CEICI cheat sheet

Scope of practice defines the legally permitted tasks for a licensed electrologist; performing medical diagnosis or prescribing is outside that scope.

Informed consent must be obtained before treatment and documented in the client record, including risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes.

Confidentiality is a legal and ethical duty; client records are released only with written authorization or as required by law.

A practitioner must refer clients with suspected systemic or dermatologic disease to an appropriate licensed health care provider rather than treat independently.

Scope boundaries: electrology removes hair permanently by destroying the follicle; it does not treat skin disease, infection, or hormonal disorders.

Professional conduct requires truthful advertising; claiming guaranteed permanent removal for all clients is misleading and unethical.

Dual relationships and financial conflicts of interest should be avoided or disclosed to protect client trust and objectivity.

Continuing education and adherence to state board rules maintain licensure and current competence.

Epidermis layers from deepest to surface: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum (palms/soles), stratum corneum.

The dermis contains collagen and elastin fibers, blood vessels, nerves, and the hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and sweat gland.

Hair follicle structures: infundibulum, isthmus, and inferior segment containing the bulge (stem cell reservoir) and the bulb with the dermal papilla.

Hair growth cycles: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (rest); only anagen follicles are generally susceptible to epilation.

The dermal papilla supplies blood and nutrients to the hair matrix; destroying the papilla and matrix prevents regrowth.

Hair layers from outside in: cuticle, cortex, medulla; the cuticle is the outermost protective layer.

Arrector pili muscle attaches to the follicle and contracts to raise hair; sebaceous glands secrete sebum into the follicle.

Skin functions include protection, thermoregulation, sensation, vitamin D synthesis, and excretion; intact skin is the first barrier to infection.

Absolute contraindications include active local infection, open lesions, and known allergy to treatment materials; defer treatment until resolved.

Hirsutism is excessive terminal hair growth in a male pattern on women, often androgen-related; refer for medical evaluation.

Hypertrichosis is excessive hair growth beyond normal limits for age, sex, or site; may be congenital, drug-induced, or idiopathic.

Paradoxical hypertrichosis can follow epilation; document and adjust technique or modality.

Folliculitis, impetigo, and herpes simplex are infectious and are contraindications until cleared by a health care provider.

Keloid tendency, active eczema, psoriasis plaques, and recent isotretinoin use warrant caution, deferral, or medical referral.

Nevi (moles) should not be treated if atypical; changing moles require dermatologic evaluation before any epilation.

Document allergies, medications, and skin conditions at intake; anticoagulants and photosensitizing drugs affect treatment risk.

Galvanic electrolysis uses direct current to form sodium hydroxide (lye) at the follicle, destroying the matrix chemically.

Thermolysis (shortwave) uses high-frequency alternating current to generate heat that coagulates tissue at the follicle.

The blend method combines galvanic and thermolysis currents for a synergistic effect, using heat to accelerate lye formation.

Current intensity, duration, and probe size are matched to hair depth, thickness, and skin sensitivity to achieve effective epilation.

Insertion angle must follow the follicle's natural direction; proper insertion depth reaches the bulge and papilla without penetrating the skin surface.

Multiple-needle galvanic treats several follicles simultaneously; single-needle techniques allow precise control.

Insufficient current or duration leaves the follicle intact and causes regrowth; excessive current causes tissue damage, scarring, or pitting.

Probe selection (insulated vs. non-insulated, size) affects current delivery and comfort; insulated probes concentrate current along the shaft.

Intake includes medical history, medications, allergies, prior hair removal, skin type, and goals; document all findings.

Assess hair type (terminal, vellus, intermediate), density, distribution, and skin type to select modality and settings.

Fitzpatrick skin typing guides settings and predicts risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

A treatment plan specifies area, modality, current settings, session frequency, and expected number of sessions with review points.

Explain the hair growth cycle to set realistic expectations; multiple sessions are needed because not all follicles are in anagen at once.

Test patch before full treatment on new clients or new settings; observe for adverse reactions before proceeding.

Reassess at intervals and modify settings based on tolerance, regrowth pattern, and skin response.

Document consent, before/after observations, settings used, and any adverse events in the client record each visit.

Sanitize work surfaces and equipment; disinfect semi-critical items with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant.

Sterilize reusable probes or use single-use sterile disposable probes; never reuse a disposable probe.

Wash hands before and after treatment and wear gloves; change gloves between clients and when contaminated.

Follow standard precautions: treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.

Sharps (used probes, lancets) go into a puncture-resistant sharps container; dispose of per local regulations.

Clean and disinfect the epilator and cords; avoid cross-contamination of probe holders and containers.

Electrical safety: inspect cords and equipment, keep equipment away from water, and follow manufacturer instructions.

Bloodborne pathogen training and exposure control plan are required; report and manage needlesticks per protocol.

Position the client and lighting so the follicle opening is visible; stretch skin to align the probe with the follicle.

Insert the probe gently along the follicle to the correct depth; avoid forcing or tenting the skin.

Apply current per modality, then remove the hair with smooth, even tension; a properly treated hair releases without resistance.

Do not re-insert a probe into a follicle that has been treated in the same session; treat adjacent follicles systematically.

Monitor skin response: excessive blanching, wheal formation, or pain indicates settings too high; reduce current or duration.

Post-treatment care includes gentle cleansing, avoiding irritants, sun protection, and instructions for expected redness.

Maintain a clean field: swab the area, keep probes sterile, and discard used materials immediately.

Record time, area, modality, settings, and number of hairs treated for continuity and quality control.

Maintain current licensure, insurance, and compliance with state board rules and local health regulations.

Keep accurate client records for the legally required retention period; records support continuity and legal protection.

Set pricing based on time, modality, and overhead; provide clear fee schedules and refund policies in writing.

Scheduling and cancellation policies reduce no-shows; communicate policies at intake.

Marketing must be truthful and avoid guarantees; testimonials must be genuine and not misleading.

Manage inventory, probe stock, and equipment maintenance schedules to ensure safe, uninterrupted service.

Protect client data under applicable privacy laws; secure both paper and electronic records.

Business continuity includes budgeting for insurance, continuing education, and equipment replacement.