Electrolysis Unplugged

Avsnitt

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  Step-by-Step: How to Open Your Electrolysis Business 27.09.2026 1h

  SEASON 3 FINALE 🎙️Step-by-Step: How to Open Your Electrolysis BusinessYou learned how to treat the follicle. Now what?For our Season 3 finale of Electrolysis Unplugged, Stephanie and Joanie are taking the conversation beyond the treatment table and walking through what it actually takes to turn your electrology education into a working business.Whether your future looks like a home studio, salon suite, private treatment room, medical setting, or eventually something much bigger, the first step is understanding what you’re building — and putting a plan behind it.In this episode, we break down the process step-by-step: defining your business vision, researching state and local requirements, choosing a business name and structure, separating your finances, understanding insurance, estimating startup expenses, choosing a location, purchasing equipment, and planning for the months when your schedule isn’t full yet.We also dig into the numbers.Using our Electrolysis Income Projection Tool, we look at how pricing, available treatment hours, booking percentages, fixed expenses, variable costs, and growth can change what your business actually produces. Because an hourly rate isn't the same thing as an hourly income — and a full schedule doesn't automatically mean a profitable business.Most importantly, your first practice does not have to be your forever practice.Build something appropriate for where you are now. Understand your numbers. Protect yourself. Learn your local requirements. Give yourself room to grow.Season 3 has been about becoming stronger, more informed electrologists. We're closing it by asking you to think about what happens when you take those skills and build something of your own.🎧 Electrolysis Unplugged — Season 3 FinaleStep-by-Step: How to Open Your Electrolysis BusinessPresented by Stephanie Shields & Joanie GonellaElectrology Education Coalition
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  Controlled Injury: Inflammation, Endocrine Influence & Clinical Judgment 20.09.2026 1h 2min

  In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, we take a simple question — “How long should redness, swelling, or tingling last after treatment?” — and unpack the deeper biology behind it.We explain why electrolysis is a controlled dermal injury, how the skin moves through the phases of wound healing, and why inflammation is not a complication — it’s part of repair. We break down what’s normal (redness peaking at 24–48 hours, mild swelling for up to 72 hours, small pustules during healing) versus what signals concern (persistent redness with textural change, escalating pain, or lack of improvement).We also dive into androgen-dense areas like the upper lip and chin, why “stacked” inflammation can look dramatic but still be proportional, and how endocrine factors like PCOS and insulin resistance can amplify visible responses without indicating overtreatment.The key takeaway: Inflammation isn’t the enemy. Misinterpretation is.Clinical judgment comes from understanding biology — not reacting emotionally to what you see.
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  From the Archives: Superbills, Skin Reactions, Stubborn Hairs & Menopause — Real-World Dilemmas in Electrology 13.09.2026 57min

  From the Archives: Superbills, Skin Reactions, Stubborn Hairs & Menopause — Real-World Dilemmas in ElectrologyWhat happens when the questions electrologists face in practice don’t have simple answers?In this archive episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella revisit a Mentorship Hour packed with real questions submitted by practicing electrologists. From navigating superbills and insurance-related pricing to troubleshooting post-treatment skin reactions, resistant hairs, and changing hair growth after menopause, this conversation focuses on the clinical and business decisions practitioners encounter every day. We discuss superbill pricing and the importance of consistent billing policies, factors to evaluate when clients experience breakouts following blend treatments, how to approach stubborn hairs that refuse to release without compromising skin integrity, and how hormonal changes during and after menopause can influence new hair growth and long-term treatment expectations. It’s a practical, case-based conversation about improving clinical judgment, communicating clearly with clients, protecting skin health, and making thoughtful decisions when there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.Want to join these conversations LIVE? Mentorship Hour gives electrologists an opportunity to bring their real-world questions, challenging cases, business concerns, and treatment dilemmas directly into the conversation.Join the Electrology Education Coalition Membership and participate in upcoming Mentorship Hours:Join Mentorship Hour Live through E2C Membership
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  Filaments & Megahertz: The Tech Behind the Treatment 06.09.2026 1h 1min

