As more advanced laser technology becomes accessible, salons have begun offering laser hair removal as part of their treatments. Laser hair removal has quickly become the go-to treatment option for clients seeking permanent and lasting results.
Many states permit licensed estheticians to offer laser hair removal services; however, some prohibit this practice, mandating that estheticians must first be licensed RNs, LPNs, PAs or dermatologists before performing these services.
Getting Started
Laser hair removal treatments have become a highly-desirable cosmetic procedure that can be performed anywhere on the body. Clients opt for this service when their aesthetic concerns don’t respond well to short-term solutions such as shaving, waxing or sugaring. Safe for all skin types and ages alike, laser treatments offer long-term solutions without time, expense or side effects associated with other methods.
Before your clients can undergo laser hair removal treatments, they must first prepare their skin. In particular, they must refrain from harsh hair removal methods like shaving and sugaring for at least one week prior to their session and limit sun exposure as some medications increase photosensitivity.
When working with clients who may be nervous or uncertain of the process, it’s crucial that they feel at ease and confident throughout their treatment plan. This can be achieved by communicating clearly and answering any inquiries that arise.
Before beginning treatments in any state or city, you will first need to complete your training program and obtain the appropriate license or permit from both authorities. Contacting your local health department and beauty college can provide more details regarding what requirements apply in each case.
National Laser Institute offers an Advanced Laser Therapist Course which offers participants intensive hands-on experience using laser, light, and non-light technologies – such as hair removal with IPL photo facials; CoolSculpting using cryolipolysis fat lipolysis technology; radio frequency and fractionated laser for skin tightening, acne treatments and benign pigmented lesions removal as well as laser tattoo removal.
This course covers in depth an analysis of each technology so you can gain a full grasp of how each device works and why they’re effective, along with an introduction to laser safety and its legal implications when working with this type of equipment. You will learn how to assess a client’s skin in order to select an ideal laser instrument and perform each treatment, then evaluate your results to maximize effectiveness.
Preparing Your Clients
Take time during a laser course to fully comprehend all of the procedures that can be carried out with this machine, including IPL photo facials, skin tightening via radio frequency and fractionated laser, Clear and Brilliant skin brightening, cellulite reduction using CoolSculpting, vascular therapy treatments for benign pigmented lesions and laser tattoo removal. In the practical part of your course you will also learn how to safely perform these treatments while adhering to manufacturer guidelines and guaranteeing client safety.
Before beginning treatment, it’s advisable to meet with your clients and discuss their goals and expectations from the procedure. At this meeting, it’s also vitally important to ascertain any medical conditions which might hinder results or make the experience uncomfortable for them.
Your clients should also prepare for their session by forgoing hair removal methods like shaving and waxing for at least one week prior to their session with you, since longer hairs could obstruct laser’s ability to reach and destroy follicles effectively and potentially cause discomfort for them.
As another step you should encourage your clients to take, one step you should encourage is staying hydrated the day of their laser appointment and avoiding beverages that contain caffeine, such as soda. Alcohol and caffeine both exacerbate laser treatment pain while increasing sensitivity to its built-in cooling system.
As it can interfere with laser treatments’ effectiveness, it’s also wise to ask clients to avoid treatments like electrolysis and plumping in the weeks leading up to their appointments. Sun exposure should also be limited for optimal results during these procedures.
Marketing laser services effectively requires targeting the appropriate audience. This may mean targeting licensed estheticians and cosmetologists, registered nurses, LPN’s, Physician Assistants or Certified Electrologists along with men and women of all ages as customers for your procedure.
Performing the Treatment
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment that uses highly concentrated beams of light to remove unwanted hair from the face, legs, chest, back, underarm, bikini line and other areas. The beams damage pigment in hair follicles to stop new growth of hair. Laser treatments are safe and effective for all skin types – many clients choose regular sessions for lasting results.
Laser hair removal therapists provide clients with relief from daily shaving and plucking as well as weekly or bi-weekly waxing, as the process is gentle enough for all skin types – including pregnant women and children. Lasers can even help treat ingrown hairs or razor bumps by shrinking follicle size so as to stop hair growth altogether.
Most states mandate laser technicians obtain a license from an accredited electrology school, however national credentials such as Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) are available for those looking to go beyond this requirement. Holding such an official certification gives your clients confidence that you have completed additional training and are qualified to provide advanced laser treatments.
Laser and IPL technology is often employed for other beauty and skincare treatments besides hair removal, such as IPL photofacials or IPL face-lifting treatments. Learning to operate these powerful machines will expand your service offering while helping clients to achieve the aesthetic results they seek.
One of the most sought-after laser treatments is for spider veins. Millions of people suffer from unsightly veins on their faces, legs and arms; larger varicose veins may need sclerotherapy while smaller varicose veins respond best to laser therapy – an easy solution without downtime that’s an invaluable addition to your practice.
Laser and IPL therapy combined can effectively address active acne on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, hands and arms without resorting to prescription medications. An experienced laser therapist must know how to prep skin before treatment begins and select an optimal wavelength of laser for each client’s individual skin type if they want the most reliable and impressive results possible.
Post-Procedure Care
Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments in America, helping clients reduce unwanted body hair that grows while saving both time and money compared to alternative options, like shaving, waxing and plucking. While these methods often lead to razor cuts or cuts nicking skin during removal – laser hair removal uses heat from light instead to safely eliminate body hair growth.
This cosmetic treatment is suitable for men and women alike who want to reduce the appearance of hair growth in certain areas, while potentially slowing future growth – providing smooth and soft skin all year round.
Before commencing a laser hair removal session, it’s essential to discuss their expectations and concerns in depth with them, before conducting a patch test on a small section of skin to see how it reacts – this is an effective way of ensuring that laser therapy won’t result in any side effects that could potentially hinder their treatment plan.
Once the patch test is complete, you can start the laser hair removal process in earnest. As it will likely require multiple sessions to achieve desired results for clients, regular attendance at appointments is key in order to achieve the best possible outcomes from laser treatment. It would also be wise for clients to refrain from shaving or waxing prior to and following laser sessions as these practices could potentially interfere with its effectiveness.
Clients should apply sunscreen daily to the treatment area as this will likely leave them more sensitive following sessions. In addition, hot showers and soaking baths should be avoided to prevent redness and itching in the treatment area. Finally, clients should shave only once or twice every week as this will expedite and accelerate the healing process more quickly and effectively.
Joining an advanced laser hair removal therapy course is an investment worth making for anyone wanting to help others remove unwanted body hair. While not every state requires certification to perform laser therapies, earning one will give your clients additional peace of mind that they are working with a qualified professional.
