Permanent hair removal is a safe and relatively common procedure, but trusting your skin to a laser technician is still a major step that deserves consideration and research. Booking a laser hair removal consultation and asking the right questions can help you choose the best clinic and put you at ease.
How To Choose a Laser Hair Removal Clinic
Many laser clinics offer discounted prices, either frequently or occasionally, for their services. While affordable treatments are certainly attractive and attention-grabbing, you should focus more on a clinic’s reputation, experience, credentials, licensing, and technology. Continue reading for guidance on how to drill down into these important areas.
Check Credentials and Licensing
Laser hair removal is generally safe, but your results depend on the practitioner’s experience and training. In novice hands, lasers can quickly cause burns, scars, and permanent pigment changes. That’s why you want to check practitioner credentials and confirm that your technician is qualified.
Additionally, laser clinics must have a business license to operate legally. Permanent hair removal clinics in New York City must demonstrate that technicians have the appropriate education and follow good hygiene and sanitation practices. If you can confirm an active license, you can generally assume the clinic meets these requirements.
Look for Modern Laser Tech
Laser technology has advanced through the years, with new devices becoming safer for people of all skin tones. The laser clinic should have a selection of FDA-approved laser devices, especially if the clinic offers treatment for darker skin.
For best results, look for targeted laser technology that doesn’t cause damage to surrounding areas; notable ones include:
- Alexandrite laser for light skin tones
- Nd:YAG laser for darker skin tones
- Diode laser
Book a Laser Hair Removal Consultation
One of the best ways to vet a laser clinic is through a consultation. Visit the clinic and sit down with a practitioner to review your skin, goals, and potential treatment plans. The technician should be knowledgeable in laser treatment and skin health, and should make you feel comfortable about entrusting them with your skin care.
4 Laser Hair Removal Consultation Questions To Ask
Use your consultation to discuss laser hair removal frequently asked questions. These will help you identify experienced technicians, appropriate practices, and modern technology. You can then check whether their answers line up with industry standards and rule out those you’re unsure about.
How Long Have You Been Providing Hair Removal Treatments?
This question is an excellent conversation starter and helps you understand the technician’s background. Ask about their training and treatment history because, when it comes to lasers, experience does matter.
A technician with formal training, who treats diverse skin tones and performs thousands of treatments, is generally a safer bet. You’ll also experience a lower risk of burning or adverse outcomes.
Does Your Device Have Built-In Cooling?
Ask technicians about their laser technologies and which one they think is best for your skin. You may have read this information on their website, but it’s helpful to confirm it in person.
Initial consultations are also a good opportunity to inquire about cooling technology. Newer devices often have built-in cooling features, which help reduce pain and discomfort. Follow up to see if they offer additional anesthesia.
How Many Treatments Do You Recommend?
Laser hair removal typically requires four to six treatments for optimal results. You can expect to see about 10% to 25% less hair after the first treatment, and the remaining hair will become thinner and lighter over time.
Be cautious of technicians who claim you’ll achieve total hair removal after just one or two treatments. Results depend on your hair and skin color, hair thickness and texture, and the type of laser used. An experienced technician will provide realistic expectations and refrain from making guarantees.
Do You Have Experience With Light and Dark Skin Tones?
Understanding your technician’s experience with skin tone is essential, especially if you have darker skin. Laser is safe for dark skin tones, provided the technician understands skin anatomy and uses the right type of laser.
You might ask how many treatments they’ve done on darker skin tones, or whether there are potential risks or side effects for your particular skin type. Their answers will give you insight into their knowledge and experience.
Explore Laser in Manhattan at Laser by Monica
Laser by Monica is a laser hair removal and skincare studio in New York City that employs experienced, caring technicians. We use a dual-wavelength laser, specifically chosen to treat both light and dark skin in men and women.
Monica herself has performed more than 70,000 skin treatments for people with a variety of skin tones and prioritizes client comfort and safety. Book a consultation to learn more.