Electrologists specialise in electrolysis or epilation, which is the permanent removal of unwanted hair or skin blemishes from the face and body by using an electrical current.

The Work

You could be:

• discussing with your client the area needing treatment
• deciding on which method of electrolysis (Galvanic, Thermolysis or Blend) to use on a client, depending on their skin tone and health history
• treating any area of the face and body except the inner ear and the inside of the nose
• inserting a very fine needle into the hair follicle and using a mild electrical current to kill the root
• applying the treatment for periods ranging from 5 minutes to 2 hours, with an average time of 10 to 30 minutes
• repeating the treatment weekly or fortnightly until the hair growth stops
• removing certain other blemishes, including fine red veins, using advanced epilation techniques
• ensuring a high standard of hygiene with all equipment.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Most electrologists start off working as beauty therapists and specialise later. Starting salaries for beauty therapists and electrologists in Scotland begin around £13,500 a year. Senior beauty therapists may earn from £20,000 to £25,000 a year.

Tips and commission from the sale of products can supplement salaries. Some jobs offer commission only.

Conditions

• You would work in clean, hygienic and pleasant surroundings in a beauty salon or health clinic.
• You would work in a cubicle or private room dealing with one client at a time.
• You might have to work weekends and evenings.
• You would wear a uniform or white coat.

Useful Subjects

• Biology
• Science

Getting In

• You usually enter through a one or two year full time college course in beauty therapy which includes modules in epilation.
• The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) offers various levels of qualification: National Qualifications and Certificates (NQs and NCs), Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs). Entry varies from no formal entry requirements for some NQs and NCs to 2 Highers including English and a science subject (preferably Biology) for some HNDs.
• There are SVQs at Level 3 (SCQF Level 6) in Beauty Therapy and in Spa Therapy which include modules in epilation.
• Most courses are open to both men and women. However, some employers may be exempt from the Sex Discrimination Act and therefore will not employ men.
• You'll spend a lot of your time standing.

Electrologists may work for a range of different organisations, including city centre beauty salons and clinics, leisure clubs, health spas, health farms, hotels and cruise liners.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• a reassuring manner for clients who may be nervous or in pain
• some knowledge of human biology and chemistry
• good communication skills to explain treatments
• excellent hand-control
• a high standard of hygiene and health and safety awareness.

You need to be:

• able to build your clients' confidence in your treatments
• self-confident and outgoing
• tactful, patient and persuasive.

Training

• Further professional development is available to qualified electrologists. The British Institute and Association of Electrolysis (BIAE), the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) and the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) offer Certificates or Diplomas in advanced epilation.
• The BIAE have set up a system of mentors to offer advice to fellow electrologists and to share good practice.

Getting On

• Some electrologists may become self-employed and offer their own specialist services.
• Electrologists may also move into training or into teaching in colleges of further education.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.