Education
High quality training and education is fundamental to a proficient electrolysist. Although the BIAE is not an education body, a practical assessment and theory examination are necessary to become a BIAE member A comprehensive syllabus and suggested reading list is provided to assist with preparation for the theory knowledge required
For those who have previously achieved a recognised epilation qualification the process will be familiar If you feel you need a ‘refresher’ prior to the entrance assessment then we may be able to arrange a half day pre-assessment workshop with an experienced member of the BIAE to help you and advise you whether or not you are ready for the formal assessment
The BIAE is committed to maintaining a high standard of practice and knowledge for all its members and includes educational articles and ‘brain teasers’ as part of the bi-monthly 'Probe' magazine. Continual professional development is expected and members are encouraged to attend seminars and regional workshops. Our AGM provides a very successful forum for topical discussion and exchange of ideas amongst the experienced and newer members. Guest speakers at the seminar are always exciting bringing the most up to date and knowledge and information to our attention.
Training
What is Epilation?
Hair removal using an electric current via a fine hair-like probe, requires a high level of practical skills and in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body. An electrolysist needs good communication skills, patience and the ability to empathise with clients who often are embarrassed and sometimes affected psychologically by their excess hair growth.
Most commonly electrolysists will opt for the Beauty route in order to study.
The National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 in Beauty Therapy includes units of study for epilation - both Diathermy and Galvanic methods, or the combined - 'Blend'. However, there are also courses specifically for electrolysis that do not include other beauty skills.
Course Providers
Notable providers of Electrolysis Qualifications well recognised in the industry include: Vocational Training Charitable Trust Unit 1 Brickfield Trading Estate, Brickfield Lane, Chandlers Ford SO53 4DR City & Guilds (www.city-and-guilds.co.uk) CIBTAC, ITEC 4 Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick London W4 4JE (www.itecworld.co.uk) BTEC, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Sterex Electrolysis Intenational Ltd, 174 Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2AP. (Check addresses for current validity)
The above qualifications are available through successful completion of a course at local colleges of further education and private training providers. For details, we recommend that you contact your local college or source private providers via beauty therapy trade magazines or the internet. It may also be possible that a practicing electrolysist would be prepared to train you within the salon environment in association with a further education college where you would attend on a day release basis to help you study the theory aspects of the course and to be assessed.
What Should a Course Include?
When choosing a course ensure that it includes both theory and a wide variety of practical content. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA/SQA) oversee and approve qualifications for the National Qualifications Framework and can be contacted at the following sites www.qca.org.uk or www.sqa.org.uk. Every course should include:
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Types & structure of the hair
• Skin, blood and lymphatic circulation
• Reproductive and endocrine system
• Theory of Electric Currents
• Consultations & Record Cards
• Contra-indications & contra-actions
• Aftercare advice
• Choice of needles / probes
• Accurate probing techniques
• Legislation, Hygiene and Sterilisation
Typically most students will need many hours of practical work on different types of hair and skin in order to develop the level of practical skill required to pass their assessment. Every learner is different, but on average most will take 100 hours to become a fully competent and more experience is likely to develop accuracy with speed. Whatever method and type of training, this career can prove to be very rewarding both financially and emotionally.
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