As licensed estheticians and cosmetologists know, earning laser hair removal certification can expand their client base exponentially. Yet many have questions regarding what qualifications are needed to offer this service.
Laser hair removal uses pulses of concentrated light to inhibit the growth of hair follicles, leaving your skin smooth and hairfree. While the procedure itself is relatively painless, your individual tolerance may differ.
Education and Training
Laser hair removal is an advanced skincare treatment, and requires training in order to provide effective services. Estheticians need to understand how the procedure works so they can fully communicate its benefits to clients, including how long it will take before seeing results; furthermore, new estheticians should factor this into their prices as part of an overall service offer.
Before beginning their careers as estheticians, most states require them to pass a licensing exam and obtain their license from their cosmetology board. Some also have additional requirements for those offering laser treatments – these may include certification from an accredited laser school or receiving their license from them directly. Furthermore, estheticians need a strong background in skincare and anatomy so that they can accurately assess client needs and recommend treatments accordingly.
An accredited esthetician program is the ideal way to gain entry to this profession, including either a two-year associate’s degree or esthetics certificate program. An associate’s degree provides more general coverage while the certificate covers only face and skin care issues. An accredited esthetician school will teach its students all kinds of skincare techniques such as dermaplaning, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and more as well as basic anatomy and physiology knowledge so they can understand how various treatments affect skin.
After graduating from their training courses, estheticians should continue their education by attending classes on new technologies and treatments, trade shows to stay current on trends and products in the beauty industry, or becoming certified representatives for specific skin care lines.
An esthetician starting her business must establish her pricing structure and policies to operate efficiently. At minimum, these should match industry standards while considering other local competitors when setting fair prices. She should also determine whether she wishes to accept tips per session as this might add up.
State Requirements
Some states, such as Texas, mandate estheticians to obtain a laser technician state license through an esthetics training program offering certification as well as apprenticeship or mentorship; typically this takes between 40 hours to 60 hours of study to complete.
Training sessions typically combine classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Students should expect to learn various medical and cosmetic laser treatments such as hair removal, skin rejuvenation, spider vein laser treatment and toenail fungus laser treatment during their training program.
Many states have laws regulating laser treatments in spas, in order to safeguard clients and ensure only trained professionals perform procedures within their scope of practice. Along with general esthetician licensing requirements, some of these states also mandate laser technicians take and pass the National Electrology Theory and Practical exam.
No matter the state license requirement for laser technicians, it is still crucial that they possess a foundation of esthetics and cosmetology training to understand the health and safety concerns related to treatments they provide clients as well as providing optimal services.
Some states, like New York and California, have very stringent regulations regarding procedures that fall in between beauty and medicine. Only doctors, physician assistants or nurses may operate laser hair removal equipment – giving rise to an enormous “medspa” industry in these states and beyond.
Washington, Utah and Virginia offer two-tier esthetician licensing; master estheticians may be permitted to perform laser hair removal services with sufficient training. If you are considering becoming a master esthetician for laser hair removal services, make sure your school provides the highest-quality education as well as hands-on experience with different lasers and medical energy devices.
Equipment
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for eliminating unwanted facial and body hair growth. The procedure uses laser light that penetrates skin layers to damage hair follicles; eventually the process stops producing new follicles altogether and clients no longer need to shave, wax, or pluck their unwanted locks – unlike traditional methods which often cause severe discomfort. Additionally, unlike these other hair removal processes, laser removal involves little or no pain whatsoever, with results often visible within minutes!
Most states that oversee beauty salons have specific rules about whether estheticians can offer laser hair removal services. New York considers laser services medical practices and requires physicians license to provide these treatments; while in other states estheticians can perform laser treatments if they complete appropriate training and certification – for example by enrolling in cosmetology program that offers laser training as a part of its curriculum.
Another option for national certification through the American Electrologist Association includes fulfilling classroom hours and clinical practice requirements set forth. Most states that require nonmedical practitioners to obtain medical licenses also mandate this credential as an additional safeguard and measure of competency and safety for those offering laser hair removal services.
Once your education and training have been completed, you can begin looking for work at local spas or salons. Larger cities typically provide more opportunities due to greater demand for hair-removal services. As you build up a clientele base you might consider opening your own clinic.
To open your own facility, the first step should be securing commercial space in an easily visible location – think boutiques and shopping centers where your clients would congregate. Next, obtain a facility permit before hiring an accredited healthcare provider as an administrator to oversee protocols at your facility and be available should an emergency arise.
Your clients must prepare for laser hair removal treatments by refraining from shaving or sugaring; lasers can have adverse reactions with certain skin types. Your initial consultation should discuss what areas need treating as well as their expectations from treatment and they’ll need to sign a consent form confirming they understand its potential risks.
Clients
As demand for laser hair removal services grows, competition among cosmetology professionals increases as well. Therefore, it is imperative to create a marketing plan which includes brochures and an updated website displaying photos, testimonials and information about services and staff members. You may also wish to offer loyalty programs or advertise special offers among other clinics to stay ahead of your rivals.
At an initial consultation with your client, you will review their medical history to assess if they are an ideal candidate for laser treatment. Once determined, you will outline all associated benefits and risks; recommend topical numbing cream prior to treatment; as well as instruct them not to shave, wax or pluck within seven days prior to their session.
Assuring you have the necessary equipment is also key in performing laser treatments safely and effectively. A key piece is the laser, which emits light that penetrates and disrupts pigment in hair follicles – depending on their color, thickness or location of hair this can be performed as effectively as possible.
Power and wavelength settings on laser devices must be carefully adjusted in order to avoid skin burns or other injuries, and additional protective eyewear may also be needed.
Electrologists must obtain a license in most states in order to practice electrology, with those providing laser hair removal services having to pass the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology’s National Electrology Theory and Practical Examinations in order to offer laser hair removal. Many estheticians work as assistant or senior technicians within skin care industries before taking the exams, providing valuable experience while simultaneously receiving special training in this field.
Even in states where licensing isn’t necessary, national certification by the American Electrology Association could show clients that you are an experienced practitioner and committed to furthering your profession. Furthermore, this credential helps set you apart from competitors operating under more stringent laws and regulations and is highly valued by those looking to open their own laser hair removal businesses.
