There are many jobs that you can get with a cosmetology license beyond working as a hair stylist or nail technician. One lucrative position within the cosmetology field is electrologist, which is a form of permanent hair removal. As an electrologist, you will be performing electrolysis on clients, which is a more permanent way to get rid of unwanted hair than other options, including laser hair removal.
What Does the Job Entail?
As an electrologist, you will remove facial and body hair for men and women using electrolysis. You use a specialty tool that allows you to permanently remove unwanted hair at the root using electricity. Electrolysis damages the hair growing tissue, ridding the client of hair forever while maintaining the integrity of the skin.
Many women turn to electrolysis for smooth, hairless legs
According to Beauty Schools Directory, you will most likely use one of three ways to remove the hair. The first option is called galvanic, which relies upon a chemical reaction and needles to stop the hair growth. The second option is thermolysis, which utilizes a heat reaction to destroy the hair follicles. This option can use a flash method, which takes a short period of time by using a more intensive heat, or it can use a lower intensity current over a longer period of time. You may also use both methods together to stop the hair growth.
How Much Can You Earn?
The salary differs depending on several factors, but you can make a decent living
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary range for skincare specialists, which includes electrologists, is $17,680 to $58,880. The median annual salary is just under $30,000. The highest paid industry in which you can work is in the offices of physicians, with a median wage of $41,090. The top earning states include California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois.
What is the Job Outlook?
The electrologist field has a strong outlook, especially as more and more people are turning to permanent hair removal solutions, rather than relying on shaving, waxing, threading, sugaring, and other temporary options. The BLS expects the field to grow around 25 percent through 2020, which is much faster than many other job fields and industries.
What Type of Education and License is Needed?
To become an electrologist, you will need to undergo specialty training at an electrology school. While in school, you will become familiar with all the different forms of electrolysis, as well as important factors affecting hair growth. You will also need to check with our state to see whether you need to have a specialty electrology license, a cosmetology license, or some other license in order to practice.
Where Do You Typically Work?
Electrolysis is often offered at day spas and wellness centers
For the most part, electrologists work in salons and day spas. You may also work in a specialty hair removal center. Some dermatologist offices and other medical facilities also offer electrolysis. You will often work as an independent contractor, although in some places you may work as an employee.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
As an electrologist, you will work in a specialty salon or center and see clients, both male and female, throughout the day. When a client comes in, you will review the area requiring hair removal. Then, you will sterilize the skin with an antiseptic. Next, you will place a needle to the opening of the follicle into the tissue that is underneath the root of the hair. You will choose the timing and intensity of the electric current, which will subsequently be sent through the needle into the hair follicle tissue. Finally, you will remove the hair with tweezers, with the ability to regrow the hair now damaged.
If you are looking for a rewarding career within the cosmetology field, then you might find happiness with electrolysis. Although you will need specialty training, it may not take long depending on your state requirements, and you can have an opportunity for job security and a decent wage.