Electrology Schools in Delaware

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

How to Become a Electrologist in Delaware

Working as an electrologist within the beauty and often the medical industry is a particularly personal and discreet area of work requiring considerable maturity and a genuine desire to help others. People come to electrologists for help with permanent removal of unwanted hair which may be on the face, or anywhere on the body, including intimate areas. As the process of permanently removing hair from a section of the face or body requires multiple sessions of electrolysis, occurring over weeks, months, or even longer, the opportunity to develop a relationship with your clients is quite real. Thus, a career as an electrologist is a special career for a special kind of person, someone who truly desires to be of help to other people and help enhance people's self-esteem.

State License Requirements

In Delaware, the field of electrology is regulated by the same agency that licenses cosmetologists. You need 300 hours of training at an approved electrology program before applying for your license and taking your license examinations. The testing fee is $197; if you take the tests separately, they cost $132 and $117.

Education Details

Electrology may be offered as a specialty program within cosmetology schools, exist as a free-standing program, or be offered by community colleges as a part of a two year associate's degree program. All electrology programs will teach you about the anatomy and physiology of the skin and hair, as well as about the three basic electrology modalities: galvanic, thermolytic, and blend. The galvanic modality uses an electric current to heat the hair follicle at its root, causing a chemical reaction which kills the root and prevents hair re-growth. The thermolytic modality uses a radio-wave to cause electrocoagulation of the hair root, also preventing hair re-growth. Blend is exactly as it sounds: a combination of both galvanic and thermolytic modalities. It possesses advantages of each. You will be trained in the use of each of these procedures, as well as in methods of sanitation and sterilization, to ensure that your equipment is always sterile and the client's skin properly prepared for the procedure. Some individuals who become electrologists choose to earn a credential that is recognized nationally and that is administered by the American Electrology Association. This credential shows that you have gone beyond the minimum standards in your profession, and can be useful in attracting clients, finding a job, or getting a raise or promotion.

License Renewal

The renewal fee is the same as the original licensing fee. Barbers, nail technicians, electrologists, instructors, and estheticians must renew their licenses by March 31 of even-numbered years. Cosmetologists must renew their licenses by October 31 of even-numbered years. Delaware does not currently require continuing education hours to renew your license.

Delaware Electrology Careers

In a typical program, you will complete between 300 and 600 hours of training. If you choose to attend a program, you will need to complete 300 hours. If you choose to go a different route and work as an apprentice to an established, experienced, and licensed electrologist, you will need to complete 600 hours. Both methods will make you eligible to take the licensing exam which includes both a theoretical and practical part. Skin care specialists and aestheticians, of which electrolysis is a sub-specialty, earned an average of $28,900 in 2013, the most recent year for which statistics are available from O*Net. As a specialist working in a particularly personal niche of the skin care industry, your income may be considerably higher. Also, at some point you may want to consider opening your own electrolysis studio, making you a business owner, and increasing your income potential considerably. The career outlook for electrologists is bright, as demand is increasing.

Many different settings offer electrology services. Most typically, electrologists work in beauty salons and spas, in private area or room. Some electrologists open their own electrology salons. Others work in medical settings, such as physician's offices and medical practices, or even in hospital environments. Electrologists must be able to perform a variety of services during the course of a work day. They must schedule appointments, prepare invoices, and communicate with third party payers such as insurance companies. They may need to communicate with referral sources. Individual electrolysis appointments are most often by appointment, so there will be considerable scheduling flexibility, although client's availability will often require that electrologists work evening and weekend hours for their client's convenience. Above all, electrologists must be mature and poised, able to deal with individuals who have a very personal and sometimes embarrassing problem, and helping them to feel comfortable and relaxed. In between clients, they need to clean and freshen their work area, sterilize tools, and get prepared for the next client. As many clients wish to talk during the sessions, electrologists need to be good active listeners, able to project empathy and compassion. Electrolysis is truly a specialty area within the beauty industry, and it is not for everybody. But if you are mature and compassionate, poised and discreet, and wish to perform a service that is badly needed and can really enhance someone's life and boost their self esteem, then a career as an electrologist in Delaware may be the right career move for you!

Contact the Delaware State Board of Cosmetology

Known as the “First State”, Delaware also boasts a high amount of people calling it home. For various beauty professionals, the state offers a good deal of opportunities especially for those with a bevy of skills. Electrology has been a sought after field of knowledge, and those eager to know more check in with the following groups.

Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology
Electrology Institute of N.E.