General Regulations for Electrolysis

(1) Definitions. For the purposes of 240 CMR 9.00 through 240 CMR 11.00, the following terms shall have the meanings as indicated: ANSI. The American National Standards Institute. Board. The Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. Electrologist. Any person licensed by the Board to practice Electrolysis. Electrolysis and Epilation. The method of removing hair from the human body by the application of an electrical current or any other form of energy to the hair-papilla or other source of hair germination by means of a needle or any other instrument or device to cause decomposition, coagulation, dehydration, or other form of tissue destruction, to permanently disable the hair follicle from producing hair, and shall include Laser Electrolysis as defined in 240 CMR 9.01. Electrolysis School. A school or other institution or program privately owned and conducted for the purpose of teaching electrology, and shall include post-secondary institutions as defined in M.G.L. c. 112, § 87T. Epilator. A device used to perform Electrolysis. Informed Consent. Agreement by a patient to undergo electrolysis after a full disclosure of the risks and benefits of such treatment, the alternatives to such treatment, and any other information reasonably necessary to allow the patient to make an informed decision about whether or not to undergo such treatment. Laser Electrolysis. Electrolysis performed with Laser Light. Laser Hair Removal. Using Laser Light before May 3, 2015 to perform hair removal or reduction. Laser Light. An intense, coherent, directional beam of light produced by stimulated emission of photons; the word laser as used in 240 CMR 9.00 shall mean the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. (2) In order to qualify for the State Board examination, a person shall complete the educational and practical curriculum established by the board, and all other requirements as set forth by the Board pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 87T through 87JJ. (3) An applicant for the State Board examination shall submit, with his or her application, a copy of the applicant's diploma from an accredited high school, or its equivalent or verification of age beyond the age of compulsory school attendance, and a letter or a copy of a diploma from a licensed electrolysis school certifying that the student has graduated. (4) The practical and written exam shall be available as prescribed by the Board. (5) An applicant for reciprocity examination who fails the State Board examination three times must obtain approval by the Board before applying to take another examination. (Mass. Register #1559, 10/24/2025) (6) An applicant must pass all parts of the State Board examination within three years of his or her first examination date or take the complete examination (written and practical) over again. (7) Every electrolysis office and electrolysis school shall be opened for inspection to any member or investigator of the Board during business or school hours. (8) When an inspection of an electrolysis office or electrolysis school is made by any member or investigator of the Board, the owner or representative of the office or school shall sign an inspection slip. (9) No licensed electrologist shall refer to, or permit any reference to, his or her license in advertising or promoting any activity other than electrolysis. (10) If the license for a qualified electrologist or a qualified instructor, or to conduct a school of electrolysis has not been timely renewed, the license may be renewed within two years of expiration by filing a Board-approved renewal form and the renewal fee. If the licensee fails to renew his or her license prior to the expiration of the two-year period, he or she shall be required to file an application for reinstatement together with applicable late fees as determined under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 7, § 3B.