Legal Requirements for Carrying Out Laser Hair Removal

Over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of different types of places offering to carry out laser hair removal treatments. These range from cosmetic laser hair removal clinics to dental surgeries and beauty salons. In order to make sure that you are getting the best and safest possible treatment there are legal requirements in place for those who carry out the procedure.

Practices offering laser hair removal procedures which are not run by the NHS, e.g. private practices and beauty salons, are required by law to register with and be monitored by Care Quality Commission. A licence is needed to carry out laser hair removal treatments in both their work premises and treatment rooms in their homes.


Practitioner’s Premises

The premises themselves also have legal requirements. These requirements include laser use being limited to one room; the room must have adequate ventilation; the treatment couch should ideally have movable sections; a cupboard with impervious worktops must be available for storing equipment and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) products; and laser sign must be placed outside the treatment room. 

Patient Records

With regards to patient records, a client register/treatment book is required by law (The Registered Homes Act part II). There should also be another record kept of your name, date of treatment, length of treatment and who carried out the procedure. You should also have to complete a health questionnaire during the consultation. Any contraindications identified as a result of this need to be supported by a letter of approval for treatment from your GP. Written consent from you before treatment is also vitally required.

Practitioner Requirements

The practitioner or operator who will carry out your treatment should have a minimum of an NVQ 3 or equivalent. The resulting certificate should be available for inspection if need be. They should also be trained in the use of the laser equipment for your treatment. The minimum requirements for the person in charge are that they hold a current Registration on Healthcare certificate, have training on the laser equipment, and have attended a laser safety study day. The minimum training they should have received on the laser equipment should cover the hazards of using a particular machine, risk assessments, a certificate of competency and proof of their training. It is also strongly advised that they have training in basic CPR and first aid, and general health and safety awareness.

It is also required by law that practitioners who carry out laser hair removal procedures are insured. There are two different types of insurance needed: public liability/employer liability and professional indemnity insurance. They must also have current membership of an appropriate professional organisation.

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