"Ar"lene`s Climb to the Top of the TS Ladder
By Lisa Ann Estrine

"Ar"lene is a one-of-a-kind person in that first she is a professional in her chosen field. That field is electrology, and all the other tie-ins to that field. And yes, there is one other important item! She is a post-op transsexual, having had her surgery in 1975.

This T-Woman was born in Chicago, Illinois, and had sex reassignment surgery by a doctor Dr. Edwin Marcus, who in those days, practiced in Beverly Hills and was an outside consultant/urologist surgeon at the Kaiser Hospital in Hollywood, California.

What makes her different, is that she is a well qualified electrologist, the first known post-op to be licensed as an electrologist in the nation, probably the world. She has many years of study in her background. In 1977 she got her license to practice in the the electrology field. On November 22, 1976, while she was attending school. A NewsWeek Magazine article including pictures of her, were published. Her parents took her transition well. She was also, at the time, facilitating with a Transsexual Rap Group in Los Angeles and working with the Gay Community Service Center (now known as the LGBT), as a peer-counselor.

Some major facts about "Ar"lene is how she spells her name.
She adds the quotation marks around the first two letters to make a point about her profession.

Some major facts about her professional life:
Licensed Cosmetologist since 1970
Licensed Electrologist since 1977
Certified Dermatician in Dermapigmentation or Micropigmentation
Trained in 1976/77 in electrology at Los Angeles Trade Tech College
Trained in 1969/70 as a cosmetologist at Marinello-Corner, Van Nuys, California
Trained in make-up in 1969 at LAVC, by Michael Westmore, noted Hollywood star makeup specialist.
Additional make-up training in 2003, at ABCI
Continuing education, including recent classes in electrology

Modalities that "Ar"lene usually uses the UC Blend for "T" hairs, but is experienced in all methods for permanent hair removal: Flash Thermolysis, Thermolysis, DC or Galvanic Electrolysis and Multi-Needle and The Blend and UC ( Unit Computer) Blend. . She uses an Autoclave for sterilizing implements. All the needles she uses are disposable, and she offers a variety, depending on the needs of each client: stainless steel, insultated and gold. "Ar"lene always wears protective clothing when working on clients, i.e., lab coat, scrubs, mask and gloves. She also wears a bonnet on her hair.

In the years 1982 through 1994 along with doing cosmetology and electrology, she ended up as a tour guide and coach driver . She toured such places as homes of the stars, Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Diego and Tijuana. She also worked with the Tournament of Roses Parade with their group tours and parade particpants in and around Pasadena and Los Angeles area.

She can be reached at 619-993-4391. Her website is http://www.arelectrologist.com and her email address is arlene@arelectrologist.com

"Ar"lene's Woodland Hills office (1980)