Feature -- by Mark Sproxton

In the world of esthetics, electrologists find themselves in a unique situation: they don't like repeat business. Unlike makeup artists, nail technicians, hair stylists or others, electrologists only want to see clients for as long as it takes to deal with the unwanted hair. Then no more.

"With electrolysis, if you're doing it well, you do not have long-term clientele because it's permanent," explains Rose Ekkelenkamp, owner of Professional Image Electrolysis. "Esthetics, nails, massage they're long term clientele. I see my clients an average of eight weeks."

This situation means electrologists must have more than technical skills. They must also have a good understanding of marketing. "You should have a business plan based on reality," said Ekkelenkamp, who is also the local contact for the Electrolysis Society of Alberta. "There's more to it than learning how to do your stuff. You have to know how to get people and keep them coming."

Also setting electrologists apart from others in the esthetics industry is the fact most work in a home-based business or in a group where they are the only person performing permanent hair removal. "Most operate as their own enterprise," Ekkelenkamp said. "I would not hire another electrologist because there's too much diversification in training."

And that training is important. While there are many opportunities to learn the basics, Ekkelenkamp said a course consisting of a minimum of 500 hours on nothing but electrolysis is best. "Those who do the short courses don't last long," she said.

Although there are no standards for electrolysis in Alberta -- such as there are in Manitoba -- there are two levels of certification an electrologist can obtain through the provincial arm of the Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Associations.

The first level is that of a Certified Canadian Electrologist (CCE) which consists of practical and theoretical testing. If desired, and if someone works full-time for two years, an application to take the test for the Canadian Professional Electrologist designation can be made. Testing for the CPE designation is only held every two years.

But training and skill does not mean huge financial returns. Ekkelenkamp runs two different electrolysis businesses. One is a home-based business, in the other, a salon, she works co-operatively with seven others in the esthetics industry in order to split the costs of things like rent, utilities, insurance and other basic business costs.

"There's a lot of opportunity for people to get grants to open a business, but they can get into trouble very quickly," Ekkelenkamp said. "I've been open in Calgary for four years and my husband always asks how my expensive hobby is going."

Electrologists spend their days removing hair electronically from people most commonly in areas such as chins, upper lips, bikini lines, legs and eyebrows. There are different types of treatments, but essentially the process includes the insertion of a small needle down a hair follicle and then killing the hair growth cells with a minute current of electricity.

As the procedure requires the body to be "invaded," using sterile equipment and proper technique is key to electrolysis, as is the ability to deal one-on-one with people in close quarters. Ekkelenkamp believes health standards will becoming increasingly tougher in Alberta in the years ahead. "Standards are starting to come into place," she said. "There are Alberta Health standards enforced by local health boards. The rules have to be followed."