AEA Standards of Practice for Electrologists

High standards of competence and professionalism

PREFACE

The American Electrology Association (AEA) is dedicated to promoting high standards of competency, integrity, and professionalism. As an international organization specific to the profession of electrology, the AEA recognizes a responsibility to identify mechanisms for measuring competent professional practice and to provide a means to establish accountability for practitioner performance to the public.

The American Electrology Association affirms that electrolysis, the practice of permanent hair removal, is an allied health profession and that the specialists who practice it are independent practitioners. Because independent practitioners practice in diverse settings, we intend the Standards of Practice for Electrologists to be applicable across a range of practice environments.

The Standards contained in this document are intended to be broad in scope, attainable, definitive, and relevant to the practice of electrology. These Standards contain uniform concepts necessary for quality practice while allowing appropriate flexibility for individual practitioners.

The practice of electrology includes: (1) health-history assessment, (2) discussion with the client regarding goals and expectations, (3) client education, (4) development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of a treatment plan, and (5) referral to other allied-health professionals or appropriate health care providers when indicated.

Terminology and Scope of Practice

The profession is known as Electrology. The licensed/qualified person who performs electrolysis services is an Electrologist. In professional practice, electrologists may select from four modalities—Galvanic (DC), Multiple-Needle Galvanic (DC), Thermolysis (AC), and Blend (DC + AC)—based on client assessment, treatment goals, and clinical judgment.

Electrology instructors should also use the Standards to develop comprehensive curricula that reflect evidence-informed practice, sound business practices, and ethical principles. In addition, the Standards should be viewed as a foundation for planning continuing education offerings and for developing job descriptions, performance appraisals, and office policies and procedures.

State boards regulating the practice of electrology are encouraged to promulgate regulations consistent with these Standards. By establishing uniform expectations for entry-level competencies, the Standards serve as a resource for unlicensed states during the legislative process. The Standards are distributed to AEA members, state-licensing boards and departments, and professional associations.

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE FOR ELECTROLYSIS

Professional Standards should align with the current practices in the field. AEA will periodically review these Standards according to a set schedule and in response to significant updates in infection prevention guidelines, occupational safety rules, consumer protection regulations, privacy standards, or practice technology.

The Standards of Practice for Electrologists serve as a guideline for practitioners to provide competent, responsible care. (See AEA Standards and AEA Code of Ethics.)

STANDARDS OF BASIC PRACTICE

STANDARD I

The electrologist demonstrates professional skills, knowledge, and abilities consistent with current recognized and accepted professional standards of practice.

Measurement Criteria

  1. Education & Legal Compliance: Electrologists complete an electrology training program (or other approved pathway) and meet all legal requirements of the state/jurisdiction in which they practice.
  2. Accepted Methods: Electrologists use currently accepted, evidence-based, and professionally recommended electrology treatment methods.
  3. Scope of Instruction (Needle/Probe Epilation Only): Training programs focus exclusively on needle/probe electrology methods—electrolysis (DC), thermolysis (AC), and the blend (a mix of DC and AC). A Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) with at least five years of active, good-standing experience, who teaches either in a licensed or unlicensed setting, complies with relevant state/jurisdiction laws, and follows AEA’s basic practice standards for these three modalities.
  4. Practitioners should show competence in understanding, safely using, maintaining, and conducting basic troubleshooting on electrology equipment.
  5. Electrologists are required to adhere to the AEA Infection Prevention Standards for Electrolysis (latest edition), covering proper hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterile single-use needles, decontamination and sterilization of reusable tools, and environmental safety protocols.
  6. Electrologists routinely undergo vision screenings and wear appropriate corrective lenses to ensure optimal vision, which is essential for delivering effective treatments.

STANDARD II

The electrologist assesses clients’ health status.

Measurement Criteria

  1. During the pre-treatment consultation, pertinent health data is compiled and documented.
  2. Relevant and accurate health history records are updated on an ongoing basis.
  3. Contraindications and precautions are assessed at the initial consultation and during ongoing visits, including changes in medications, implants, skin conditions, or recent procedures.
  4. Physical conditions that may influence or affect electrolysis treatment are identified, discussed, and documented.

STANDARD III

The client’s expectations and perspectives are considered in planning treatment goals.

Measurement Criteria

  1. Client rights are acknowledged and upheld.
  2. Client preferences are considered within safe, ethical limits.
  3. Misunderstandings and concerns are recognized, discussed, and clarified with accurate information.
  4. Client dignity is safeguarded, and their comfort and communication needs are prioritized.

STANDARD IV

The electrologist provides the client with information relevant to the electrolysis treatment process.

