Employers

Electrologists are employed by salons, professional offices, and medical clinics, or they may be self-employed. In some cases, experienced electrologists may hire newly licensed electrologists as assistants.

Starting Out

Many electrologists begin as assistants to a practicing professional. These assistants may handle extra patients when the office is overbooked or have new patients referred to them. In this way, beginning electrologists can build a clientele without having to cover the high costs of equipment, supplies, and office space. Often, trade schools have job placement offices that help new electrologists build a practice. Also, some schools may offer alumni mentor programs, through which the school introduces a new graduate to an established electrologist for their mutual benefit. The new graduate can introduce new theories and practices to the professional and take care of overflow clients, while the established professional can help the new electrologist build a client base and start his or her own practice.

Some electrologists may choose to open their own business in a medical office complex and receive referrals from their neighboring health care professionals. Clinics or hospitals may also employ electrologists before they get their own office space. Beauty salons and health spas may have an electrologist on staff who can provide initial consultations with clients considering different methods of hair removal.

As an electrologist becomes more experienced and gains a reputation, he or she often attracts more new patrons and repeat clients. Some electrologists who work as part of a clinic staff may open their own office in a more visible or accessible location.

By obtaining additional training and education, electrologists can often branch out into other fields, including cosmetology and medicine. An electrologist trained in other methods may decide to offer clients additional hair removal procedures, such as waxing, sugaring, or laser hair removal. Electrologists can also become certified to teach the theory and practice of electrology in trade schools. Electrologists may also use their writing skills and practical experience to contribute to trade magazines, journals, and Web sites devoted to the field.

Join the American Electrology Association (AEA) to take advantage of practice resources, certification, and home-study courses.

Talk with electrologists about their careers. Ask them for advice on educational requirements and how to land a job. The AEA offers a list of members at http://www.electrology.com/find.html. This list is a good place to start when seeking an electrologist to interview.

Attend the AEA's annual convention to network and take advantage of continuing education opportunities.

Read the Journal of Electrology (http://professionals.electrology.com) to learn more about the field.