FCEA CPE (Certified Professional Electrologist) cheat sheet

Electrolysis permanently destroys the hair follicle's germinative cells; three modalities achieve this: galvanic (chemical), thermolysis (thermal), and blend (chemical plus thermal).

Galvanic lye reaction: 2NaCl + 2H2O + 2e- → 2NaOH + H2 + Cl2; sodium hydroxide formed at the cathode destroys the follicle.

Thermolysis uses high-frequency alternating current (typically 13.56 MHz) producing molecular vibration and heat around the needle tip.

Blend combines galvanic DC and thermolysis HF simultaneously; the heat accelerates and potentiates lye formation, allowing lower current settings.

Current (amperes) is the rate of electron flow; voltage drives it; resistance (ohms) converts current to heat per Joule's law (P = I²R).

Depth of insertion should match the follicle's anagen bulb depth; too shallow leaves germinative cells untreated, too deep risks unnecessary tissue damage.

Lye neutralization occurs by tissue buffers and body fluids; over-treatment manifests as prolonged erythema, edema, and possible scabbing.

Epilation endpoint: smooth release of hair without traction indicates correct depth and energy; resistance on withdrawal suggests inadequate treatment or wrong angle.

Skin layers: epidermis (avascular, keratinized), dermis (collagen, elastin, vessels, nerves, appendages), and subcutaneous hypodermis (fat, larger vessels).

The hair follicle is an epidermal invagination into the dermis; the bulb contains the matrix and melanocytes surrounding the dermal papilla.

Anagen follicle is deep and vascularized; catagen is transitional; telogen is superficial and club-shaped with the bulb resting higher in the dermis.

Sebaceous glands attach to the follicle's upper portion; their secretions and follicle depth influence treatment energy and infection risk.

Arrector pili muscle attaches to the follicle and contracts in response to cold or emotion, causing 'goosebumps' and raising the hair.

Angles of follicle emergence vary by body site: face and legs often 20–45 degrees; curved sites (upper lip, chin) require matching probe bend.

Vascular and nerve supply concentrates in the dermis; excessive energy near the surface increases risk of blanching, bruising, and nerve irritation.

Skin types (Fitzpatrick I–VI) predict melanin content and healing response; higher melanin raises risk of hyperpigmentation from thermal injury.

Three phases: anagen (growth, weeks to years), catagen (involution, days), and telogen (rest, months), followed by exogen shedding.

Anagen hairs have a pigmented bulb and root sheath; telogen hairs are club-shaped and lack pigment; the phase predicts treatment response.

Body-site anagen percentages vary: scalp ~85%, legs and arms lower, upper lip and chin moderate; lower anagen percentages require more sessions.

Hair growth rate averages ~1 cm per month on the scalp; body hair grows more slowly and has shorter anagen durations.

Vellus hair is fine, unpigmented, and short; terminal hair is coarse, pigmented, and medullated; hormones can convert vellus to terminal.

Hirsutism is androgen-dependent terminal hair growth in females in a male pattern; hypertrichosis is excess hair not androgen-dependent.

Density, diameter, and color affect energy needs: coarse dark hair conducts current well; fine light hair requires lower energy and more precision.

Treatment intervals should align with anagen recruitment; spacing sessions allows new anagen hairs to emerge for effective destruction.

Intake should document medical history, medications, allergies, skin conditions, prior hair removal methods, and hormonal status.

Assess skin type, hair color, density, diameter, and distribution; note asymmetry, lesions, and signs of endocrine disorder requiring referral.

Patch test on a small area establishes tolerance and predicts healing response before full treatment; document settings and outcome.

Treatment plan includes modality selection, energy settings, probe type, session frequency, and expected number of sessions with rationale.

Informed consent must cover risks (erythema, pigmentation change, scarring, folliculitis, incomplete removal), benefits, alternatives, and no guarantees.

Photographs with consistent lighting and angles provide objective progress documentation; store per privacy policy.

Contraindications screening includes pregnancy (relative), pacemakers, active infection, keloid tendency, isotretinoin use, and anticoagulants.

Reassessment each visit: note healing, hair regrowth pattern, tolerance, and adjust energy, depth, or modality accordingly.

Galvanic: insert probe to bulb depth, apply DC current for a calculated duration (typically 10–30 seconds per hair depending on settings) to generate sufficient lye.

Thermolysis: short bursts (fractions of a second) at high frequency; technique emphasizes precise depth and rapid withdrawal to limit thermal spread.

Blend: combine DC and HF; the HF current is applied briefly to heat tissue and accelerate lye formation, reducing total treatment time per hair.

