Laser Hair Removal Regulations: What To Know

Cosmetic laser technician is one of the most lucrative careers in medical esthetics. Consumer demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures is rapidly growing by the day, so much so that just specializing in laser hair removal can turn a sizable profit. However, laser hair removal regulations can be tricky to figure out. Getting a solid understanding of the laser hair removal requirements before beginning your career is an important step toward ensuring you meet state guidelines and receive the proper training.

Laser Hair Removal Regulations and Prerequisites

Part of the appeal of becoming a cosmetic laser technician is that it is an easy field to break into. In most states, the only requirements are you be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma (or its equivalent). In some states, you may also need to undergo a certain number of supervised training hours. These laser hair removal requirements are designed to help technicians develop the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to safely perform treatments.

There are still no federal guidelines regarding laser hair removal or any cosmetic laser procedure. Each state has its own set of laser hair removal regulations, and some regulatory agencies have taken to drafting laws specifically to keep consumers safe.

A State-By-State Patchwork

Because there is no single national standard, requirements vary considerably depending on where you live and work. This means laser hair removal requirements by state can differ significantly from one to another, making it important to understand local regulations before practicing. For example:

In Arizona: 

Arizona was the first state to require mandatory training hours, and it remains a model for the rest of the country. In 2005, the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Association (ARRA) ruled that a cosmetic laser technician must complete 40 hours of classroom education covering skin biology, laser physics and safety protocols; plus an additional 24 hours of clinical hands-on practice in laser hair removal and another 24 hours of clinical hands-on practice in other light-based treatment modalities. All of which must be completed at a state-approved facility.

In Texas: 

Texas followed in 2010 with The Laser Hair Removal Statute, which requires 40 hours of training at a state-approved facility and the completion of 100 cosmetic laser procedures before a technician can become certified.

In Georgia:

Georgia passed the Cosmetic Laser Services Act in 2007, which requires a practitioner to already hold an aesthetician or master cosmetologist license, or be a medical professional, plus complete mandatory laser training hours to earn certification as an “assistant” or “senior” laser practitioner.

In California and New Jersey:

Both California and New Jersey take the strictest approach by limiting cosmetic laser procedures (including laser hair removal) solely to medical professionals such as doctors, physician’s assistants and/or nurses.

In many other states, the laws are newer and far less specific, leaving a large gray area that often gives physicians broad discretion over who they can delegate cosmetic laser procedures to. Because the rules genuinely differ from state to state, it is always important to check with a national training institute to learn the specific requirements where you plan to work.

The Importance Of Laser Hair Removal Regulations

In many states, laser hair removal is still a relatively new field with vague, “gray area” laws. Because of this, it is important to check with a trusted source that you are properly qualified to safely operate a cosmetic laser. Reviewing laser hair removal requirements can help ensure you complete the necessary education and training before working with clients. If performed improperly, a laser hair removal session can leave a client with burns and scars, sometimes for life. A good laser hair removal training course can let you and your clients rest easy. You should come away understanding how to:

• Care for and maintain various cosmetic lasers
• Don proper eyewear and personal protective equipment (PPE), including cooling systems
• Identify nominal hazard zones and complete Laser Safety Officer training
• Adjust laser wavelengths and settings to correspond to the Fitzpatrick scale, minimizing burn risk while maximizing results
• Assess pre- and post-care procedures and determine whether a client’s skin type is appropriate for treatment

Data gathered by a professional insurance brokerage that provides cosmetic laser coverage found that proper education (not professional background) is the single most important factor in safely administering these treatments. Their research suggested a minimum of 30 hours of cosmetic laser training regardless of whether the practitioner is a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, aesthetician or cosmetologist. The industry-accepted standard today is roughly two weeks of combined classroom (didactic) education and hands-on clinical training.

The History Of Laser Hair Removal Regulations

Laser hair removal has been available since the late 1990s, and the industry has evolved dramatically over the years. Today, technology, accessibility and regulations have all advanced significantly.

When National Laser Institute founder Louis Silberman opened his first medical spa in 2003 in Scottsdale, Arizona he immediately noticed a glaring shortage of practitioners adequately trained to perform cosmetic laser procedures safely. Back then, the industry was like the Wild West with very few rules, a high risk of consumer injury and standardized laser training programs that simply didn’t exist. Cosmetic laser education at the time was often limited to a four-hour equipment session from the laser manufacturer. Basically, anyone could pick up a laser and treat a client.

Silberman has supported mandatory training legislation since day one, working directly with an Arizona congressional committee to advocate for the state’s 2005 law, and traveling to other states, including Texas to speak with legislators about implementing a standard level of cosmetic laser training nationwide. He believes the only factor that should drive these decisions is consumer safety — and he’s watched more states gradually follow Arizona and Texas’s lead in making training hours a prerequisite for anyone who wants to perform laser hair removal or other cosmetic laser procedures.

Laser Hair Removal Regulations And Your Practice

Outside rules and regulations aren’t the end-all, be-all of running a safe practice. First, never “cheap out” on your machinery, you get what you pay for in this industry. Use only FDA-approved lasers, since off-brand versions carry a higher chance of scarring, especially in the hands of an inexperienced technician.

All medical spas, physicians offices and other practices that perform cosmetic laser treatments are required to have a medical director involved. Medical directors are licensed, board-certified physicians (M.D.s) or nurse practitioners who are responsible for overseeing your practice and help ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Responsibilities may include:

• Making sure all staff follow protocol
• Reviewing medical charts for possible contraindications
• Guiding and leading staff on practicing medicine properly

Finally, consider purchasing laser malpractice insurance. Having this coverage on your own makes you more appealing to prospective medical directors, since it removes the need to depend on your medical director’s personal malpractice insurance.

Laser Hair Removal Training Near You

National Laser Institute has been an industry leader for over 20 years and is dedicated to helping students advance to the next stage of their careers regardless if you are a medical professional expanding your practice, a recent graduate entirely new to the workforce, or anything in between.

During our Online Comprehensive Laser Course, students receive online classroom laser training from a variety of instructors, with live demonstrations across several hours on each modality: Laser Hair Removal, Photofacial, Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Radiofrequency Skin Rejuvenation, CoolSculpting, Cellulite Reduction, Tattoo Removal, Radiofrequency Skin Tightening and Microneedling. From there, you’ll choose one of our nationwide locations to complete your hands-on clinicals.

We train hundreds of students per month at our Arizona campus alone, on top of multiple locations across the country. Our programs are designed to help students understand laser hair removal requirements, safety protocols and industry best practices. We offer a wide variety of courses along with financing options for students in need.

If you want to work directly with clients to make their vision of themselves a reality, medical aesthetics may be the right choice for you. We understand you may be nervous about taking the first steps toward a new career in this booming industry, and we’re happy to answer any questions along the way. Join our successful alumni, many of whom go on to work as laser hair reduction technicians, laser tattoo removal specialists, medspa owners, cosmetic injectors, aesthetic nurses and cosmetic physicians. The question is what do you want to be? Call us today at 800-982-6817 for more information.