I am set up to start electrolysis school an less than two months. I am going to meet the instructor next week and should make my first payment when I meet with her. I have been a DIY’ER for a couple years and seem to be doing OK with my own hair removal and my families. I am really trying to decide if there are enough cleints that would go to a male electrologist or not before I spend the money for schooling.
Any input from those of you who have been in the business for a while would be great.
I am struggling to figure out if it is a good time to get into the business.
I am so jealous, I would love to go to school but right now my current job prevents that. From what I have seen, most TG clients are open to working with a male and as you can imagine we are good long term customers.
Speaking of schools… James, what do you think of the Berkowits school in Queens?
I have a very good answer for you. Just look at James ! I am female, and trust me , i really dont care if my electrologist is a woman or a man, as long as they are skilled. I lok at it differently maybe, than other females. once you start actuall school and recieve your books to prepare for tests, you will discover that training is somewhat similar to training for a nurse asistant. There is so many medical terms in there, and latin, and my head is overflowing. I swear, i will never call my brows anything other than cilias :) So to me , being electrologist is like being somewhat of an medical practitioner, and women really dont mind having male physicians or obstetritians, so why would thy mind having male electrologist? As for having enough clients, my personal concern isnt gender related, but rather economy related. I know that i had my last appointment three months ago, and i can not even afford 30 minute treatment with my electrologist, which is only 30 bucks. I dont know if people are still spending money on things like cosmetic treatments, waxing, electrology, hair styling, but i am hoping that everything will pick up eventually.
I am about to be done with all 12 tests, and ill be leaving for California soon. This is best thing ive ever done for myself, book is amazing, tests are fun, my VMC pumped up and ready to go, and trust me Willie, you will love this. best of luck and Pm me sometimes. I thought you were mad at me
I think it is more difficult for a man to make it, sadly to say (same with male massage therapists) but I think it is possible! Also, even if some women are dissuaded by a male electrologist, I think many LGBT/TG clients would be fine with a male practitioner.
You will be fine as long as you can do your job well and you invest in good equipment to deliver deadly and speedily electrolysis. That’s what the consumer really wants. Get the hair off fast, so the client does not don’t lose hope. Demonstrate hygenic practices to relieve the client of that worry. Don’t talk too much during a session and don’t interrupt a session. Patiently answer questions and offer reassurance as neccesary. Give a complete, honest consultation. Return phone calls or e-mails… and on and on.
I wish there were more men in this profession. Clients will come to you. Market yourself and work hard to remove hair properly. For most of us, it was hard to get a client base, it took me three years to have consistent work, so don’t blame it on your gender if you get off to a slow start.
I have purposely HAVE NOT focused on your gender because I believe that is not a hinderance. Someone once said (I think it was my girlfriend Oprah) that Excellence is the best deterrant to bias (and I will add) whether it relates to gender, racial, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. James, Fino Gior, Michael Bono are examples of well known men in the electrolysis profession.
I would go for it, but hold on to your other job until you get your client base built, which can take a little time. Just remember, the harder you work the luckier your get! And…, if people don’t want a man to remove their upper lip hair, then to hell with them! :o
Thank you all for so much encouragement. James was positive as well when I met him in person. If every one is as nice as he is this will be a great profession.
James is a sweet dear man, for sure. Stay close to him as he will be the best mentor you will ever have. He has done so much for this profession that he can’t be recognized enough. He is so much fun to be with. He has a distinguishable laugh and laughs easily don’t you think? Hurry up and get a license, Willie. We need you!
