Before COVID-19 came into force, hundreds of beauty salons and spas in New York offered laser hair removal. This non-invasive cosmetic treatment uses pulses of high-powered light to target hair follicles without harming surrounding tissue.
Most states treat laser treatment as a medical procedure that must be performed by a licensed physician, nurse, or assistant; however, New York remains unpredictable with regard to licensing and training for this procedure. That may soon change though.
Training
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure to help reduce unwanted hair growth, but before beginning this treatment it’s essential that one understands all applicable state regulations and safety protocols – as these may differ between states it would be prudent to consult a licensed cosmetologist/esthetician prior to scheduling an appointment.
Most states require laser hair removal professionals to obtain a license in order to practice safely and effectively. A trained laser technician should understand all potential risks involved with laser hair removal treatments.
Laser hair removal differs from most cosmetic treatments in that its light beam penetrates skin layers to attack hair follicles, effectively killing them off. Since lasers work by targeting melanin pigment, which can be found in hair cells, those with dark or coarse hair typically make excellent candidates for laser treatment; however, lasers can also treat other forms of hair such as alopecia, ingrown and vellus hairs.
New York state requires all salon owners to obtain a license, in order to protect clients from unqualified practitioners and decrease lawsuits filed against salons. Furthermore, New York law also mandates that salons register and obtain at least $1 million liability coverage insurance policy.
In most states, individuals performing laser hair removal must be under the supervision of either a physician or nurse, due to most states considering lasers medical equipment. Texas offers an exception as non-medical professionals can own and operate lasers themselves; however, their physician must always remain present during treatments to oversee each session.
People interested in laser hair removal should contact a laser school to learn about licensing requirements and training options. Schools like National Laser Institute offer hands-on instruction designed to prepare students for careers in this industry; graduates receive a Certificate of Completion which they can use when applying for licenses in other states.
Licensing
State regulations vary for laser hair removal services; however, most states require some form of licensing or certification from an accredited laser hair removal training program. Some states have regulations about which equipment and training requirements need to be fulfilled by laser technicians providing this service; in these instances they must possess both.
Most states view laser hair removal (LHR) as a medical procedure, with Ohio mandating that all treatments be administered by healthcare providers under physician supervision and Georgia and Texas permitting non-physicians to provide LHR without direct physician oversight. Additionally, these states mandate laser facilities have at least one medical director or doctor present on site to oversee operations at their facilities and their staff.
In New York, appearance enhancement services are overseen by the State Board of Health. Their regulations cover most non-medical aesthetic practices including hair removal; permanent makeup application; Botox(r) and Restalyne injections are regulated; licensed estheticians may also offer appearance enhancing services like waxing and microdermabrasion but cannot provide injectables like Botox and Restalyne; they cannot treat certain conditions like rosacea or spider veins either.
Professional organizations have issued guidelines and recommendations pertaining to the safety and legality of laser treatment services. One such organization is the Food and Drug Administration which has specific guidelines regarding laser safety; many laser hair removal training courses will include an introduction to these FDA policies as part of their course curriculum.
New York state allows salon owners to bypass state license requirements by hiring a physician to supervise laser hair removal treatments, but this still does not eliminate the requirement of esthetician licensing or certification, and can raise prices significantly. A bill has recently been introduced in New York’s legislature that would permit non-physician laser hair removal treatments; its fate remains to be seen.
Certification
Laser hair removal is one of the world’s most sought-after cosmetic treatments. Safe and permanent, it can be performed anywhere on the body without much pain or downtime following treatment. However, it’s essential that people considering practicing this cosmetic service be familiar with state regulations regarding its practice – many states require licensing or training before practicing laser hair removal cosmetic services.
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin in hair follicles to produce heat to destroy them and stop their ability to grow hair, known as selective thermolysis. Unlike electrolysis treatments that utilize chemical agents that break down hair follicles, laser treatments only target active growth phases – making laser treatments suitable for patients with sensitive skin who want an efficient method to get rid of unwanted hair.
New York stands alone among states in not requiring certification to practice laser hair removal due to the state medical board not considering it medical practice. There have been attempts at passing legislation which would classify laser services as medical practices without success.
Before they can offer aesthetic laser services, licensed aestheticians must undergo courses on laser safety and treatment procedures. These programs include hands-on practice as well as theory. Many laser training schools also provide externship opportunities so aestheticians can gain real world experience using cosmetic lasers.
Many aestheticians find becoming a laser technician an ideal career option because it allows them to pursue their passion for beauty and health – particularly in New York, which boasts an abundant cosmetology industry with fashionable beauty trends.
Additionally to completing an extensive laser course, aestheticians must become certified by their state. This requires passing a written examination and meeting other requirements as well as being familiar with all rules and regulations concerning laser hair removal in their state.
Safety
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective solution to unwanted body hair removal, employing advanced laser technology to permanently destroy hair follicles that cause future hair growth. The procedure is significantly safer than shaving, plucking, or waxing and less painful; Lewis Dermatology & Associates offer laser hair removal treatments in New York for both men and women; treatments can be scheduled in our Upper East Side Manhattan office location.
Some states impose strict requirements on salons and practitioners that offer laser services, while others are less stringent in their regulation of this industry. Texas’ law mandates that owners of laser salons be licensed and receive training from an approved school before operating within its borders; also required is direct physician supervision during treatments – though this doesn’t necessarily require them being present during treatments themselves.
The New York State Assembly is considering a bill that would require laser hair removal practitioners to obtain a state license, through an approved curriculum course and exam, training protocols and safety regulations, etc. While its outcome remains unknown, its effect will surely have an effectful ripple through the laser industry of New York State.
Many aestheticians, such as cosmetologists and estheticians, choose to become certified laser specialists to broaden their client base. No medical degree or training are necessary; those with only high school diplomas can take National Laser Institute’s cosmetic laser course and obtain certification.
Laser technicians should abide by safety protocols when carrying out this procedure, such as wearing protective goggles to avoid eye injury and applying sunscreen before and after their treatments to protect skin damage.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective option for most patients, making it more convenient than shaving, plucking or waxing to get rid of unwanted hair. Lasers specifically target melanin pigment in skin cells to provide targeted removal. Laser treatments are best used on coarse or dark hair as it targets its source: melanin.
