Electrologist
The Electrologist domain tests permanent hair removal by electricity. The Board expects knowledge of the three modalities, hair growth cycles, needle technique, client comfort, and bloodborne pathogen control.
Modalities
- Galvanic: direct current creates sodium hydroxide in the follicle; slower, good for coarse or curved hair.
- Thermolysis: high-frequency alternating current creates heat; faster, less effective on very coarse hair.
- Blend: combines galvanic and thermolysis; useful for deep, coarse follicles.
Technique
- Treat anagen hairs because the follicle is actively growing and most responsive.
- Insert the needle parallel to the hair shaft to the bulb; do not force.
- Use sterile single-use needles and gloves; disinfect the probe holder.
Worked example
A client has thick, deep chin hairs and a history of ingrown hairs. Reasoning: coarse, curved follicles are harder for thermolysis alone. Blend current gives sustained chemical and heat action at the bulb. Choose blend, reduce intensity near the lip, and schedule sessions according to hair cycles.
Traps
- Reusing a needle or touching it with bare hands.
- Treating telogen hairs as though they were anagen.
- Overlapping treatments on the same area too soon.
- Inserting the needle at an angle to the follicle.