Measurement Criteria

  1. The discussion covers hair growth cycles, causes of hair growth, and adverse effects of temporary hair removal methods.
  2. Infection-prevention procedures and precautions are explained, consistent with the most recent AEA Infection Prevention Standards.
  3. Post-treatment skin responses and appropriate care are explained, including what is expected versus what requires follow-up or referral.
  4. Office policies or procedures that affect the client are discussed (fees, scheduling, cancellations, complaint process, privacy/photo policy).

STANDARD V

A treatment plan is created through a thorough client assessment and aims to align with the client’s goals and desired results.

Measurement Criteria

  1. A client-focused approach is adopted.
  2. Treatment priorities are established and serve as a guide for the plan.
  3. Clients receive a detailed explanation of hair-growth cycles and timelines.
  4. Medical and hormonal factors influencing excess hair growth are discussed, helping the client understand that new hair may emerge from dormant follicles even after previous ones have been treated.

STANDARD VI

The electrologist observes the client’s response to treatment and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly.

Measurement Criteria

  1. Treatment details are recorded after each session and evaluated on an ongoing basis (settings, modality, skin response, aftercare provided, client tolerance).
  2. Consultation with colleagues and/or appropriate health-care providers is initiated when additional skills or knowledge are needed.
  3. When indicated, referrals are made to appropriate healthcare providers.
  4. Professional services are terminated when treatment is contraindicated; treatment no longer meets the client’s needs; goals/expectations are not realistic or attainable; or treatment goals have been achieved.

STANDARDS ON INFORMED CONSENT

Purpose: To ensure clients have the opportunity to make an autonomous, informed decision about electrolysis by providing clear, accurate, and relevant information about the proposed treatment.

STANDARD I

Electrologists provide accurate, current, and relevant information to enable the client to make informed treatment decisions.

  1. The treatment process is explained clearly, covering modality, timing, and expected skin response.
  2. Risks, side effects, and discomforts are discussed, distinguishing between typical transient reactions and warning signs.

STANDARD II

A written informed consent document is provided to the client for review before treatment.

  1. Client questions are answered.
  2. The client or a parent/guardian signs the consent form if the client is a minor.
  3. The client can withdraw consent before treatment or stop services at any time.

STANDARDS ON PRIVACY, IMAGES, AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION (2026 UPDATE)

Purpose: To protect confidentiality and ensure ethical, transparent use of photographs, video, and electronic communication.

STANDARD I

The electrologist protects client privacy across all formats (paper, verbal, digital, and visual).

  1. Client records and personal data are confidential unless required by law or with the client’s permission.
  2. Electronic records are protected using safeguards such as controlled access, secure storage, and secure disposal.
  3. Electronic communication (texts, emails, DMs) complies with office policies, with sensitive health information minimized and kept confidential.

STANDARD II

Photographs, videos, and audio recordings must be obtained with explicit permission and clearly defined limits.

  1. Written consent is obtained separately for images used in clinical documentation and for marketing or educational purposes.
  2. The consent details what is captured, where it may be displayed, how long it can be used, how it is stored, and the client’s right to revoke future use.
  3. Images are not manipulated in a way that could mislead or exaggerate outcomes.

STANDARDS OF PRACTICES REFERENCES (2026 Updated Core Set)

  1. American Electrology Association (AEA). Standards of Practice for Electrologists. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://professionals.electrology.com/be-an-electrologist/standards-of-practice.php
  2. American Electrology Association (AEA). Code of Ethics. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://professionals.electrology.com/be-an-electrologist/code-of-ethics.php
  3. American Electrology Association (AEA). Infection Prevention Standards for the Practice of Electrolysis. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://professionals.electrology.com/be-an-electrologist/infection-prevention-standards.html
  4. American Electrology Association (AEA). Infection Prevention Standards for the Practice of Electrolysis (PDF). Accessed February 10, 2026. https://professionals.electrology.com/pdf/Infection-Prevention-Standards.pdf
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Standard Precautions for All Patient Care. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/basics/standard-precautions.html
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Safe Healthcare Delivery in All Settings. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/core-practices/index.html
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/healthcare-associated-infections/hcp/prevention-healthcare/outpatient-expectations.html
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/media/pdfs/guideline-disinfection-h.pdf
  9. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 21 CFR § 878.5350 Needle-type epilator. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-878/subpart-F/section-878.5350
  10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 510(k) Example Listing for an Electrolysis Machine. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K760423
  11. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1030
  12. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/selected-epa-registered-disinfectants
  13. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). HIPAA: Covered Entities and Business Associates. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/covered-entities/index.html
  14. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (revised 2023). Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/26/2023-14795/guides-concerning-the-use-of-endorsements-and-testimonials-in-advertising

Revised February 2026

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