Laser hair removal is one of the few grooming practices that straddle the line between personal care and medical procedures, which is why states typically impose stringent requirements regarding who may use such powerful devices that could cause discoloration or burns.
In many states, only estheticians or master cosmetologists are allowed to perform cosmetology treatments; nurses and physicians are only allowed under strict supervision.
Requirements
Step one in attaining a certificate for laser hair removal is finding a reputable training program. Many are available through beauty schools, colleges or private training facilities and each may have its own set of unique requirements; usually though you must be 16 or over to enroll. Some programs allow younger individuals to participate with parental or guardian signature. Furthermore, you must be physically healthy enough to perform all hands-on tasks necessary for laser hair removal training such as full control over limbs, clear vision and the ability to lift heavy equipment safely.
Some states impose stringent regulations on who may perform laser treatments, including Texas which forbids estheticians from performing the procedure while allowing only medical professionals such as doctors, physician’s assistants and nurses. Furthermore, certain states set forth stringent rules on the types of devices allowed during treatments; the Food and Drug Administration has issued clear policies in this regard; any quality laser hair removal training course should include an overview of FDA policies.
Most states mandate laser hair removal practitioners possessing an elevated sense of safety awareness. This is due to the fact that laser beams used during this procedure can potentially cause permanent skin damage if handled incorrectly; as a result, many states mandate a minimum number of training hours be completed prior to being certified in their field.
For those who wish to go beyond state requirements and demonstrate professional commitment in laser hair removal, national certification can be obtained. One such certification is known as Certified Electrologist status; this credential can be earned through membership of the American Electrology Association (AEA). Membership requires members having completed training as well as passing an examination in order to earn this title. While national certification may not be mandatory across states, it can provide extra peace of mind when hiring their laser hair removal technician.
Courses
Laser hair removal services are among the most in-demand cosmetic treatments, thanks to being fast, painless and cost-effective. Furthermore, it appeals to a broad clientele with varied needs and concerns; thus making these procedures popular among beauty salons and spas nationwide. However, before offering this treatment to paying clients you must complete training and secure licensure in your state.
Laser hair removal licensing requirements differ by state. According to the National Institute for Medical Aesthetics (NIMA), however, most require training hours and an exam before being allowed to operate lasers. Furthermore, background checks as well as health and safety examinations must also be passed prior to becoming certified to handle lasers.
Your course will equip you with all of the tools and settings used for hair-removal sessions, as well as safe methods of prepping skin for treatment. In addition, you will learn to recognize client reactions during treatments as well as maintain comfort throughout their appointments. Depending on state regulations, additional classes may also be necessary in order to provide other cosmetic laser services.
Your course should include some hands-on experience with laser technology, so it is necessary for you to demonstrate that you can operate one successfully. In general, you should conduct “patch tests” on one or two areas of the body in order to assess how the skin reacts and determine if they can accept laser treatments that you propose offering. In addition, you will learn how to monitor and care for clients following laser treatment – as well as explain any side effects they might experience post treatment.
Note that esthetics or cosmetology licensure is usually necessary in order to enroll in a laser hair-removal certification course, since esthetics focuses more broadly on skin care while laser hair removal is a specialized form of cosmetic treatment. However, certain states allow individuals without such credentials to pursue such certificates instead.
Exams
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure that has proved its worth across generations. Due to its widespread adoption, salons and spas should hire certified laser technicians on staff in order to guarantee client safety. While requirements differ by state, most states mandate passing an examination in order to be certified laser technicians; training courses equip students for these exams.
Laser hair removal training teaches students to use and maintain the equipment necessary for this procedure, including how to select appropriate settings based on various skin types and perform skin tests on clients. They will also become acquainted with the Fitzpatrick scale which categorizes skin color into six groups from very pale to very dark.
After successfully completing a laser hair removal course, you can work as an independent contractor in any salon or spa of your own choosing. Before being hired as an independent contractor, a background check and liability insurance may be required of you before commencing work. In addition to freelance opportunities, permanent employment at laser hair removal facilities may also be possible in your locality.
To become a laser hair removal technician, it is first essential to acquire an esthetician license program. Certain states permit only estheticians to conduct laser treatments while others require both licenses as well as special certification for laser treatments.
Licensing requirements vary between states, but most require training hours, an exam, and fees for licensure. You may also be required to renew your license on an ongoing basis in certain instances.
Most states consider laser treatments medical treatments, so their laws set forth stringent restrictions as to who may perform them. Some states, such as California, prohibit estheticians and other beauty professionals from performing them; other states only permit physicians, physician’s assistants and nurses. Therefore, laser hair removal services tend to take place at “medspa” or medical spas which offer relaxing atmosphere but include medical equipment and doctors on site – these spas often offer injectable cosmetic treatments like Botox which require medical supervision from doctors as well.
Licensing
Laser hair removal is considered a medical procedure in 44 states and therefore must be overseen by a physician, nurse or physician assistant. Most other states however, consider salons and spas that offer this service unregulated with little oversight – however that could change soon, due to legislative efforts focused on licensing and regulating laser hair removal services.
Some states require estheticians seeking licensure to complete a number of hours in a state-approved program – typically 40 or so – and pass an examination administered by that state prior to becoming licensed.
Estheticians participating in their training course must also gain an understanding of all types of skin and hair that are suitable for treatment, along with any risks involved with performing treatments on such tissue. Furthermore, live models provide them with an opportunity to practice treating clients with various types of skin and hair.
Understanding how a laser works and its ability to effectively remove hair is another necessary element for successful removal. Pigmented hair absorbs light pulses that destroy capillaries feeding hair follicles, rendering them nonfunctional; both wavelength and location play key roles here.
An individual with certifications typically qualifies to provide laser treatments at any spa or salon employing them, though clients often prefer an esthetician who has earned national credentials such as the Certified Professional Electrologist designation from the American Electrology Association – this shows their technician has passed written and practical exams in addition to being committed to ongoing continuing education.
As with most things, quality training is the best way to prepare for state-regulated exams. A quality program should accommodate individual learning styles and goals while helping students prepare for their certification exams with study guides and practice tests provided by schools. Instructors should also cover basic licensing and regulatory guidelines during courses.