  What really determines an effective electrolysis treatment—the machine, the frequency, the filament…or the electrologist using them?In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged: An After Hours Chat, Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella get technical about two often-discussed pieces of electrolysis treatment: filaments and megahertz.We break down filament sizing, taper, insulation, and materials, and discuss how those choices interact with insertion technique, follicle size, hair characteristics, and treatment goals. Then we dive into thermolysis frequencies—including 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and 27.12 MHz—and explore how frequency, timing, and intensity work together in real-world treatment.We also get into the practical side: Why might an electrologist choose an insulated versus non-insulated filament? What changes when you're treating a deep, coarse follicle versus a fine, shallow one? Does a higher MHz automatically mean “better” technology? And where does practitioner skill fit into all of this?Because electrolysis isn't about finding one perfect probe, frequency, machine, or setting. It's about understanding the science well enough to make intentional treatment decisions—and knowing how to adjust when the follicle, hair, skin response, or client tells you something different.Whether you're an experienced electrologist, a student building your technical foundation, or simply electro-curious, this episode takes you behind the treatment and into the technology that makes electrolysis work.🎙️ Hosted by Stephanie Shields & Joanie Gonella⚡ Electrolysis Unplugged: An After Hours Chat🎧 Filaments & Megahertz: The Tech Behind the TreatmentFor education, conversation, and advancing the science and practice of electrolysis permanent hair removal.
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  From the Archives: Skin Care Secrets for Better Electrolysis Outcomes 23.08.2026 1h 1min

  Healthy skin supports successful treatment outcomes. In this episode, Stephanie and Joanie are joined by a seasoned esthetician and electrologist to discuss skincare considerations for electrolysis clients. Topics include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, wound healing, controlled tissue response, skincare routines, and practical recommendations that can help practitioners support optimal client results.
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  From the vault - Laser Innovation with Carine Angelillo: Archive Episode • December 10, 2024 16.08.2026 59min

  Special guest Carine Angelillo joins the conversation to discuss advancements in laser technology and the evolving relationship between laser hair removal and electrolysis. The discussion explores new technologies, professional training, industry innovation, and opportunities for practitioners to integrate emerging tools and techniques into their treatment offerings while maintaining a strong foundation in permanent hair removal.
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  Special Episode drop: Questions from the southern hemisphere 09.08.2026 1h

  In this special international Q&A episode of Electrolysis Unplugged — An After Hours Chat, Stephanie and Joanie connect with the Australian electrology community, brought together by Kelly Dermody of Dermaskin Training, to tackle three questions that come up constantly in real-world electrolysis practice. Why do clients continue to see hair even when they are coming in for consistent weekly treatments? Does hair growth stage still matter in thermolysis if we are targeting the bulge region? And why can something as seemingly simple as peach fuzz be one of the most technically challenging types of hair to treat?Stephanie and Joanie break down anagen, catagen, and telogen, explaining how growth cycles influence treatment timelines and why new visible hair does not necessarily mean previously treated hair has returned. They also discuss the important distinction between clearance and completion, why the 8–12 week mark is better used as a reassessment point rather than a promise, and how electrologists can communicate realistic expectations before clients become discouraged. Then we go deeper into follicle anatomy and thermolysis. The conversation explores the bulge, matrix, bulb, and dermal papilla, why the bulge is an important regenerative target but not the entire story, and why hair stage can still influence how predictable a treatment may be. Anagen is generally the more favorable target, but telogen hairs are not necessarily “untreatable”—accurate insertion, energy delivery, follicle anatomy, moisture, probe size, and tissue response all play a role. Finally, we get practical with peach fuzz and fine hair. Stephanie and Joanie discuss lighting and magnification, indirect lighting and shadowing, shallow insertion angles, depth control, choosing a probe that actually fits the follicle, controlled skin stretch, treatment energy, and why precision should always come before speed. Fine hair may look easy—but its small margin for error can make it surprisingly advanced work. This episode brings together hair biology, treatment technique, client communication, and treatment planning with one central reminder: electrolysis is not one-size-fits-all. Understanding what is happening inside the follicle is just as important as knowing how to operate the epilator. In this episode:Hair growth cycles and realistic electrolysis timelinesWhy new hair doesn’t automatically mean regrowthClearance vs. completionUsing 8–12 weeks as a reassessment pointAnagen vs. telogen treatment considerationsThe bulge and its role in follicle regenerationThermolysis treatment targetsFine hair and peach fuzz treatment challengesLighting, magnification, insertion angle, and depthProbe selection and energy deliverySkin protection and avoiding overtreatmentCommunicating progress and expectations with clientsA special thank-you to Kelly Dermody of Dermaskin Training and the Australian electrology group for bringing thoughtful questions to the conversation and helping make this an international After Hours Chat.
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  Protecting Your Business from Burnout & No-Shows: Archive Episode • October 7, 2025 07.08.2026 58min

