Electrologist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Electrologists (6482.3) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations (G922) 
• 2011 NOC: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (6562) 

Electrologists remove unwanted hair by introducing a fine sterilized filament into a hair follicle and transmitting a controlled pulse of energy through the filament. This cauterizes and destroys the hair production area. The loosened hair is then removed with forceps. Since this is an invasive procedure, electrologists must follow sterilization practices as outlined by Alberta Health Services.

Electrologists work with one client at a time. In general, they:

• discuss needs and preferences with clients and find out if they have any physical conditions which would make electrolysis inadvisable
• use a sanitizing agent to clean the skin and hair area that is to be treated
• attach a sterilized filament inside a round-tipped probe to an electrolysis machine (epilator) and postition a large magnifying glass or microscope to view the area that is to be treated
• insert the round-tipped probe into each follicle, activate a preset electrical current, withdraw the probe and remove the hair with forceps
• clean the skin again after treatment.

Sessions may take from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the area to be treated and the client's tolerance for discomfort. The number of sessions required depends on the extent and nature of the unwanted hair.

When not working directly with clients, electrologists:

• sterilize forceps
• clean their equipment and work area
• keep records of services provided.

They also may be responsible for booking appointments and accepting payments.

Electrologists work indoors in clean, quiet surroundings and usually wear uniforms or lab coats. They may work full time or part time. Saturday and evening work often is required.

Electrologists need the following characteristics:

• good eyesight and steady hands and nerves
• a safety conscious and caring attitude
• the ability to put people at ease
• a neat, well groomed appearance.

They should enjoy:

• taking a methodical approach to compiling information
• serving and assisting people
• using specialized tools and equipment.

Electrologists are employed, or work on a contract basis, in electrolysis studios, some beauty salons and laser hair removal clinics. Some electrologists own and operate their own studios. Most provide other esthetic services as well as electrolysis.

Advancement in this occupation generally takes the form of building a larger clientele.

Electrologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the Other Services industry. However, most cosmeticians work in the Retail Trade (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and eventsaffecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• locationin Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth(work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 4,900 Albertans are employed in the Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.0% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 98 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As electrologists form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for electrologists.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Electrolysis Society of Alberta website: www.onlineesa.com

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.