The media reminds me that the country’s stock market is an economic roller coaster, it’s wild swings pressured up then down by the high-tech sector. The financial sector is desperately trying to stem the dreaded “R” word by reducing interest rates. But what is happening to our profession? I think I can safely say that all indications point to industry growth, in my 28 years in this field there has never been more publicity, more marketing, more promotion and information (and perhaps misinformation) circulating about hair removal than there has been over the past five years.

With the explosive growth of telecommunications and the Internet — disseminating instant, unfettered, never-ending information to anyone who is interested in even the minutest aspect of hair removal has brought, and continues to bring, electrolysis out of the closet. Once only a subject for carnival sideshows, the matter of excessive, unwanted hair on a woman – especially on the face where it is impossible to hide — has become so commonplace and acceptable that photographic exhibitions of hirsute ladies can now be successfully promoted as a “fashion statement” [see “Women with Mustaches is one hairy exhibit ” on page 17].

Huge multi-national companies – of a size that makes laser companies look like the corner Mom & Pop stores — are moving into the hair removal business. Bristol-Myers Squibb, and The Gillette Company, makers of Vaniqa, have brought new hopes of instant gratification to women with PCOS and the almost inevitable symptom of excessive hirsutism.

The early indications are that Vaniqa cream will significantly reduce facial hair while it is being used (as the hair will grow back if treatment is stopped), to the point that these women won’t have to shave every day between electrolysis appointments. Not a replacement for electrolysis, but as the package indicates, “to be used in conjunction with normal hair removal practices.”

On May 18, 1998, a class action lawsuit was filled, challenging health insurance carriers’ denial of reimbursement for the drug Viagra. The lawsuit, known as Sibley-Schreiber Vs Oxford Health Plans, was filed in Federal Court in Brooklyn, New York. With this much exposure, and with such large companies involved with prescription products, how much longer will it be before electrolysis treatments for medical related hirsutism are covered?

At Christmas parties not too many years ago, I would often find myself explaining electrolysis to people who were incredulous that a decent living could be out of such a thing. Now, meaningful conversations can be had with enlightened neighbors about the pros and cons of waxing, tweezing, Vaniqa, or laser Vs traditional electrolysis,

The drive of dermatologists to find other sources of income has helped our electrolysis industry immensely by educating doctors about hirsutism, the conditions that create excess hair, and permanent hair removal by way of electrolysis. They are also recognizing that hirsutism is a real and treatable condition, and not just something “ a women has to live with.”

Anecdotal evidence, especially over the past two years, has indicated a decline in the hype of high-tech hair removal methods (as well as high-tech stocks!), and a return to more traditional methods. But at the same time, this evolution has elevated hair removal to an acceptable level — and maybe even necessary procedure — for both men and women alike.

Laser, like all other hair removal methods, is finding its place in the industry, and I believe that as technology continues to mature, so we will continue to have improved recognition and growth in our chosen field of electrolysis.

Many electrologists I talk to say they have clients whom are “coming back,” after trying the laser, and they are constantly receiving new enquires about permanent hair removal. Local media, such as newspapers, radio, and television are now more open to accepting press releases, statements, and news stories from electrologists. So the future for our profession looks bright and full of promise as we enter the first months of the new millennium. And yes, I have a hunch that this year is going to be better than any in the last five. Happy New Year, everyone!