Electrolysis Unplugged

In this Electrolysis Unplugged episode, Joanie and Stephanie take electrologists beyond the comfort zone of presets and into true mastery of their equipment. Whether you trained primarily in blend or thermolysis, this episode helps you understand what your machine is really doing — and why it matters. Joanie and Stephanie break down the training gap that leaves many new professionals confident in...

Season 3 of Electrolysis Unplugged kicks off with a powerful conversation about the moments in electrology that require more than technical skill, they require clinical judgment. In this episode, Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella dive into the complex relationship between hormones, skin response, and ethical decision-making in practice. Starting with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) , they brea...

What really causes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)? Is it the treatment… or the skin’s response to trauma? In this Electrology–Skincare crossover session, Stephanie and Joanie take a deep dive into the science of inflammation, melanocyte activation, and the delicate balance between controlled therapeutic injury and unnecessary tissue trauma. This episode bridges clinical electrology and...

In this deeply personal and professionally rich conversation, Joanie Gonella and Stephanie Shields sit down with special guest Maria DeNicola, industry pioneer in crossover hair removal care, she is a chair side educator, and Stephanie’s mother. This is a not so rare mother-daughter mentorship session. Today we reflect on more than four decades in electrology, laser, and professional hair removal....

This week’s episode bridges clinical operations and professional mindset… because confidence behind the probe starts long before the first insertion. We break down how to design and tailor consent and intake forms specific to your services, ensuring medical relevance, liability protection, and treatment efficiency. From streamlining redundant questions to capturing the data that actually impacts s...

In this crossover session, we bridge the worlds of electrology and skincare to take a deeper, evidence-based look at post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) —what causes it, what worsens it, and what actually supports healthy resolution. We unpack the critical difference between treatment-related trauma and therapeutic inflammation , exploring how modality choice, energy delivery, skin condition...

In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, hosts Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella sit down with Carine Angelillo for an in-depth conversation on innovation, education, and the future of hair removal training. Carine shares insights into the latest advancements from Silhouet-Tone, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how evolving technology is shaping both electrolysis and laser practices. Toge...

This week on Electrolysis Unplugged , we take a critical look at one of the most persistent questions in hair removal: does plucking or waxing stimulate more hair growth? We review what current research actually shows, including findings from animal studies , where biological responses can differ significantly from human hair growth patterns. We then address the notable gaps in human-based researc...

This episode provides a clear, practical overview of common contraindications encountered in electrology practice, including rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, pacemakers, diabetes, and medication-related considerations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of thorough consultations, effective red-flag screening, and informed clinical decision-making to ensure patient safety and treatment success. Li...

In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, we address two critical—and often interconnected—topics in professional practice: the ethical discontinuation of clients and the long-term wellness of the electrologist. The discussion covers when and how to professionally dismiss a client, documentation and communication standards, and protecting the therapeutic relationship while upholding safety and sc...

In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged , we sit down with Noreen of GEMM16 to discuss her journey developing multi-needle electrolysis machines. Noreen reflects on what inspired her to innovate, the challenges of designing and manufacturing specialized equipment, and the lessons learned while bringing new technology to an evolving profession. The conversation explores how thoughtful engineering...

Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella kick off 2025 with a practical, no-fluff conversation on goal setting for electrologists at every stage. Reflecting on 2024 wins, they break down clear, actionable ways to plan for growth, sustainability, and success in the year ahead—plus quick strategies you can implement immediately. 📩 Want your goals featured live during Mentorship Hour next week? Submit t...

In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged , Stephanie & Joanie take a deep dive into the science beneath the surface—literally. We’re exploring tombstone hairs , double-papilla follicles , and club hair classification to help electrologists better understand what they’re seeing under magnification and why it matters. From troubleshooting resistant hairs to refining technique, we break down how...

Stephanie & Joanie break down the “Staircase Model” for structured, phased treatment planning—your new blueprint for predictable outcomes, clear communication, and sustainable progress. In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged , Stephanie Shields, CPE, CLS and Joanie Gonella, CPE introduce the Staircase Model : an innovative framework designed to help electrologists map treatments with intent...

In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella dive into one of the most nuanced areas of practice: treating adolescent patients and navigating the complexities that come with early hair-growth changes, medical concerns, and mixed-modality histories. We unpack real-world scenarios involving a 17-year-old laser candidate, including considerations around endocrine ev...

In this week’s Mentorship Hour, Joanie sat down with Karen Meiring de Gonzalez, founder of the Electrology Committee under ABIC (Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council of Australia) and organizer of the first-ever Australian Electrolysis Symposium. Together, they discussed Karen’s professional journey in electrology, the development of Australia’s growing electrology community, and the importance o...

In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, we dive into one of the most essential parts of successful treatment — aftercare. Join Stephanie & Joanie as she walks through the science and strategy behind post-treatment skin recovery. From maintaining cleanliness and avoiding irritants to staying hydrated, protecting with SPF, and choosing the right soothing therapies, we break down how to custom...

In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, Stephanie and Joanie dive into the foundations that define professional excellence in electrology. From understanding NIC and IBEC testing expectations to mastering the art of full clearances, this discussion highlights why every consultation matters—and how licensure, professional attire, and thorough treatment planning shape client trust and long-term s...

In this week’s Electrolysis Unplugged, Joanie and Stephanie get real about the everyday challenges of running a sustainable practice—from no-shows and burnout to protecting your time, energy, and reputation. Consider this your warm-up for our upcoming webinar, Creating a Thriving Electrology Practice: Business, Branding & Client Retention.

In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, we dive into PCOS-related hair growth management—a journey that’s as much about hormones as it is about hope. Stephanie and Joanie explore the connection between androgen levels, electrolysis progress, and laser synergy, offering insights into what works (and when). We unpack spironolactone and other medical supports, talk about setting realistic treatmen...

Sunday is here with a new sound and updates, but today we reflect on last week where we are fresh off presenting their groundbreaking research abstract, Stephanie and Joanie sit down to unpack what it really meant to bring electrology to the forefront of professional and medical dialogue. In this heartfelt and reflective episode, they share the emotions, challenges, and triumphs of being recognize...

Hey friends 👋 Stephanie here with Electrolysis Unplugged! Sooo… somebody forgot to post the podcast this morning. 😅 It’s me. I’m somebody. 🙋‍♀️ But don’t worry—I’m here a couple hours late with the goods! This week’s episode is a recap of our 2024 Mentorship Hour where we take a deep dive into some of the burning questions 🔥 our members had. Better late than never, right? 😉 Enjoy the listen,...

This week on Mentorship Hour , Stephanie and Joanie sit down with Clément Beaumont, President of Dectro International and the visionary behind Apilus technology. From the earliest models to today’s cutting-edge platforms, Clément takes us on a journey through the evolution of electrolysis innovation—sharing the science, research, and design breakthroughs that have shaped the way modern electrologi...

This week on Electrolysis Unplugged, Joanie and Stephanie bring you highlights from a 90-minute Mentorship Hour. We start with one of the most common questions electrologists hear: “Is a hair dead after the first treatment, or does it take multiple sessions?” From there, we explore the technique of feathering and why it matters for both results and skin health. Finally, we dive into a real-world d...

We’re back for Season Two of Electrolysis Unplugged—the after-hours chat with Joanie & Stephanie where electrologists, students, and industry leaders come together to talk shop, share stories, and spark the future of permanent hair removal. This season kicks off with “See the Difference: Precision Optics with Jaci from Designs for Vision.” From posture to precision, we’ll dive into the tools t...