Electrology Schools in Iowa

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

How to Become a Electrologist in Iowa

Perhaps you see yourself as particularly mature, poised, and discreet. You desire a career in an area that can really make a meaningful difference in people's lives, even change their lives. If these things are true of you, and you wish to make your career within the growing beauty industry, consider a career as an electrologist in the state of Iowa. Electrologists apply electrical currents and radio waves in a process known as "electrolysis" to remove unwanted hair safely and permanently. Many people have areas of unwanted hair on their faces or bodies. Individuals who can remove this unwanted hair contribute to their client's confidence and positive self-image, often for a period of many years. It can be very satisfying to see someone feel so much better about him or herself, and to know that you had a hand in making that happen.

State License Requirements

In Iowa, electrolysis programs are taught both in some schools of cosmetology and freestanding electrolysis schools. The state of Iowa requires electrologists to be licensed by the Iowa Department of Public Health. To be eligible for the licensing exam, you will need to complete 425 hours of study at an accredited program, and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Once you receive your license, you are required to complete at least .8 hours of continuing education every year to keep your license active.

Education Details

There are basically three types of electrolysis, called galvanic, thermolytic, and blend. In galvanic, an electric current is discharged through a thin needle into a hair root, causing a chemical reaction that kills the hair root and prevents the hair from growing back in that follicle. In thermolytic, radio waves are sent through a needle into a hair follicle causing a process known as "thermocoagulation" that kills the hair root, preventing that individual hair from regrowing. Blend uses a combination of techniques from both galvanic and thermolytic, and has advantages of both modalities. Another, and different type of hair removal is done with lasers, and some electrolysis programs teach this skill as well. Electrolysis programs cover a variety of topics including theoretical and hands on training in the use of the tools and equipment, initial consultations with clients, taking a medical history, pre and post treatment care, lighting for performing electrolysis, draping clients, handling pain, handling side effects, record keeping, initial evaluations, and running an electrolysis business, among other things. You will also learn about sanitation and sterilization regulations and techniques in the state of Iowa.

License Renewal

Iowa is a state that offiers licensure for electrologists who want to work in this area of beauty. All cosmetology licenses in Iowa must be renewed no later than April 1^st of even-numbered years. You can view the application for renewal here, from the Iowa Board of Public Health website. The fee for renewal is $60, and will be due upon submission of your application. Iowa requires all cosmetology practitioners, including electrologists, to take 8 continuing education courses every two years.

Iowa Electrology Careers

While O*Net does not provide statistics on income for electrologists specifically, it does provide data on income for skin care specialists. According to O*Net, skin care specialists in Iowa earned an average yearly salary of $25,900 in 2013, which is the most recent year for which such statistics were reported. The career outlook for skincare specialists is considered bright, with an expected rate of growth between 8% and 14% from 2012 to 2022. This means that new graduates of skin care programs should expect to have a reasonable time finding a job. Electrologists, of course, have a specialty skill requiring considerable training. This puts them in the position of being able to charge a higher fee than most other skin care specialists. And if you own and run your own electrolysis studio, you stand to earn an even higher income as an independent small business person.

Electrologists work in a number of different settings providing private, individual services to clients who come back to see them multiple times for weeks, months, and sometimes years, depending upon the size of the area from which hair removal is desired. In spas and beauty salons, electrologists work in private areas, often a private room, where it is quiet and away from the general functioning of the spa or salon. Electrology can be a very intimate activity, and it is usual for a relationship to develop between the electrologist and his or her client. Many clients like to talk during treatment, and may reveal very personal information about themselves and their lives, so it is important to be good at active listening. Some electrologists offer their services at physicians' offices or other medical facilities, where they may treat patients requiring their services on site. And many electrologists eventually choose to open their own salon where they are a sole proprietor and can reap the benefits of owning and running a small business. In between seeing individual clients, electrologists must clean their work areas and sterilize and sanitize their equipment in preparation for seeing the next client. They may also have to prepare and send invoices, including to third party payers such as insurance companies. Because services are offered to individuals, it is usually done by appointment, allowing considerable scheduling flexibility, as long as the practitioner keeps in mind the scheduling needs of his or her clients. This may mean working some evenings and weekend hours. Work can be full or part time, as you choose, and can work around other commitments in your life such as raising a family or volunteer work. Electrology is a service that makes people feel better about themselves. If you would like to offer such a service, then consider a career as an electrologist in Iowa! The potential personal and professional rewards are considerable. Find schools in your area, and compare programs to learn more!

Contact the Iowa State Board of Cosmetology

Iowa has a long-standing beauty tradition, and various professionals with years of service. Many of them in addition to newcomers are learning new skills to enhance their service, which includes electrology. Interested parties consult these places to start.

American Institute of Education
PCI Academy