Laser hair removal uses highly concentrated beams of light to destroy pigment in hair follicles, effectively reducing and even eliminating unwanted body hair. It can be used anywhere on the body including arms, legs, back, chest or bikini line.
While some states require medical professionals to operate cosmetic lasers, many don’t. Anyone aged 18 or over may enroll in a comprehensive cosmetic laser training course like National Laser Institute’s program.
License Requirements
With recent growth in the beauty industry comes more opportunities than ever for those interested in cosmetology careers. As more beauty treatments like laser hair removal become popular, more demand has arisen for specialists capable of performing them safely and effectively – this demand spurred new certifications and specialties that benefit current cosmetologists as well as those wanting to break into this sector.
If you want to become a laser hair removal technician in Connecticut, you will first have to meet their licensing requirements. All practitioners must pass the Connecticut Cosmetology Examination administered by Prometric which covers every aspect of beauty such as hair styling, cutting, nail care and massage therapy. In addition to passing this comprehensive test you must also possess a valid cosmetology license as well as two years of work experience in order to practice legally in this profession.
Connecticut also regulates electrologists; to become eligible for licensure in Connecticut, an electrologist must complete a 600 hour program at an approved school and pass an exam administered by the state. Once licensed in Connecticut, licensed electrologists may use non-ablative laser and light devices under supervision by a physician living within their local community; no physician must physically be on-site during supervision sessions at clinics.
Estheticians in Connecticut are licensed professionals who can work across a range of settings such as salons, spas, health clubs and plastic surgeon and dermatologist offices. Estheticians offer their services for facials and other skin-related treatments; to qualify for licensure in Connecticut they must first complete a 600-hour program.
Most states require hair removal practitioners to obtain a license before providing laser treatments, helping ensure public safety and build consumer trust in the industry. While regulations like these may seem burdensome, they’re essential for the success of cosmetic service businesses; without one, practitioners could potentially incur liability claims which could have serious repercussions for both their business and reputation.
Training Requirements
Laser hair removal is an efficient, painless, and long-term way of eliminating unwanted hair growth. The treatment uses highly concentrated pulses of light that target pigment in order to destroy hair follicles thereby stopping new hair growth from sprouting back up again. Laser treatment can be used on most body areas including legs, arms, bikini area and underarms as well as cheeks chin neck for facial hair removal as well as large pores reduction and creating refined hairlines around eyes and mouth areas.
Training requirements may differ by state, but in general a laser technician must possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent and complete cosmetic laser courses. Many courses provide classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience using specific devices that they will be using during treatments. Furthermore, laser technicians should possess an understanding of safety precautions necessary when providing treatments to their clients.
Some states mandate physician oversight of laser treatments; in others, nurses or assistants may directly manipulate equipment under medical director’s oversight. Some medical professionals have established medical spas and aesthetic centers with only healthcare personnel on staff – however these facilities must abide by all relevant laws like doctors’ offices.
Many laser hair removal professionals opt to pursue advanced certification to increase their career options. The Board of Laser Safety administers two exams that can qualify someone as a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) or Certified Medical Laser Operator (CMLO), qualifying them for supervisory roles within aesthetics or opening up opportunities in non-aesthetic laser applications if they ever decide to switch careers.
For those pursuing more general aesthetic medical practices, an Aesthetician License may be obtained in most states. This credential allows practitioners to offer more cosmetic treatments than laser specialists do; so taking the necessary time and training courses will result in this qualification.
Certification Requirements
Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in America, making it a viable career option for estheticians and cosmetologists seeking to add this skill set. This permanent method uses highly concentrated pulses of light to permanently destroy hair follicles that produce hair growth; safe for almost all areas except around the eyes due to risk.
Before receiving laser treatment, clients will first meet with a practitioner for a consultation session to review their medical history and discuss which areas needing to be treated. At this session, safety precautions will also be reviewed, along with teaching post-treatment care protocols to avoid complications.
Laser hair removal procedures typically use topical anesthetic to relieve discomfort during treatment, followed by using a handheld device to heat up and destroy each individual follicle while simultaneously cooling overlying skin, creating a relatively painless experience that can remove unwanted hair from almost any part of the body, including face and arm areas.
Although non-medical professionals can own and run laser treatment businesses, any treatments performed should come under direct supervision by a physician – even if that means having signed a written contract with them as supervisor.
To become certified laser specialists, students must complete a state-approved training program consisting of extensive clinical labs and hands-on experience. Furthermore, they must pass an exam in order to receive their certificate.
Once they have completed their training, qualified students can find employment in laser treatment salons throughout the country. Digital job boards offer positions, while aestheticians and cosmetic practices in their area may also hire students. As beauty continues to evolve, many people will need new skills or specialized services; creating even more opportunities for current cosmetologists and estheticians who wish to expand their capabilities.
Job Outlook
Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular service offered by salons and med spas alike. Unlike electrolysis, which involves manually pulling each individual hair from its root, laser removal works to permanently reduce or eliminate unwanted hair growth by applying heat energy directly to each hair follicle – damaging its bulb and stopping future hair growth – which laser treatment delivers to each follicle. Laser treatment can be applied virtually any body part including legs, armpits, back, chest, bikini line as well as facial areas like the chin or eyebrows if necessary.
Laser treatments are generally safe for all skin types and tones; however, it’s wise to consult with a medspa technician prior to scheduling an appointment. Certain medications or conditions could prevent the laser from absorbing enough pigment for effective hair removal; thus your medspa technician should review your medical history and medications prior to your visit. Some medicines also cause photosensitivity, making your area susceptible to sunburn after treatment; tanning beds or self-tanners should also be avoided prior to scheduling your session.
At the start of laser hair removal, a technician will press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. A beam will pass through it and target melanin-rich hair follicles where pigment originates; light energy from passing through melanin is converted to heat that damages hair follicles while inhibiting future growth. While most patients find the procedure relatively painless, some may experience minor discomfort similar to when rubber bands snapping against the skin.
Recent development within the beauty industry has brought immense benefit to both experienced cosmetologists as well as newcomers entering this profession. Accreditation in cosmetic laser training can make an aesthetician’s portfolio even stronger; at the National Laser Institute we offer comprehensive cosmetic laser courses designed to prepare students to take and pass certification exams and become licensed laser technicians.
Laser hair removal continues to gain in popularity, creating an increasing need for skilled and qualified professionals in this exciting and lucrative industry. There is great potential for career opportunities in beauty services; don’t let anything stop you from realizing your goal of working within it!
