Electrolysis Unplugged

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 simplifies the biology behind hair growth, explaining why hair exists on a continuum, not in fixed categories. Stephanie and Joanie explore how sub-therapeutic energy, hormonal influence, and improper treatment selection can lead to increased hair growth, not because new follicles are created, but because existing ones adapt and respond.
They also draw critical distinctions between laser hair removal and electrolysis, highlighting where each modality excels, where it falls short, and why proper consultation, education, and treatment planning are essential for ethical practice and successful outcomes.
Whether you're a practitioner or someone navigating your own hair removal journey, this episode offers clarity, clinical insight, and a grounded perspective on what “unexpected” results really mean, and how to prevent them.

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 professional accountability. This discussion opens the door to deeper conversations around licensing, regulation, and the future of our industry.
We especially highlight what’s happening in Washington State, where the electrology community is actively working to move from an unlicensed, but regulated, status toward formal licensure. It’s a pivotal moment, and one that reflects broader shifts needed across the profession.
Tune in, and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters, share your thoughts and help us continue shaping the future of electrology.

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 resilient, regenerative mini-organ—designed by biology to survive, repair, and repeat. This episode breaks down the complex systems behind that resilience, including the roles of the dermal papilla, matrix, bulge stem cells, and outer root sheath.
Through real practitioner questions, they clarify:
Why electrolysis does not create new follicles
What structures are actually being targeted and destroyed
How hormones and hair cycles influence perceived regrowth
Why partial treatment can lead to thicker, more stubborn hair
What you’re really seeing when a “sheath” appears on extracted hair
This episode reframes “regrowth” not as failure—but as biology doing exactly what it was designed to do. By understanding the follicle’s survival mechanisms, practitioners can refine technique, set realistic expectations, and deliver truly permanent results over time.
Whether you’re a student, seasoned electrologist, or simply fascinated by the science of hair growth, this conversation will change how you think about permanence in hair removal.

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 approaches to talk about what’s actually happening in the skin—how melanin responds to inflammation, why healing can look different over time, and why “it looked fine when they left” is not a reliable measure of treatment safety.
We also discuss real clinical risks such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloid formation, clarifying where those risks truly come from and how proper technique, precision, and aftercare can significantly reduce them. Beyond technique, we explore communication, trust, and the impact of assumptions or microaggressions on client experience and long-term outcomes.
The episode closes with a focus on trauma-informed and culturally aware care, emphasizing that this work isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing better, through education, accountability, and thoughtful practice.

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 outcomes.
From strengthening client education to refining before and aftercare guidance, this conversation is designed to help you build trust, improve compliance, and create more strategic, results-driven treatment plans. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode brings practical, real-world insights you can apply immediately in the treatment room.