Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments, though standards and training requirements differ between states.
Many states view laser procedures as medical practices and require those operating them be qualified healthcare providers such as registered nurses or physician’s assistants who will then delegate treatment from a physician.
Education and Training
Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular aesthetic treatment, thanks to advances in technology that make the procedure virtually pain-free and effective in eliminating unwanted body hair. Laser hair removal is a highly specialized area of cosmetology, requiring extensive education and training for technicians in order to provide clients with safe services that fulfill their expectations. Depending on state regulations, technicians may need a license or certification in order to practice. Licensing can be obtained after completing a course and passing its associated exams; certificate programs offer additional credentials that may be earned upon completing shorter programs that meet state requirements while offering quality educational experiences.
As laser hair removal is still relatively new technology, laws related to it vary significantly across states. Some allow non-medical professionals to operate lasers while other require that only physicians be present during laser hair removal treatments. A state license is generally necessary and often the National Electrology Certification Exams (NIC CEs). Earning national credentials shows dedication to your field while meeting high professional standards of excellence.
California beauty industry trends quickly adopting new treatments, laser hair removal has quickly become one of the top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed annually. To become a licensed laser technician in California, one must complete a program meeting the medical requirements established by the Medical Board of California; currently only physicians, registered nurses and physician assistants are authorized to perform laser treatments; thus creating the “med spa” industry with non-medical professionals operating clinics offering elective medical treatments but under supervision by physicians on staff.
Many laser hair removal courses are part of larger esthetician or master cosmetologist programs; however, you may also find standalone courses that specialize in this field. When selecting a course accredited by the National Laser Certification Commission to meet educational and clinical practice requirements in your state.
License Requirements
Laser hair removal is a safe, fast and effective solution to permanently reduce unwanted hair on both men and women. It’s used both on faces, chins, necks, legs and arms; sessions may last a few minutes or cover larger areas of body; clients must wear protective eyewear during procedures.
Light is sensitive to skin, so misusing laser technology could result in burns. Therefore, it’s essential that each client undergoes a detailed consultation so you can understand their goals and expectations for their procedure. You may suggest other forms of hair removal should laser therapy not prove suitable.
Many states mandate licensure for estheticians and beauty professionals who perform laser treatments; however, requirements can differ by state. To obtain such a license quickly and efficiently, taking an accredited course offering comprehensive education and training – typically a two-week program including classroom instruction as well as hands-on practice is the industry standard – may be your best solution.
Some states have laws with very stringent standards regarding who may operate aesthetic lasers, like California where the Medical Board mandates that medical spas (medspas) must have doctors on staff or be overseen by one for certain procedures to operate legally. This has lead to an explosive “med spa” industry combining soothing aesthetics of spas and salons with medical equipment and doctors available on staff to perform various procedures.
Other states have more liberal regulations regarding who may operate a laser, with some not setting any specific rules and others mandating that physicians or other health care professionals supervise estheticians and beauty professionals who operate cosmetic lasers under medical supervision. This has given rise to many salons, spas, and medspas where estheticians or beauty professionals can operate cosmetic lasers under supervision from physicians.
No matter the laws in your state, always practice laser treatment safely and responsibly. Prior to beginning any laser treatments for any client, conduct an in-depth consultation and patch test on them to make sure it won’t damage their skin or cause discomfort – some people describe laser treatments as feeling like rubber bands snapping against their skin while others experience no pain at all.
Experience
Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after beauty treatments nationwide, drawing in millions of people who desire a way to rid themselves of unwanted hair. Industry has responded by expanding offerings; yet despite this popularity, strict rules still govern who can perform these services – typically, most states require technicians pass an exam as well as have certain hands-on experience prior to becoming qualified technicians and practicing this field.
State licensing requirements vary significantly across states. In Arizona, for instance, laser hair removal falls under medicine; thus only nurses, physician’s assistants and doctors are licensed to conduct procedures; while in others such as Texas a license for laser hair removal is granted only to estheticians who have completed 40 hours of training and provided 100 supervised laser treatments.
Most state licensing processes involve classroom study, on-the-job training and exam prep classes. When successfully completed, those completing all requirements will receive a certificate from their school that acts as proof that they met all educational and training requirements in their specific state.
Some states, like California, also impose additional requirements for laser hair removal professionals. California requires them to possess a medical license, since some laser treatments such as Botox fall under this classification of medicine.
Attentiveness is another must for laser hair removal technicians, as this skill enables them to understand and comply with industry regulations while assuring each treatment runs smoothly for clients.
Laser hair removal technicians must also possess strong communication skills, in order to effectively explain and answer questions from clients during laser treatments. This is especially important as some clients may feel anxious or distressed during this procedure and using clear and concise language can help alleviate some of this stress.
Laser hair removal technicians should possess high levels of self-esteem and confidence as working on other people’s skin is often not pleasant experience. Furthermore, technicians must be capable of handling stressful situations when they arise.
Certification
Laser hair removal is considered a medical procedure and as such must meet stringent state standards in terms of qualifications for performing it. While state requirements can differ depending on their laws and standards, most include at least some amount of education and hands-on training hours as a requirement to practice laser hair removal safely and legally. Some states even mandate passing an exam or practical test administered by National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
Most states mandate laser hair removal training as part of an electrology program, typically lasting two weeks and guided by experienced instructors. Trainees learn the fundamentals of performing treatments on real clients while practicing on mannequins – this course gives trainees invaluable practice experience before entering real world environments.
Once they pass their state licensing exam, laser hair removal technicians can find employment in various settings. Many work in medical esthetic salons (commonly referred to as “medspas”) which combine spa-like environments with doctors and medical equipment to treat an array of medical conditions.
Consultations with new clients typically involve reviewing their medical history and conducting an assessment of the area to be treated, with specialists explaining its benefits and risks to each of their clients. Before beginning full procedures, they may conduct a patch test – using only small patches of skin to gauge how they react to laser therapy treatments – for maximum efficiency.
Some clients may experience discomfort during treatment; this depends on their pain threshold and area being treated. If this becomes an issue for any reason, the practitioner can suggest alternative forms of hair removal such as threading.
Many states allow estheticians, nurses and doctors to offer laser hair removal as an expanding career option. Professionals in these disciplines can seek national certification through the American Electrology Association (AEA); although this credential may not be required by most state licensure processes, it provides clients with additional assurance that their technician has received proper training.
