Specialists in the Medical & Psychological Aspects of Transgender Health Care 

Carl W. Bushong, Ph.D., LMFT
Richard A. Martin, Jr., M.D., FACEP
Kimberly L. Westwood, CPE, CCE
et al.
  electrolysis guide  
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home > Electrolysis Guide > Choosing an Electrologist

 CHOOSING AN ELECTROLOGIST TOPICS  
Treatment Necessities : The most basic requirements for any type of successful treatment.
Training & Licensing Issues : Qualifications to check when choosing your practitioner.
Professional Study : General knowledge and skills found in a trained electrologist.
Telephone Interviews : Deciding what questions to ask of a prospective electrologist; narrowing your list of possibilities.
In-Office Interviews : Sizing up a prospective electrologist.
Your First Session : How to determine if future treatment will likely be successful.
   CLICK ON AN ITEM, ABOVE, TO GO TO THAT TOPIC

Telephone Interviews

The telephone interview is your first step in choosing an electrology provider.  

By using a structured interviewing technique, you will be able to find out a great deal about the qualifications of any prospective providers.  The purpose of the  telephone interview is to rule out any unsuitable providers.  At this stage, your questions should be basic and to the point.

Here is a basic outline to follow:

First, know if you are located in an unlicensed or licensed state.  See Licensed States for details.

Collect your resource list.  You should make your list as complete as possible. Your local telephone directory will have a listing of electrolysis or permanent hair removal.  Also, consider looking to neighboring communities. If you are connected with a support group, obtain a list of any known providers.  Look online for similar listings.  Be careful not to rule out or choose a provider based only on the opinion of others. It is not uncommon for electrologists with poor techniques or lacking in training to be recommended simply because the individual is well liked, has given presentations to the group, is touted online, etc. Conversely, electrologists with good skills and proper training may not be considered based on some superfluous factor. Here, you need to focus on, and trust, your own observations.  And your final decision should be made on observations using a structured model in making a selection.

Prepare a brief list of questions to ask your prospective providers. 

Are you state licensed (if applicable)?
Do you use the blend or low-intensity thermolysis?
Are you certified with either a CPE or CCE?
Do you use disposable needles?
Do you sterilize your tweezers?
Do you have experience in removing the male beard?

Collecting the information from your telephone calls in a tabular form may help you easily see your results. 

If you are successful at this point, you should have found at least one person who uses an acceptable technique, has demonstrated a measurable level of knowledge in electrolysis due to accreditation, has some sanitation practices in place, and has some experience in beard removal.  You are now ready to make an appointment for an in-office interview.


Information provided and accessed through TransGenderCare.com is presented in a summary form and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with a physician, psychologist, electrologist or other health care provider. (See Terms & Conditions.) 

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