Right Column

Electrology—Clearing the Hair

By the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology

Printer Friendly Version

To some, the name “Board of Barbering and Cosmetology”, in itself, can be misleading. The name does not encompass all of the professions that the Board examines and licenses. Specifically, it does not recognize the nearly 2,000 Board licensees that work in the profession of permanent hair removal—electrologists. Electrology is the practice of removing hair from, or destroying hair on the human body by the use of an electric needle.

According to the Electrologists' Association of California, “A trained licensed electrologist selects a fine sterile needle, as thin as a hair, and gently slides it into the hair follicle located along side the hair. A tiny amount of electrical current is applied, destroying the hair root.” The hair “is permanently removed.”

Electrology is a specialized service that can only be performed by licensed electrologists. No other professional, not even cosmetologists, are allowed to perform this type of service. Additionally, any facility that offers electrology services, whether it is a salon, barbershop, or medical facility, must also obtain a State Board establishment license.

Some services that electrologists cannot provide are cauterizing spider veins, laser treatments, and the administration of medication. These types of services must be performed by licensed medical professionals.

Expand Your Abilities

With the current status of the economy, everyone could use additional income. What better way to increase your income while expanding your abilities than a career in the in-demand profession of electrology? Those who are interested in pursuing a career as an electrology professional in California must complete 600 hours of coursework at one of the three Board-approved electrology schools. Once training is completed, you must submit a license and exam application and pass a written and practical examination. The examination will test your ability in hair removal by electrolysis, thermolysis, or blend and the following:

• Accurate insertion of probe
• Balance of the current and setting
• Epilation of the unwanted hair
• Set-up of equipment and machines
• Preparation of the model
• Maintenance of proper sanitation and protection for the operator and model
• Demonstration of the basic skills needed to perform other allied operations

After you have successfully passed the examination, you will receive a license to legally operate as an electrologist and be on your way to generating additional income.

For further information, contact the Board at 1-800-952-5210 or www.barbercosmo.ca.gov.

— Reprinted from the California Stylist, November 2009 issue