Electrology Schools in District of Columbia

Browse our directory of electrology schools in District of Columbia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's electrology licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Electrologist in District of Columbia

Electrolosis is the art and science of permanently removing unwanted hair by inserting a small tube into the hair follicle and performing a procedure that kills the hair root. It is an intimate and personal procedure that helps individuals deal with what is often a disturbing and embarrassing problem. Thus electrologists have particularly private access into the lives and concerns of their clients. It requires a level of discretion, poise, and maturity in its practitioners and may be an appealing career option for those looking to help other people in a very meaningful way. If you feel you have those qualities, and wish to be of assistance to others in a way that will make a difference in the quality of their lives for years to come, and you would like to do it with a career in the beauty industry, then becoming an electrologist may be a perfect career choice for you! The process of electrolysis employs three basic modalities, all of which electrologists are trained to use. These are galvanic, thermolytic, and blend. With galvanic, an electric current is administered through the probe inserted into the hair follicle. The current causes a chemical change to occur in the hair root which kills the hair root and makes it impossible for the hair to grow back. With thermolytic, radio-frequency waves are sent through the probe causing a process known as "electrocoagulation" to occur in the hair root. This process kills the hair root and prevents hair re-growth. The blend modality has aspects of both galvanic and thermolytic processes and incorporates some of the best qualities of both. In electrolysis school, you will be carefully trained in the use of each of these modalities as well as taught when and in what situations each modality is best.

State License Requirements

To become licensed to practice electrolysis in the District of Columbia, you must be at least 18 years of age and complete 600 hours of training at an accredited electrolysis program. These programs may be offered at cosmetology schools or free-standing electrolysis schools. They also may be part of the curriculum at local community colleges, leading to a two year associate's degree.

Education Details

In electrolysis school you will learn about the anatomy and physiology of skin and hair as well as how to use electrolysis equipment and the various modalities employed in electrolysis. You will learn about sterilizing equipment and sanitation procedures. You will learn local laws and regulations that apply to those practicing within the District of Columbia. Some schools also teach related business skills to help you set up your own independent electrolysis business. When you have completed the requisite number of course hours, you may apply for a license from the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs in cosmetology. You will need to take and pass an exam that tests both your theoretical knowledge (written), and practical skills in electrolysis. After paying the requisite fee, you will be issued your license. The American Electrology Association also offers a credentialing exam that is recognized nationwide. Individuals who possess this credential demonstrate to their clients and others that they possess more than the minimum skills to practice electrology. More can be learned about this credentialing exam through the association's website.

License Renewal

Barbering licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years. Cosmetology, esthetician, nail technician, electrologist, and permanent makeup licenses expire on April 30 of even-numbered years. Washington D.C. requires 6 cosmetology continuing education hours during each renewal period. Two hours must be in sanitation and hygiene, and the other four hours can be in any subject or area of study.

District of Columbia Electrology Careers

On average, cosmetologists earned an annual income of $35,000 in 2013, the last full year for which salary data are available on O*Net. Of course, electrologists, who possess a specialty skill that falls within the practice of cosmetology in the District of Columbia, stand to earn an even higher salary. And those who open their own independent electrolysis businesses may do better still. The cosmetology and hairdressing industry is expected to grow by 8% to 14% between 2012 and 2022, making electrology a good career choice for new graduates and individuals seeking to improve their career possibilities.

Electrolysis is a very private, personal process that is done in a private location. Often, it is conducted in beauty salons or spas, but free-standing electrolysis studios exist as well. Some physician's and medical offices also offer electrolysis, especially in conjunction with related medical specialists such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Some individuals seeking electrolysis may have medical insurance that covers the procedure when administered by a licensed practitioner. Your work day will mostly focus on working with individual clients. Since the process of electrolysis requires many separate appointments to remove all the hair in a particular area of the face or body, you will see a client typically over a period of weeks, months, or even years before the process is complete. Thus, you will get to know your clients. The skill of active listening is essential. You will also need to sterilize equipment and clean your work area in between clients, and know how to network with referral sources, write reports for referring physicians, and write invoices and apply for payment from third-party sources, such as insurance companies. You may be employed by someone else, or be in business for yourself. As an electrologist, you will have considerable latitude in your schedule, making this career flexible and good for people desiring both part and full-time employment. Of course, you will need to make your hours work for your clients, which means you probably will have to work at least some evening and weekend hours.

Contact the District of Columbia State Board of Cosmetology

The District Of Columbia definitely possesses a unique sense of style and beauty. This is reinforced by skincare experts who make up an important part of the workforce there. Among their offered skills is the art of electrology. Interested parties begin to learn more at these institutions.

American Institute of Education
AVI Career Training