In a small number of states, a cosmetic laser procedure can only be performed by a medical professional. California requires a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse to perform laser hair removal or any cosmetic laser procedure. New Jersey also limits the practice of cosmetic lasers to medical professionals only. In simple terms, California beauticians can only work on the epidermis.
The upper and delicate layers of the skin. Decollete and up, with the exception of removing hair from the follicle. Keep in mind that a certificate of completion from a national laser school does not necessarily mean that you are authorized through your state's licensing board to perform laser hair removal treatments. When I look at my crystal ball to predict the future of cosmetic laser regulation, I see that more states follow the example of Arizona and Texas and make mandatory training hours a prerequisite for anyone who wants to perform laser hair removal or any other cosmetic laser procedure.
Working as a laser technician in California generally means working in medical centers, since unlicensed beauty professionals and laser technicians are not allowed to use laser technology. However, clients can expect to leave the salon with smooth, hairless legs, because the laser stops follicle growth by heating it to an extremely high temperature, it can take up to three weeks to lose hair after a treatment. By educating your client before treatment and talking about the process, you can ensure that you know what to expect and that you are confident that you understand the laser hair removal process. One of the most important benefits of laser hair removal is that it allows your customers to avoid the slow process of shaving, waxing, or even the weekly or biweekly hair removal process.
The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Association ruled that cosmetic laser technicians must complete a program that includes 40 hours of class, 24 hours of clinical practice in laser hair removal, and an additional 24 hours of clinical practice in other light treatment modalities. There are still no federal guidelines for laser hair removal or laser cosmetic procedures, but more and more government agencies and state regulators are drafting laws to regulate this practice. Other states such as New York and Virginia do not have a formal law in place regarding the operation of lasers for hair removal services. During these early years, regulation did not exist and training was limited to a few hours with a distributor or manufacturer of laser removal machines.
I know doctors, nurses, beauticians, cosmetologists, and laser technicians who perform laser hair removal and other cosmetic laser procedures. Many are throwing away their razors and shaving cream in favor of a faster and more durable method of laser hair removal. But in some cases, you may find that going beyond the state's minimum requirements by earning a national credential gives your clients an additional measure of safety in their laser hair removal skills. As a result, anyone with the money to purchase a laser hair removal device was performing this service.