  This drop glitched last Sunday so we are dropping today! Running a successful electrology practice requires more than technical skill. Stephanie and Joanie discuss no-show policies, cancellations, hidden business expenses, difficult client situations, burnout prevention, and strategies for maintaining professional boundaries. This episode offers practical guidance for protecting your time, energy, and business while creating a sustainable long-term career.
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  Case Studies: Settings, Probes & Treatment Plans: Archive Episode • September 10, 2024 26.07.2026 1h 2min

  Join Stephanie and Joanie as they review real-world case studies submitted by practitioners. This episode examines treatment planning, probe selection, setting adjustments, client communication, and total treatment time considerations. Through practical examples, listeners gain insight into clinical decision-making and learn how to customize treatment approaches for a variety of client presentations.
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  Testing, Licensing & Professional Standards: Archive Episode • September 3, 2024 12.07.2026 1h 2min

  Professional standards are critical to the future of electrology. This episode explores NIC and IBEC testing, licensing, certification, consultations, treatment planning, and the role professionalism plays in building client trust. Stephanie and Joanie discuss how education and credentialing support practitioner growth while strengthening the credibility of the profession as a whole.
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  Why Electrolysis Feels Different for Everyone: Archive Episode • January 28, 2025 05.07.2026 1h 1min

  Why does electrolysis feel different from one person to another—and even from one body area to another? We dive into the science of sensation, discussing nerve response, stress levels, hydration, tissue characteristics, and environmental influences that impact treatment comfort. Learn practical strategies to help clients manage discomfort while gaining a deeper understanding of the biological factors that influence sensation during electrolysis treatments.
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  Hair Growth Facts Every Electrologist Should Know| Archive Episode • January 21, 2025 28.06.2026 57min

  Hair growth cycles are one of the most important concepts in electrolysis, yet they are often misunderstood by both practitioners and clients. In this episode, Stephanie and Joanie explore fascinating hair growth facts, answer frequently asked questions, discuss consultation strategies, and debunk common myths surrounding permanent hair removal. Whether you're new to electrology or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights to improve client education and communication.
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  From the Archives: Forms, Confidence & Building Your Practice 21.06.2026 1h 1min

  AES 2026 was last week and we (meaning me forgot to hit that precious post button ...). This breach from the Mentorship Hour archives last year, focused on the foundational systems that help electrologists build professional, sustainable practices. Stephanie and Joanie discuss creating effective consent and intake forms, determining what information is truly necessary, and maintaining compliance while providing a positive client experience. The conversation also explores imposter syndrome, pricing strategies, and practical ways practitioners can build confidence through education, experience, and client success.
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  Behind the Probe/Filament/Needle 😅😉 with Henry Ash of Ballet 07.06.2026 1h 2min

