Cosmetic Laser Training: Beam Me Up to Beautiful Skin and Advanced Career Training
Some of the equipment used in beauty schools feature laser beams, but usually not the type needed for hair removal or tattoo removal. Even advanced courses for medical or master estheticians often only discuss the theoretical aspects of laser training. Beauty therapists, estheticians, nurses, and others typically pursue laser training at specialized laser training centers.
LASER: 50 Years and Still Evolving
Although Albert Einstein uncovered the original theory behind medical light sources, the first "light amplification by stimulation emission of radiation" (laser) device was created in 1960. In the current field of cosmetics, laser light technology is used in more than 150 different types of devices for various medical and cosmetic procedures.
So, although laser technology has been around a while, new devices and approaches to using this technology have exploded in the last decade. The medical spa industry grew 85 percent from 2007 to 2008, compelling more estheticians to seek laser therapy training, qualifying them to work in both medical offices and medi-spas.
Cosmetic Laser Treatments & Training
Many laser cosmetic treatments can be performed by doctors, nurses, and trained laser operators. Medical procedures like laser resurfacing usually require anesthesia, so they require a physician. Some laser treatments, like hair removal, "are largely standardized and success is somewhat independent of the skills of the operator," according to Robert Langdon in Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery. Some of the most popular procedures can be performed by anyone with laser certification training:
- Hair removal: Laser hair removal is more effective than electrolysis and is nearly painless. Advances in laser technology make laser hair removal successful for most hair types.
- Tattoo removal: As the population ages, some people regret their youthful decisions to put permanent ink on their backs, shoulders, and ankles. Colored tattoo removal is a lengthy process because different laser wavelengths are required for each color in the tattoo, which is great news for trained laser operators.
- Laser Safety Officer: Laser operation includes risks, so the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) has established a set of safety standards for lasers. ANSI requires each facility to have a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) put a safe laser program in place. Some advanced training programs offer LSO certification prior to employment. This can increase your marketability and chances of getting hired.
Who Can Legally Operate a Laser?
In many states, anyone with qualified laser training can operate a laser, though the treatments they perform may be restricted by state medical or cosmetology laws. In response to injuries and deaths resulting from laser procedures performed by untrained technicians, many states are in the process of enacting laws that designate who is allowed to operate a laser. Do your research so you know the laws in your state. Most laser training centers explain the current state laws, so be sure to ask about it when researching laser training programs.
Featured Schools
Prepare for an exciting new career at the Milan Institute.
- Clovis
- Bakersfield
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
Get the hands-on training you need to succeed at Blake Austin College.
- Vacaville
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
Get hands-on training for a beauty industry career at the Milan Institute of Cosmetology.
- Fairfield
- La Quinta
- Visalia
- Reno
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
If you've ever imagined yourself working in the fast-paced beauty industry, Marinello Schools of Beauty has a program to get your foot in the door. Whether you choose cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology or makeup artistry, Marinello will help you turn your passion for beauty into a career.
Marinello Schools of Beauty makes every student's success a top priority. Our schools are designed to simulate a working salon environment to provide students with real-life experience and a practical, hands-on education. Each campus is equipped with the latest visual and teaching aids, including the modern professional beauty equipment used in America's top salons.
- Lake Forest
- Hayward
- Redding
- Huntington Beach
- Los Angeles
- Chico
- Victorville
- San Rafael
- San Diego
- Santa Clara
- Seaside
- Bakersfield
- Ontario
- Concord
- Moreno Valley
- Inglewood
- Castro Valley
- San Mateo
- Stockton
- Bell Gardens
- Paramount
- Lomita
- Cathedral City
- Anaheim
- Napa
- Cosmetology
- Advanced Facial and Body Treatments
Start your career with training from Alameda Beauty College.
- Alameda
- Cosmetology
