Community Highlights: Meet Chizoba Udeorji, PhD CPE of Bad Betty Electrolysis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chizoba Udeorji, PhD CPE.

Hi Chizoba, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve worn many hats in my life and this is by far the most exciting. My name is Chizoba Udeorji, certified professional electrologist, cosmetic tattoo artist, collagen induction therapist, and devoted skincare enthusiast.

I’ve come across people from all walks of life with a variety of hair removal needs, many of whom have tried laser with subpar and sometimes devastating results. Unfortunately, many people have never heard of electrolysis. They often assume it’s some other form of laser hair removal. For those of us with lighter hair or darker skin, electrolysis is the lesser known solution with greater results. This is what drove me to become an electrologist: I want to share my knowledge and passion with those around me, and hopefully give others the benefits I’ve received as a result of my electrolysis journey.

MY START

Like so many electrologists, my introduction to this profession came from struggling with hirsutism caused by poly cystic ovarian syndrome. At the time of my diagnosis the condition was sometimes known as Syndrome X, and very few physicians knew about it. Even fewer knew what to do with a diagnosis. I spent years trying to resolve the symptoms of this complex hormonal disorder on my own, with absolutely no success. As a teen, my mother scrimped and saved to take me to the most popular laser clinic in Beverly Hills. This was the 1990’s: early laser technology was far more expensive and far less reliable. Not only did the procedure not work, I sustained burn marks across my face. I was devastated by the lack of success, and I felt guilty about the money we spent. I didn’t have the education or the language to describe the impact PCOS could have on my quality of life.

While at university, I joined a friend during one of her weekly electrolysis appointments and was fascinated by the process. I returned to her electrologist a few times, but as a graduate student I was short on time and money. I also worried about the quality of treatment I was receiving. My gut told me to investigate. I went home and read everything I could about the process. The more I learned the more interested I became in electrolysis in theory and practice. I eventually came across a galvanic home device on Ebay and decided to try it for myself.

I inserted the battery, turned the energy dial up 3/4ths of the way (bad idea), inserted the needle and waited for 45 seconds. I grabbed my tweezers and watched as the hair slid out effortlessly with a glistening bulb at the end. I stared at it for a solid minute. How cool was that?!?! It worked! From that point on, I spent my Saturdays watching Netflix DVDs (remember those?) and working on my face. It only took a month for me to notice the difference, and I began to look forward to my Saturday routine.

I caused more than a few scars on my face, but I was willing to live with the scars if it meant I would be rid of my problem. Fortunately, the hair AND the scars disappeared-permanently. After my DIY success, I chose to work on those who would allow me to. I decided to seek formal training so I can help others with their hair removal goals and needs.

MY INSPIRATION

I named my business Bad Betty Electrolysis, because I am a lover of history, media, and culture as it relates to beauty. I’ve always admired images of great women of the past. Although I certainly don’t romanticize the political and social landscape, I find inspiration in the beauty and confidence of our foremothers: the tailored clothes, the coiffed hair, the Joan Crawford eyebrows. I love it all! Images from the past remind me to live a life of joy and contentment right now; and to invest in people and experiences that affirm my best self. I feel very fortunate that electrology is at the crossroads of all of these topics for me: the politics and practice of beautification, and the transformative nature thereof.

Years into this profession, I still find myself challenged by the ever-changing landscape of our field. I’m grateful for the more immediate impact I’m able to have on the lives of so many women. I feel personally and intellectually nourished by the people I encounter through my work, and I look forward to seeing how I evolve along the way.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but I really believe there is no better education than a challenge. I transitioned into this profession during the pandemic, after years of learning electrolysis as hobby. I started with so much uncertainty: the novel virus completely shut down commerce and the aesthetic industry was not spared. Who knew if this would permanently change the industry I just committed to joining? I was forfeiting job security during a time when people were scrambling to find work. I returned to my hometown after living abroad for nearly a decade. An academic concentration in communication did not prepare me for the reality of marketing and advertising in a competitive city. Although I am not shy, I severely underestimated how important outreach would be. Not ideal for an extroverted introvert. Nevertheless, I’ve learned that the success of Bad Betty Electrolysis is as much about managing challenges as it is about preventing them. Management is a skill I’m continuously honing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bad Betty Electrolysis?
Bad Betty Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal studio in Beverly Hills. You may be surprised to hear that I am only a few steps away from one of the most popular laser hair removal chains in Los Angeles. The reason we can coexist is because laser hair removal is a form of permanent hair reduction. However, Electrolysis is the only form of hair removal that is designated as permanent by the FDA. Electrolysis uses a fine hair-sized probe to enter each hair follicle and permanently disable the structures that allow for hair growth.

Many clients come to me after they’ve experienced subpar results from laser hair removal, often resulting in paradoxical hair growth. Some clients are natural blondes or redheads, so laser simply won’t yield the results they are looking for. Electrolysis works on all skin tones, hair colors, and hair textures.

I was fortunate enough to study at Swanson’s Canadian Institute of Electrolysis. The practical training was intense, working as an apprentice for an established electrologist. Upon graduation I was used to working 8-hour days, six days a week. As a result, I specialize in marathon, large-volume electrolysis appointments. I find that the intense upfront commitment leads to faster progress and higher completion rates.

Another benefit of attending Swanson was the training I received in working on every part of the male and female body. Many schools are only able to offer electrolysis training on intimate areas via prerecorded videos and peer to peer demonstrations. I’ll just say: when it comes to the human body, it’s impossible to unnerve me. The hands-on education was an invaluable introduction to the diversity of the human body, and the importance of making clients feel safe and understood in their pursuit of treatment, no matter what part of the body I am working on. The practical experience was a springboard for further academic study.

This is one of the most critical aspects of the brand: Bad Betty Electrolysis is a safe, shame-free, comfortable space to tackle all your electrolysis hair removal needs. We work with consideration to evidence-based, time-tested strategies, and we remain intellectually curious and ready to problem-solve when necessary. I specialize in marathon/multi-hour appointments, gender affirming surgery preparation, and PCOS cases. I work with a local physician to provide injectable numbing for pain-free, multi-hour electrolysis services. I will be expanding my practice with advanced electrolysis techniques like Sebaceous Gland Ablation for permanent acne removal soon. We will be the first electrolysis clinic in Southern California to offer this service.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am a huge fan of podcasts, and I often listen to a few shows while I work. I rely on tips and information from my professional groups and associations online. Because this is such a niche field, there are limited resources for professionals, so it’s important to stay connected to the social networks of electrologists online. However, hair is first and foremost an appendage of the skin. As my knowledge of electrolysis deepened, I realized how important it is to fully understand the skin as our largest organ. I added a license in esthetics to my practice to learn more about that. I have a number of reference texts that I use regularly. I try to listen to podcast shows that feature dermatologists, endocrinologists, medical estheticians, small business owners, and cultural critics who focus on beauty and esthetic trends and cultural movements. Can a good feminist be a good electrologist? Do questions like this inform my practice?

Pricing:

• $140/hr for standard treatment areas
• $200/hr for intimate treatment areas
• Local anesthetic can be included or an additional fee.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://badbettyelectrolysis.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bad.betty.electrolysis/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bad-Betty-Electrolysis/61577135615692/#
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bad-betty-38a1bb261/
• Twitter: https://x.com/BadBettyElectro
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@badbetty8219/videos?app=desktop&view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bad-betty-electrolysis-beverly-hills
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@badbettyelectrolysis