  Whatever you call it the probe is a valuable tool of the Electrologist... so today join Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella as they sit down with Henry Ash from Ballet International to discuss probe design, manufacturing precision, practitioner feedback, innovation, and the future of electrology.From insertion feedback and flexibility to gender-affirming care and treatment efficiency, this conversation explores how the tools we use every day influence our results more than many practitioners realize.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.📩 Questions, comments, or future podcast topic suggestions?Email: [email protected]🌐 Learn more:Visit the Electrology Education Coalition and Electrolysis Unplugged community for additional educational resources, mentorship opportunities, and professional discussions.#ElectrolysisUnplugged#Electrology#Electrolysis#PermanentHairRemoval#Electrologist#ElectrologyEducation#BalletProbes#BalletInternational#ProbeSelection#ElectrolysisEducation#BlendElectrolysis#GenderAffirmingCare#HairRemovalProfessionals#ElectrologyStudents#ProfessionalDevelopment#HairRemovalEducation#InfectionPrevention#EvidenceBasedPractice#ElectrologyCommunity#MentorshipMatters
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  Electrolysis Unplugged: The Clareblend Story | Philosophy, Control, and the Future of Electrology Equipment 31.05.2026 1h

  The Legacy of Clareblend: Innovation, Reliability & the Future of ElectrolysisIn this special episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, Stephanie and Joanie sit down with Carl Ghedin of Clareblend to explore the history, evolution, and continued innovation of one of electrology's longest-standing equipment manufacturers.From the early days of galvanic and blend technology to today's modern digital epilators, Carl shares the story behind Clareblend's commitment to quality manufacturing, practitioner-focused design, and supporting electrologists around the world. We discuss the development of devices like the G-Tech, the importance of preserving modality diversity within the profession, and how equipment manufacturers help shape the future of permanent hair removal. Whether you're a new electrologist curious about machine options, a seasoned practitioner who has worked with Clareblend equipment for decades, or simply interested in the history of our profession, this conversation offers valuable insight into the technology that powers our treatment rooms every day.🌐 Clareblend Website⚡ G-Tech Pure Galvanic System📞 Phone: (775) 332-3850📧 Email: [email protected]📍 Reno, Nevada, USA Electrolysis Unplugged is proudly brought to you by the Electrology Education Coalition, where education, research, and community come together to advance the profession of electrology.Connect with Carl & Clareblend
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  Archieve Ep: Business & Balance: Confidence and Credibility (Part 1) 24.05.2026 59min

  In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella dive into the details that transform a treatment space from “just another clinic” into a trusted, professional experience clients remember. From branding consistency and clinic atmosphere to automations, SOAP note efficiency, and the small comfort touches that build long-term trust, this conversation explores how professionalism is communicated long before the treatment even begins.Together, they discuss practical systems that reduce overwhelm, improve client confidence, and create smoother workflows for electrologists and allied professionals. Whether it’s refining intake processes, streamlining charting, improving follow-up communication, or creating an environment that feels safe, polished, and welcoming, this episode focuses on realistic habits you can begin implementing now—without losing the human connection at the center of care.Topics include:Creating a clinic identity that reflects your professionalismEnvironmental details that improve comfort and perceived qualitySOAP note workflows that support efficiency and documentationAutomation tools for reminders, intake, follow-up, and retentionBalancing warmth with boundaries in client communicationSmall operational habits that increase trust and credibilityBuilding systems that support both patient care and practitioner longevityWhether you’re a student, a new practitioner, or years into practice, this episode offers actionable ideas to help elevate your client experience while strengthening the foundation of your business.#electrology #electrolysis #professionalism #clientcare #soapnotes #clinicworkflow #electrologist #electrologyeducation #branding #smallbusiness #automation #electrolysisunplugged
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  The Perfect Intake: Expectations Without Overwhelm 17.05.2026 1h 2min