Multiple-needle galvanic treats several follicles simultaneously, improving efficiency where density is high and skin tolerance allows.

Probe selection: insulated probes limit energy to the bulb and reduce epidermal damage; uninsulated probes are used where depth is shallow.

Insertion angle must follow the follicle's emergence angle; bend the probe to match curved follicles to avoid false tracts and trauma.

Epilation technique: steady tension on skin, smooth withdrawal along the insertion path, and immediate inspection of the hair bulb.

Aftercare instructions: avoid heat, friction, sun, and cosmetics for 24 hours; keep area clean and report unusual reactions.

Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores; high-level disinfection kills most organisms but not necessarily spores.

Critical items (probes penetrating skin) require sterilization; autoclave (steam under pressure, typically 121°C or 134°C) is standard.

Single-use probes are discarded after one client; reusable probes must be cleaned, packaged, and sterilized between clients.

Sanitation reduces microbial load on surfaces; disinfection uses EPA-registered hospital-grade agents appropriate to the organism and contact time.

Hand hygiene: wash with soap and water, then alcohol-based hand rub; perform before and after client contact and after glove removal.

Gloves are single-use; change between clients and whenever torn or contaminated; remove without touching the exterior surface.

Sharps containers for used probes and contaminated disposables; follow local regulations for transport and disposal.

Bloodborne pathogen exposure: wash area, report, and follow post-exposure protocol including source evaluation and medical follow-up.

Epilator output parameters: galvanic current in milliamperes (mA) and time; thermolysis power and duration; blend combines both.

Calibration and periodic inspection of epilators ensure accurate output; document maintenance and repair history.

Electrical safety: grounded outlets, intact cords, no water near equipment, and equipment rated for the intended use.

Probe integrity: inspect for bent tips, insulation damage, or contamination; discard damaged probes to prevent trauma and infection.

Autoclave monitoring includes biological indicators (spore tests), chemical indicators, and regular maintenance records.

Needle holder and cord connections should be cleaned per manufacturer instructions; avoid damaging insulation during cleaning.

Emergency readiness: accessible first-aid supplies, fire extinguisher, and posted emergency numbers; staff trained in response.

Regulatory compliance: follow manufacturer instructions, local electrical codes, and occupational safety requirements for the setting.

Common transient reactions: erythema, edema, mild discomfort, and pinpoint crusting; these typically resolve within days.

Hyperpigmentation is more likely with higher Fitzpatrick types, excessive energy, or sun exposure after treatment; hypopigmentation suggests deeper injury.

Scarring risk increases with over-treatment, poor technique, keloid tendency, or delayed healing; refer persistent lesions.

Folliculitis presents as erythematous papules or pustules; distinguish from infection and advise appropriate care or referral.

Contraindications: active skin infection, malignancy in the area, pacemaker (electrical risk), and allergy to materials used.

Relative contraindications: pregnancy, anticoagulant therapy, isotretinoin use, and compromised immunity require consultation with the client's provider.

Nerve stimulation or metallic taste may indicate excessive current or proximity to conductive structures; reduce energy and reassess.

Documentation of adverse events, client instructions, and follow-up protects the client and supports quality improvement.

Scope of practice: electrologists perform hair removal and related skin assessment within licensure; diagnosis and medical treatment are outside scope.

Refer clients with suspected endocrine disorders, skin cancer, or systemic disease to appropriate healthcare providers.

Informed consent and confidentiality are ethical obligations; share client information only as authorized or required by law.

Advertising must be truthful and avoid guarantees of permanent results; outcomes vary with hair and skin factors.

Professional boundaries: avoid dual relationships, respect client autonomy, and decline treatment when it is not in the client's interest.

Continuing education maintains competence in modalities, infection control, and regulatory changes.

Record keeping: accurate, timely, and secure records; retain per jurisdiction and allow client access as required.

Report suspected abuse or public health threats as mandated by law and professional standards.

Licensure: obtain and renew the required state/provincial license; post it as required and maintain continuing education hours.

Business compliance: register the business, obtain tax identification, and carry professional liability insurance.

Facility standards: adequate lighting, ventilation, handwashing facilities, and separation of clean and contaminated areas.

Employee management: verify credentials, provide training, and maintain records of competency and continuing education.

Client records: store securely, retain per legal requirements, and dispose of according to privacy regulations.

Financial practices: transparent pricing, written policies for cancellations, and accurate billing records.

Regulatory inspections: maintain logs for sterilization, equipment maintenance, and training; correct deficiencies promptly.

Marketing and consent: ensure advertising complies with professional standards and that consent documents are current and understandable.