain Their Workspace?
To avoid spreading diseases like HIV and hepatitis, employees must clean electrolysis machines and related workspaces after each client. Workers wear gloves during a session. Trade school programs teach potentials the cleaning procedures to follow.
Why Do Electrologists Need the Ability To Work With Needles?
Electrolysis involves inserting a tiny needle into a follicle before zapping it with electricity. Workers should be comfortable handling needles and placing them into a client’s skin. After each session, employees also clean any blood off the treatment area.
How Do Electrolysis Technicians Promote Their Work?
The salons that employ workers feature electrologists on company websites. Individuals may have separate social media accounts to alert followers of package deals and other specials. Clients often leave reviews on these posts for others to see, drawing in new customers.
What are Useful Skills for People in This Field?
- Able to work closely with people
- Paying attention to detail
- Understanding basic hygiene
- Scheduling appointments
- Maintaining equipment
- Keeping work licenses updated
- Making clients feel comfortable
- Cleaning the workspace
- Operating electrolysis machinery
- Locating follicles in the skin
Are There Special Requirements for Electrologist Jobs?
To work as an electrologist, hopefuls must attend a school that offers an electrolysis degree program. Topics covered include everything from how to operate the equipment to sanitation and skin diseases. Students learn everything necessary to obtain employment and pass the exams.
After finishing electrolysis school, potentials spend time learning the trade. An apprenticeship, completed at a salon, spa, or another setting, gives hopefuls hands-on practice. The number of hours required vary, based on the state and the program.
In some states, an electrolysis technician may need a license to practice. For others, the final exams and experience are enough to find a job. Students who meet the minimum age requirements take the licensing test after finishing school.
What Is the
Outlook of Electrolysis Technician Jobs?
Currently, the future for those considering an electrolysis career is positive. Experts predict the field to grow by 40% over the next ten years. The average salary for an electrologist is $31K, with experienced workers receiving $59K per year. Employees of larger spas often receive benefits, such as paid vacation and sick days, as well as a 401K plan.
What Should Workers Expect?
Electrologists often work long hours, sometimes on evenings and weekends. The job is very detailed and time-consuming since follicles are small. Also, employees work closely with clients in a quiet treatment room away from others in the spa.
Where Can Prospects Find Work?
Licensed electrolysis technicians work in a variety of settings. Many spas and salons employ an electrologist to increase the number of procedures offered. There are medical reasons for hair removal as well, leading some to find jobs in medical offices. For potentials, options include:
- Salons
- Spas
- Medical facilities
- Private practices
- Dermatology offices
Can You Work For Yourself?
Although many electrolysis technicians work for others, some open a business as an individual proprietor. Often, these technicians have a lot of experience and build up a customer base by working at a salon or spa first. Operating an electrolysis business allows workers to set hours and prices.
Do Electrolysis Technicians Have Any Other Options?
A willingness to help people and operate machinery leads people with related skills to work in laser skin resurfacing and similar spa and salon jobs. Plus, aestheticians, also known as facialists, have a similar set of abilities.
What are Alternate Careers for Electrologists?
Nursing is a possible career option for those with related skills, such as calming patients and performing exams. Also, sterilization technicians clean tools in hospital settings, a job very close to that of electrologists who sanitize the devices used each day.