What Is Electrolysis ?

Electrolysis is the removal of unwanted facial and/or body hair by use of a tiny needle or probe that conducts electric current.  In California, only state-licensed electrologists in state-licensed salons or barbershops may legally perform Electrology services.  Cosmetologists and estheticians may not remove unwanted body/facial hair by electrolysis, but they may remove superfluous hair from clients by several other means.  (This does not include laser hair removal devices or any other device labeled by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a “medical device.”)

ARE THERE DIFFERENT METHODS OF ELECTROLYSIS?

There are three modalities (methods) of electrolysis:

  • Thermolysis – High Frequency –the hair root (papilla) is destroyed by heat production.
  • Galvanic – Direct Current – the hair roots are destroyed by chemical action.
  • Blend – combination of the above two modalities where the hair root is destroyed by both heat and chemical action at the same time.

IN-HOME SERVICES

California state law allows a licensed electrolysis to provide in-home services ONLY in cases where illness or other physical or mental incapacitation prevents the customer from visiting an office setting.  If you are in need of in-home services, please call my secretary for an appointment and explain the nature of your physical care.  My available days are Tuesday or Thursday for treatment in home.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE A GOOD ELECTROLOGIST

The establishment and electrologists must have on display a currently issued license issued by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.  All operators must display their licenses in plain view at their workstations.  The license must be an original, not a copy.  Check that the name on the license matches your electrologist. If you do not see it and the license has not shown to you when you ask, walk out and find someone else.

  • Did the operator place a clean sheet of table paper on the length of the bed surface or used in place of table paper a clean-laundered sheets.
  • Are clean towels stored in a closed, clean cabinet?  Are soiled towels and or sheets placed in a covered receptacle?
  • Are they sterilizing their reusable needles/probes and tweezers with either a steam sterilizer (autoclave) or a dry heat sterilizer approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Some electrologists use disposable needles/probes and throw them away after each client. Ask the operator.
  • In addition to sterilizing tools and instruments, operators are required to wash their hands before the start of client’s services, and at the end of the treatment.
  • Insist that your operator uses disposable gloves during the treatment.
  • Is the overall appearance of the shop clean?  Are the sinks dirty?  Are the trashcans overflowing?
  • Are clean items stored separately from soiled ones?  Are they labeled to identify them as clean or dirty?
  • Is an establishment license posted in clear view in the reception area of a salon or barbershop location?  Is it current?  Is the Health and Safety Poster displayed in the reception area?
  • Did you see the operator disinfects surfaces areas of contact with an Environmental Protection-Agency-registered disinfectant that has demonstrated bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity?  Ask the operator about the products used.
  • Did your operator immediately throw away soiled cotton balls, cosmetic pads, applicators (Q-Tips) and cotton gauze after use on clients?

For more consumer information, please visit the website for the Department of Consumer Affairs Barbering and Cosmetology Program at www.dca.ca.gov/barber

After electrolysis, the skin will usually be slightly red and irritated for up to several hours.  If you have more severe symptoms, like large scabs or blistering, or if symptoms last for several weeks, check with your doctor.  Be sure that the service you are paying for is actually electrolysis and not simply electronic tweezing, which may not permanently remove the hair.  Licensed electrologists may not administer any type of medication for pain control.

To check on a license, call the Department of Consumer Affairs at 800-952-5210.