Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular aesthetic service that involves targeting and destroying hair follicles to achieve permanent hair reduction. Multiple sessions may be necessary to reach desired results.
Laser services cross the line between grooming services and medical procedures and are known to cause serious injuries.
Training
Aspiring laser hair removal technicians can become one of several ways. One popular route is enrolling in an esthetician program that offers certification. An accredited program will give them an edge when searching for employment as employers will recognize it as valid certification. Alternative training options could include attending an independent laser hair removal school or online course that teaches its fundamentals.
Laser hair removal training programs typically focus on different types of lasers that can be used and their physics; understanding this technology enables future laser hair removal technicians to educate clients properly and choose an effective course of treatment. Many such programs also include lessons on anatomy and hair follicle biology which helps technicians better explain procedures as well as potential risks involved to clients.
Communication skills are also a must for laser hair removal technicians. Their clients will primarily communicate through verbal means and they must be able to clearly explain the procedures involved and answer any queries from clients, while at the same time exuding confidence in their services so as to create a pleasant experience during treatments.
Certification programs provide technicians with the training they need to assess a client’s skin and determine whether or not they are appropriate candidates for laser hair removal procedures. This usually entails asking a series of questions and conducting an examination, and it’s essential that laser hair removal technicians learn to evaluate each skin type effectively so they can administer treatments without risking injury or discomfort to clients.
Some states mandate certification before laser hair removal is legalized, while others have specific regulations about who can perform these treatments. For instance, 44 states mandate supervision by a doctor, nurse or physician’s assistant when performing laser hair removal procedures whereas New York does not currently impose licensing requirements for these practitioners and a bill has been introduced that would bring this state in line with national standards.
Equipment
Laser hair removal is a popular treatment, making adding this service to your spa, salon or clinic profitable. Before offering the service to clients, ensure you have all of the required equipment and training – look for courses with comprehensive hands-on demonstrations and practice sessions for success as a laser technician – along with updates regularly so they keep up with cutting edge innovations in laser technology.
Many states require you to obtain a license before offering laser hair removal treatments, although requirements vary between states. You should contact your state’s cosmetology board and inquire as to what their specific regulations are; attending a laser school that offers comprehensive certification programs including state licensure exams may be necessary as well.
Certain states such as New York view laser treatments as medical, so an attending physician or nurse must always be present during treatments. Others treat laser services more cosmetically by mandating that practitioners possess laser-specific training or receive licenses to operate the device; still others delegate this procedure to healthcare practitioners such as nurses and physician’s assistants.
Laser hair removal can be uncomfortable for different people depending on their pain threshold and tolerance levels. Some describe the feeling as similar to snapping rubber bands; for others it may feel more painful, leading them to need breaks during treatment to relax. To make sure clients feel at ease during laser hair removal sessions, provide them with information regarding procedure as well as perform a patch test beforehand and monitor how their skin reacts.
Individuals may be allergic to some of the chemicals used in laser hair removal, so it’s essential that all technicians receiving training before beginning working on clients. You should also inquire with the laser school regarding safety precautions they have in place in order to safeguard both you and your clients.
Licensing
Before Covid-19’s arrival, laser hair removal parlors were ubiquitous throughout New York. Attracting young people through daily deals websites and digital ads offering discounted services, these salons often went undetected due to lack of licensing requirements in some states for practitioners operating light-emitting devices that could cause discoloration and burns on skin.
Licensing requirements for laser hair removal vary between states; in some instances it requires holding a license in cosmetology or esthetics in order to practice. You can research your state laws by visiting the website of a cosmetology association or reaching out to cosmetic training schools near you; some offer online pre-course training that can help meet training and licensing requirements in your state.
If your course requires in-person classes, look for programs with small class sizes to ensure that you can receive individual attention from your instructor. Furthermore, be wary of programs which claim affiliation with American Electrology Association (AEA), since this indicates they adhere to national industry standards.
Once your coursework is complete, conduct a patch test on one or more clients in order to ensure safe and effective laser procedures. A patch test involves performing laser treatments on a small section of skin of a client; it allows you to test their suitability for laser treatments as well as make changes if necessary.
Your coursework will introduce you to FDA’s guidelines for using laser technology, including setting the device properly and protecting clients from risks associated with treatments. Furthermore, you will learn the Fitzpatrick scale which helps identify wavelengths appropriate for different skin types.
Addition of national credentials can help set you apart in the competitive world of cosmetology. A certification from AEA gives your clients peace of mind that you are dedicated to their safety as a patient.
Continuing education
Maintaining certification as a laser hair removal technician requires continuing education. While hours and courses vary depending on your state, two weeks of classroom study followed by hands-on training is the industry standard. Many estheticians also opt for courses tailored specifically for their skill set and career goals.
Laser hair removal services may be illegal in some states without an active license, as laser therapy falls under the category of medicine and relies on powerful devices that target hair follicles and papillae to inhibit future hair growth. Some states treat laser therapy as medical practice and only permit it be performed by licensed medical practitioners such as RNs, PAs or MDs while in others it’s more permissive.
Laser hair removal certification courses typically provide an overview of the field, covering topics like anatomy, skin types and laser equipment. Students learn how to select appropriate tools for a client and prepare skin prior to and post-treatment; safety procedures including how to prevent infection and utilize cooling systems are also explored in-depth.
As laser technicians hone the craft of hair removal with laser light, it is critical that they remain vigilant during procedures. They must observe each client’s skin to identify characteristics that make for effective treatments; determine which instrument would best meet those needs; and track efficacy throughout to ensure quality work.
Some states also require laser hair removal specialists to undergo a background check prior to receiving their license to practice, in order to ensure all clients are being cared for by certified and trained specialists.
Even though most laser hair removal technicians work in salons or spas, some opt to open their own businesses and operate independent clinics. With that in mind, having the appropriate credentials can make securing employment as well as attracting new customers much simpler.
