Electrology Schools in Alaska

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

How to Become a Electrologist in Alaska

If you desire a career in the beauty industry, one where you really can make a difference in the quality of people's lives, a difference that improves people's self-esteem and self-confidence, that helps people feel good about themselves, then consider a career as an electrologist. The experience of undergoing electrolysis is a very personal one, and its practitioners experience an intimate glimpse into the lives of their clients, and must be sensitive to their clients' feelings and needs. If you like people and want to help them, this may be a good career choice for you. Electrologists are specially-trained technicians who apply a process of electrical epilation to permanently remove human hair. The process of actually removing the hair is known as "electrolysis".

Education Details

Electrology as a specialty field is taught in beauty schools. The curriculum focuses on teaching the most up-to-date methods of permanent hair removal. Basically, there are three modalities of electrolysis that are in use: galvanic, thermolysis, and blend, all of which have their own particular benefits, and all of which can be equally effective. When properly performed, all three methods are capable of destroying the hair matrix cells, leaving follicles incapable of regrowing hair. The galvanic method uses an electric current, thermolysis relies upon heating the hair matrix cells and causing electrocoagulation. Blend is, as it sounds, a combination of galvanic and thermolysis, with many of the advantages of both. All three methods involve sliding a metal probe into the hair follicle at the same angle that the hair is growing out of the skin. Of course, you will learn about the human anatomy and physiology of the skin as well as about the science behind each of the three electrolysis methods.

License Renewal

In Alaska, the field of electrology is not regulated by the state, other than as a regular business license. However, if you want to be a trusted practitioner, you should graduate from a program approved by the American Electrology Association. We also recommend earning your cosmetology license in Alaska, which requires you to renew by August 31^st in odd-numbered years. Along with your paperwork for renewal you will pay a fee of $160. Alaska does not require continuing education units, but they are a great way to keep your skills sharp!

Alaska Electrology Careers

Salary data have been reported for skin care specialists, the category that includes electrologists. The median wage for skin care specialists in the United States was $28,900. As a general rule, however, salaries for most fields tend to be among the highest in the country in the state of Alaska, due to its remoteness, and estimated salaries for electrologists in the state can go significantly higher. It is necessary to have a high school diploma or equivalent to become an electrologist, and training may involve an apprenticeship as well as more formalized courses, along with several years of working under the supervision of an experienced professional. Of course, where you work and the local demand for electrologists influences the income you can earn. The practice of electrolysis is not regulated by the state of Alaska, but clients will still demand that you have received top-notch training and experience. You may, however, need to obtain a general business license in order to practice. This can be obtained from the Alaska Department of Commerce.

Many electrologists are self-employed, renting space to provide their services. These settings vary. Beauty salons and spas typically have electrologists working there, either as staff or independent practitioners, and some dermatologists have electrologists working in their offices full time to serve their clients. You have considerable schedule flexibility as an electrologist, because you see your own clients by appointment. It is possible to have either a full or part time practice, although client convenience may dictate your hours, making weekend and evening hours a possibility. Still, because electrologists typically work by appointment, it is possible to schedule family obligations around your work time, making it a great option for individuals with young families.

Contact the Alaska State Board of Cosmetology

Alaska has seen a modest rise in the number of spa and cosmetology professionals over the past decade. For those who are interested in the idea of adding electrology to their base of knowledge, there aren’t established formal licensing requirements. Many applicants pursue further electrology information through these groups.

American Insititute of Education
Electrology Institute of N.E.