Laser hair removal cannot be used on sunburned or tanned skin, and so it is wise to stay out of direct sunlight before your appointment.
Students enrolled in laser hair removal certification courses typically learn which skin and hair types qualify for treatment, as well as how to evaluate clients’ medical histories.
Types of Lasers
Laser hair removal is a highly popular noninvasive treatment option that utilizes emitting wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin, where they are then absorbed by pigment within hair follicles and converted to heat, eventually destroying them without harming surrounding tissues. Prior to laser treatment, patients must avoid shaving, waxing and plucking hair in the treated area, tanning beds/exposure to UV rays can negatively alter results while increasing risks such as hyperpigmentation resulting from natural or artificial tanning agents; it is recommended that patients refrain from tanning beds/exposure as both natural/artificial tanning can interfere with results as both can potentially alter results as well as increase side effects such as hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation issues related to hyperpigmentation side effects caused by both natural/artificial tanning sources tans can affect results while increasing hyperpigmentation risk as they will affect results while natural/artificial tanning beds/exposure increase risks from treatments as side effects such as hyperpigmentation caused by natural/artificial tanning beds/exposure as both natural/artificial tanning beds/exposure is likely interfere with results of treatment results as well as increase risks such as hyperpigmentation side effects such as hyperpigmentation side effects as hyperpigmentation side effects of treatment increases risk such as hyperpigmentation side effects as hyperpigmentation side effects such as hyperpigmentation side effects due to increases likelihood.
Laser hair removal requires setting parameters based on both skin type and hair color of the client. Dark-haired clients with light skin tend to make ideal candidates as this allows the light to target pigment in their hair without competing with it on the skin’s surface. Unfortunately, lasers do not work effectively on white or red hair since these don’t contain enough pigment to target and therefore won’t absorb energy efficiently from laser light energy sources.
Once clients are prepped, they will wear protective eyewear and receive cooling gel to soothe any inflammation on the skin. Next, laser treatment is administered over the treatment area using multiple short pulses that last only fractions of a second and can target up to eight hair follicles at once – typically six or eight sessions are necessary to achieve permanent hair reduction.
Since there are no federal guidelines governing laser technician training and certification, each state sets its own rules. Texas requires those looking to become laser technicians to complete an accredited laser training course and pass a background check before becoming licensed to administer treatments. National Laser Institute’s staff are well aware of such regulations and encourage prospective students to check the requirements in their state prior to enrolling in a laser certification program.
As a laser technician, your primary responsibility will be assisting clients to select appropriate settings based on their skin tone and hair color, medical histories, pre- and post-treatment assessments as well as counseling them on the benefits of laser treatments while answering questions and helping prepare for sessions. In addition, you can offer full range of esthetician services including traditional as well as cutting edge services like chemical peels, waxing, moisturizing facials, acne treatments as well as scalp massages.
Alexandrite
Laser hair removal involves using a laser machine that emits light energy into the skin to stop hair growth. Alexandrite laser, also known as Alex laser, targets melanin in skin pigment cells to stop this cycle and stop further hair growth. A trained laser technician knows how to operate this equipment safely for maximum effectiveness with all skin colors or hair colors that require different wavelengths for best results.
Laser hair removal technicians rely on strong communication skills as an integral component of their jobs, in order to explain procedures, address client inquiries and schedule appointments with ease. Their skill allows them to provide clients with an enjoyable experience and ensure all information is presented clearly.
Many states impose education requirements for laser technicians. While these vary by state, typically classroom study and hands-on training at an approved facility are the minimum standards. Earning national credentials such as Certified Professional Electrologist from American Electrology Association (AEA) can give you an edge in the industry while showing clients that you’re committed to excellence.
Training will introduce laser hair removal specialists to all the different kinds of lasers – ruby, alexandrite, diode, Nd:YAG and IPL lasers as well as their uses in hair removal treatments. Laser technicians will become familiar with how cosmetic lasers work to inhibit hair growth.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments on clients, laser technicians perform a patch test on them in order to make sure their skin can tolerate the procedure without experiencing too much discomfort. A small sample of hair will be removed by the laser in this trial run so as to determine the appropriate wavelength and gauge how their bodies respond; some people experience sensations similar to rubber bands snapping against their skin while others report more intense pain – it is therefore imperative for clients to communicate thoroughly prior to beginning treatments.
Diode
Lasers work by targeting melanin in hair follicles and interrupting their growth using photothermolysis technology, which heats the follicle to damage it sufficiently to stop producing further hair follicles. This treatment method is safe and effective for all skin types – even dark-skinned individuals – making permanent hair removal achievable, although periodic touch up treatments will still need to be completed afterwards.
At the start of a laser hair removal session, your therapist will apply numbing cream to the area being treated, which should alleviate any discomfort or pain during treatment. Once applied, the laser will be placed over it – providing a light tingling sensation as the laser eliminates unwanted hair follicles – most clients find this treatment tolerable and experience only minor discomfort during this procedure.
After your session is completed, you’ll notice that the hair you had removed has shrunk in size and become finer strands due to melanin being destroyed from within its follicle and no longer having an opportunity to grow back as thickly.
Diode lasers are generally considered safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types; however, some research indicates they may not be as effective in treating dark-skinned patients due to melanin’s absorbence of light by hair follicles; therefore the laser only targets pigmented areas instead of targeting all aspects of skin pigmentation.
Diode laser hair removal is an excellent option for quickly, painlessly, and long-term hair removal. Additionally, this safe and efficient way is ideal for treating all areas of the body such as face, chest, back, shoulders, neck and legs – although you may require multiple sessions than other patients to cover all unwanted hair on your body; plan to schedule eight to ten laser hair removal sessions.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL laser treatments are an innovative cosmetic tool used for hair removal. However, they can also treat dark spots, reduce redness and improve skin texture and tone. Compared with waxing or shaving which may leave behind cuts and razor burns as well as downtime after treatment; IPL treatments are relatively painless with long-lasting results without any downtime required after each session.
IPL works by emitting a wide spectrum of wavelengths that penetrate down to the second layer of your skin, where they target darker pigmentation. They can help target spots, freckles and other discolorations as well as broken capillaries to reduce rosacea symptoms and fade sun damage from your complexion. Furthermore, spider veins may also be removed as well as any sun damage.
At an IPL treatment session, your dermatologist will apply a cooling gel and provide dark glasses to protect your eyes from laser radiation. A handheld IPL device will then be passed over the targeted area; for small areas it typically lasts 20-30 minutes while hour-plus treatment sessions may require multiple passes over larger locations. Depending on your sensitivity level, treatment could feel similar to having someone snap a rubber band against your skin or it might even be more uncomfortable than that; to reduce discomfort further your dermatologist can apply a numbing cream 30-60 minutes prior to your IPL session starts.
Hair removal with IPL treatments involves targeting melanin found in hair shaft and follicle. Melanin absorbs laser energy and converts it to heat that destroys both follicle and bulb to inhibit future hair growth. Unfortunately, its equipment cannot distinguish between hair and skin and therefore may not work on those with light blonde or gray hair.
If you decide on IPL hair removal treatment, it’s essential that you refrain from waxing or tweezing for two weeks prior to scheduling an appointment. Since this procedure relies on intact roots in order to be effective. Shave as usual but be careful to do it without pulling out your roots!