  In this archived episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, Stephanie & Joanie break down how to build the perfect intake and consultation flow without overwhelming your clients or yourself. From setting realistic expectations and establishing clear clinic policies to reducing anxiety during those first conversations, this episode explores practical systems that create smoother experiences for both practitioner and patient.Together, they discuss real-world consultation strategies for a wide range of client scenarios: including first-time electrolysis clients, hormonal hair growth and PMOS (formerly referred to in this archived episode as PCOS), gender-affirming care consultations, inconsistent treatment histories, and those last-minute “can you fix this before my event?” requests.Learn how to confidently guide conversations about timelines, pricing, treatment planning, contraindications, pain expectations, consistency, professional boundaries, and long-term treatment forecasting while still keeping the consultation warm, supportive, and approachable.Please note: this episode was recorded prior to the updated terminology shift from PCOS to PMOS. Moving forward, references to PCOS within our educational content should be understood as PMOS terminology where applicable.Whether you’re a seasoned electrologist or newly entering the field, this episode focuses on creating intake systems that improve trust, retention, communication, and treatment success from day one.
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  Exfoliation, Botox & Better Healing: The Skin-Care Episode 11.05.2026 1h

  We’re a day late thanks to one little zapper forgetting to hit “upload” before heading off for Mother’s Day camping… but around here the motto is: never late, always awesome. 🤦‍♀️⚡️This week’s archived gem is one worth the wait.In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, Stephanie and Joanie dive into one of the most important—and misunderstood—parts of successful electrolysis treatment: skin care before, during, and after treatment.From exfoliation myths to Botox timing, this episode blends real-world client education with practical treatment strategy and evidence-based skin science that every electrologist should have in their toolbox.💡 In this episode:• Why harsh scrubs are out and barrier-friendly exfoliation is in• The “prime and glide” philosophy for healthier healing• How glycolic acid can help reduce ingrowns—when used correctly• Warning signs of over-exfoliation and compromised skin• The truth about Botox, fillers, and electrolysis scheduling• Why the “two-week rule” matters after injectables• Coaching chronic pluckers with both compassion and accountability• Managing scabbing, PIH, and client expectations like a proAs always, Stephanie and Joanie bring honest conversation, clinical insight, and the kind of chair-side pearls you can immediately apply in practice.Because even when we miss the upload button… we still show up with the goods. ⚡️
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  Sensation & Comfort: Why Electrolysis Feels Different 03.05.2026 1h 1min

  In this rare solo moment, we’re pulling an archive episode where Stephanie breaks down what really drives client sensation—nerve response, environment, stress levels, hydration, and body-area variability.More importantly, she translates it into practice:How we adjust. How we communicate. How we create a treatment experience that’s not just effective, but comfortable, predictable, and client-centered.Because managing discomfort isn’t guesswork—it’s clinical awareness in action.
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  When Laser Makes Hair Worse: Paradoxical Hypertrichosis, Vellus Hair & Clinical Reality 26.04.2026 1h

  In this episode, Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in hair removal: paradoxical hypertrichosis. Sparked by a listener question, they dive deep into the assumptions surrounding “peach fuzz,” laser hair removal, and unexpected hair growth, breaking down what’s actually happening beneath the skin.This conversation challenges common industry myths and simplifies the biology behind hair growth, explaining why hair exists on a continuum, not in fixed categories. Stephanie and Joanie explore how sub-therapeutic energy, hormonal influence, and improper treatment selection can lead to increased hair growth, not because new follicles are created, but because existing ones adapt and respond.They also draw critical distinctions between laser hair removal and electrolysis, highlighting where each modality excels, where it falls short, and why proper consultation, education, and treatment planning are essential for ethical practice and successful outcomes.Whether you're a practitioner or someone navigating your own hair removal journey, this episode offers clarity, clinical insight, and a grounded perspective on what “unexpected” results really mean, and how to prevent them.