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. They start by introducing a fine sterilized filament into a hair follicle. They transmit a controlled pulse of energy through the filament. This destroys the hair production area. They remove the loosened hair with forceps. Since this is an invasive procedure, electrologists must follow Alberta Health Services’ sterilization practices.

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

• discuss needs and preferences with clients and screen for any physical conditions that would make electrolysis inadvisable
• use a sanitizing agent to clean the area to be treated
• prepare the epilator (electrolysis machine) and magnifying glass or microscope
• treat each hair follicle and remove hair
• clean the skin again after treatment.

Sessions may take from 15 minutes to two hours. This depends on the area to be treated and the client’s tolerance. The number of sessions required depends on the extent and nature of the unwanted hair.

When not working directly with clients, electrologists:

• sterilize tools
• clean work area
• keep records of services provided.

They may also book appointments and accept payments.

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

Electrologists need to possess:

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

They should enjoy:

• a step-by-step approach to compiling information
• serving and assisting people
• doing fine, detailed work
• using special tools and equipment.

Electrologists work in electrolysis studios, beauty salons and spas, and laser hair removal clinics. Some electrologists own and operate their own studios or home-based businesses. Most provide additional esthetic services.

In general, advancement takes the form of building a larger client base.

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 [pdf] industry. However, most cosmeticians work in the Retail Trade [pdf] industry.

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

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the G922: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 98 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

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

Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Associations: www.fcea.org

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.