Electrolysis Unplugged

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 fact...

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...

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 w...

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 conve...

The Legacy of Clareblend: Innovation, Reliability & the Future of Electrolysis In 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...

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 prof...

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 p...

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 c...

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-cent...

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 s...

In this episode, Defining Electrology as a Health-Adjacent, Education-Governed Profession , Stephanie Shields sits down with special guest Eileen Collins, Director of MEEC, to begin an important and long-overdue conversation about redefining our field. Together, they explore what it means to position electrology within a health-adjacent framework; one that is grounded in education, standards, and...

In this deep-dive episode of Electrolysis Unplugged , Stephanie Shields and Joanie Gonella take the science of hair removal one step further—unpacking one of the most common (and frustrating) questions in electrology: If we’re destroying the growth center, why does hair seem to come back? Building on their previous discussion of follicular anatomy, they explore the hair follicle as a highly resili...

In this episode of Electrolysis Unplugged, I’m joined by guest speaker LaTrina Gray for an important conversation on working safely, effectively, and ethically with melinated skin in electrology practice. Together, we break down why melinated skin is not a specialty or an “advanced topic,” but a core competency every electrologist should understand. We move past common myths and fear-based approac...

A lively, insight-packed tour through the science of hair growth, this episode dives into the fundamentals every electrologist should master—while breaking down some of the most common myths we hear in practice. We’ll tackle frequently asked questions from clients, clarify misconceptions around growth cycles and treatment expectations, and explore how to elevate your consultations for better outco...

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...