Laser or intense pulsed light treatment registration (England) (2024)

FAQs

Is laser hair removal regulated in the UK? ›

Practitioners who use IPL or lasers for exclusively cosmetic purposes don't have to register with the CQC , even if they are registered medical practitioners. Some local councils in England also require all practitioners who use IPL and lasers to register with them.

THE QUALIFICATION

In studying the VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) you will have an advanced qualification that has been specially designed for beauty therapists or medical specialists who would like to become a qualified laser aesthetic technician.

Although side effects of IPL are typically rare and minimal in severity, the most common adverse events include pain and erythema. Other reported side effects include edema, bullae, hematoma, crusting, hyper- or hypopigmentation, leukotrichia, scarring, keloid formation, and infection.

The key difference between laser and IPL is the type of light used. IPL is a broadband pulsed light source, whereas laser is a monochromatic coherent light source. Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and deliver permanent results.

What are the rules on using and selling them? It is legal to sell and own laser pens in the UK. According to Public Health England (PHE) guidelines, devices sold to the public should have a maximum power output of one milliwatt (mW) - one thousandth of a watt.

You will need a special treatment licence to work legally as a tattoo removal specialist. Due to the dangers of working with lasers, this is considered a highly skilled profession. Anyone offering light, heat, and electric treatments needs a special treatment licence.

Our extensive market research shows that the average salary of a laser hair removal technician in the UK is £25,000 to £40,000. In London, laser hair removal specialists can expect to make £27,000 to £40,000. We have been provided with this figure by London-based clinics and our alumni working in the industry.

The Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments is an advanced qualification that has been specifically designed for beauty therapists. This course is for you if you aspire to work as an advanced beauty therapist providing laser and IPL services within a beauty salon.

Laser treatments can generate between £200 and £400 per hour so can be transformational to a salon or clinic's revenue and profits. Laser technology can involve a significant investment, perhaps the largest a salon will make. It is therefore important to consider which treatments offer the best return.

Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.

What are the disadvantages of pulsed light? ›

Studies indicate that this type of procedure may not be suitable for all skin types, especially not tanned or darker skin, as skin discoloration can occur. Studies have shown that the results are not as successful for the treatment of blond or red hair.

If you've been looking at treatment options for permanent hair removal then you have probably come across both laser hair removal and IPL and are wondering what the difference is. In short, laser hair removal is safer, more effective, and the only way hair removal should ever be performed.

Mild pain and redness also may occur during or after treatments. How long does IPL treatment last? Skin improvements often last 6 months to 1 year. Doing more treatments can help you keep your results.

Many people report they achieve permanent hair reduction after just a few treatments. However, some people may require touch-ups every few years to keep those hair bulbs from sprouting out new follicles. IPL hair removal treatments are a great way to achieve long-lasting results without the hassle of shaving or waxing.

So, if you're considering a laser or IPL treatment, it's a tradeoff between gentleness and quick results. If you want fewer, more targeted treatments, or need major resurfacing, laser may be the better option. IPL is a better option for less downtime and gentler treatment.

Whilst the short answer is “yes, laser hair removal is available on the NHS”, there are some significant caveats. The main one is that a clinical diagnosis is required and your local Clinical Commissioning Group will then consider if the condition is appropriate for funding.

Laser hair removal is a highly sought-after treatment, with over 1.1 million treatments performed in the UK alone in 2019. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected growth rate of 15.2% from 2020 to 2027.