Electrology Schools in Illinois

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

How to Become a Electrologist in Illinois

We're a long way from the early days of hair removal, when your only options were shaving and waxing. Now, customers can choose from a wide variety of services that suit their hair removal needs. A growing number of people are choosing electrolysis, a permanent hair removal procedure that slows and eventually stops hair growth over the course of a few procedures. Ready to help the people of Illinois enjoy smooth, hair-free skin? Consider attending an electrology program in Illinois.

State License Requirements

As you look into electrology programs in Illinois, ensure that you're meeting the standards of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Before you can begin working independently as an electrologist, they require you to complete an approved 600-hour training course.

Education Details

You may be amazed at how much your electrology curriculum covers. You spend quite a bit of time on hygiene and sanitation, as these are some of the most important factors involved in working legally as an electrologist. This requires you to learn appropriate ways to store, clean, and use equipment to minimize the risk of infection. To serve your customers in the most efficient and educated way possible, you must know all about the skin. You should learn the layers of skin, how it works, and how it is affected by electrolysis. This information can serve you well when you begin your practical experience.

License Renewal

In Illinois, you can earn your electrolysis license, which includes 600 hours of training at a Board approved school. The renewal process for electrolysis licenses in this state is the same for all cosmetology licenses. Once you obtain licensure, you will need to renew by September of even-numbered years. The fee for renewing your license for two years is $50, and will be paid to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Illinois does not require practitioners to take continuing education units to stay current in their licensure.

Illinois Electrology Careers

This field is growing rapidly, and this growth is reflected in the job outlook for electrologists. Illinois has a significant need for electrologists and other skin care specialists. Through 2022, O*Net expects a 38% increase in job openings in this field. While you may find more salon jobs in large cities like Chicago and Springfield, you may find success as an entrepreneur in one of the many suburban communities of Illinois. Your salary may depend on your work setting, whether you're self-employed or an employee at a salon, and how much experience you have. O*Net reports that the average salary for a skin care specialist in Illinois is $26,300 per year, which is in line with the national average. As you build your reputation and get more customer referrals, you may find yourself earning more money and enjoying a fuller schedule.

Electrology is a career that combines the best of the cosmetology industry with the chance to help people lead better, more confident lives. Business News Daily listed electrology as one of the best small business opportunities for those willing to work in a non-traditional setting. They report on Jeannie Bush, a Midwestern electrologist that built her electrology business from the ground up in 1999. Now she's a successful businesswoman that still puts client relationships first. She says "Business is really about relationships. Relationships with your guests, your colleagues, your community, your professional trade associations." As you begin to establish yourself as an electrology professional, it's important to remember to connect with your customers and understand their needs. Your work schedule may vary from day to day, depending on how many client appointments you have and what procedures you're doing. The length of time you spend with a customer depends on the area of hair removal, the growth of their hair, and your skill level. As a result, you may spend all day with just one or two clients or see multiple clients for follow-up appointments.

Contact the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology

For many involved with beauty in Illinois, electrology has become one feature that clients tend to request on their visits throughout the state. With that in mind, there are those who pursue those skills who use these resources.

Electrology Association of Illinois
Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
University of Aesthetics