Electrology Schools in Kentucky

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

How to Become a Electrologist in Kentucky

What is "electrolysis"? Electrolysis is both an art and a science . It is the process of permanently removing unwanted hair by inserting a small tube into the hair follicle and killing the hair root, so the hair cannot grow back. It is an intimate and personal procedure that solves a disturbing and embarrassing problem. Electrologists have private access into the lives and concerns of their clients. They need to be discreet, poised, and mature. If you fit this description, and you would like a career in the beauty industry, electrology in Kentucky could be a good career option for you!

State License Requirements

Electrology is one of the few beauty specialties that is currently unlicensed in Kentucky. Legally, you can do electrolysis professionally without any prior training. However, a training program ensures that you can use electrolysis equipment properly and helps you demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Consider attending an electrology program that combines theory and practical experience.

Education Details

There are three basic modalities of electrolysis. Electrologists use all three, and sometimes a fourth modality which isn't technically electrolysis: laser hair removal. The three modalities are galvanic, thermolytic, and blend. In galvanic, an electric current is sent through the probe inserted into the hair follicle. The current causes a chemical change to occur in the hair root which kills the hair root and makes it impossible for the hair to grow back. In thermolytic, radio-frequency waves are sent through the probe causing a process known as "electrocoagulation" to occur in the hair root. This process kills the hair root and prevents hair re-growth. The blend modality has aspects of both galvanic and thermolytic processes and incorporates some of the best qualities of both. In electrolysis school, you will be carefully trained in the use of each of these modalities as well as taught when and in what situations each modality is best. You may also learn how to perform laser hair removal, an alternative to electrolysis. Electrology is taught at schools of hair dressing, hair styling, and cosmetology, as well as some independent schools of electrology. Some vocational high schools and some community colleges may offer electrology programs. In electrolysis school you will learn about the anatomy and physiology of skin and hair as well as how to use electrolysis equipment. You will see the three modalities being performed. You will learn about sterilizing equipment and sanitation procedures. Some schools also teach related business skills to help you set up your own independent electrolysis business. The state of Kentucky does not require that electrologists be licensed, however, you may wish to take a credentialing exam administered by the American Electrology Association. This credential is recognized nationally, and may be important to prospective employers and clients.

License Renewal

If you want to become an electrologist in Kentucky, you do not need to worry about obtaining a license. But, to work in this field, you will need to complete a program recognized by the American Electrology Association. If you decide to complete your cosmetology training and get licensure in this state, you will need to renew your license every year by July 31^st for a $20 fee. Kentucky does not require cosmetologists to complete continuing education units to maintain their licensure. But CEUs can be a good way to make sure your skills remain solid.

Kentucky Electrology Careers

On average, hair dressers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists in Kentucky earned an annual income of $20,500 in 2013, the last full year for which salary data are available on O*Net. Of course, electrologists, who possess a specialized skill that solves a problem for many people, stand to earn a higher salary. And those who open their own independent electrolysis businesses may do better still. The cosmetology and hairdressing industry is expected to grow by 8% to 14% between 2012 and 2022, making electrology a good career choice for new graduates and individuals seeking to improve their career possibilities.

Electrolysis is a very private, personal process done in a private location. Often, it is conducted in beauty salons or spas, but free-standing electrolysis studios exist as well. Some physicians' and medical offices also offer electrolysis, especially in conjunction with medical specialties such as cosmetic surgery and dermatology. Some individuals seeking electrolysis may have medical insurance coverage. Your work day will mostly revolve around performing electrolysis on individual clients. Since electrolysis requires a series of separate appointments to remove all the hair in a particular area of the face or body, you will typically see a client for several weeks, months, or even years before the process is complete. You will get to know your clients, so you should be someone who likes people. The skill of active listening is essential. You will also need to sterilize equipment and clean your work area in between clients. It helps if you network with referral sources. You may have to prepare reports for referring physicians, and send bills to insurance companies. You may be employed by someone else, or be self-employed. Your schedule can be flexible, and you can work either full or part time. Of course, your hours must be convenient for your clients, so you may need to work some evening and weekend hours. It is a good career to combine with a family life. If you are looking for a career in which you do meaningful work helping people with a sensitive, embarrassing problem, you may want to consider becoming an electrologist in the state of Kentucky. It could be the career opportunity you are looking for!

Contact the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology

The Bluegrass State is no stranger to being up-to-date when it comes to fine beauty treatments. Professionals who administer them have a bevy to draw from, including electrology. Those eager to learn more begin with the following resources.

Southeastern School of Electrology
Electrology Institute of N.E.