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Laser Hair Removal Treatment, Part 2—Texas Laws

So here we are the next day after our “this is normal” procedure. I literally looked like a curling iron had been rolled across my mouth and pressed on my cheek.

This was anything but normal. But then again, they are the doctor’s office—right? She had a lab coat on. She must be a professional.

Did I mention I was working in a restaurant?

As the day pressed on, the thickness of the burned areas became worse—hardening in some areas and completely scabbing in others. Some parts began oozing.

I was horrified. After being constantly asked “what did you do to your face?” plus having to watch some folks gag, I ended up staying home from work and just crying all day.

Maybe I am just having an adverse reaction?

I called several times that next day in the hopes to get some clarity. Several calls later, all I kept hearing was, “This is normal.”

By Day 3 I was a mess with thick dark brown scabs all around my mouth and 1 big bar mark on my cheek where that inconspicuous test patch was done.

I made the executive decision to go unannounced to the office.

What a surprise I was. Upon my arrival, everyone in the waiting room just stared then asked what happened.  I did let them know “yes, this happened here.”

Quickly Ushered to a Treatment Room

A few minutes later, the plastic surgeon opened the door and did just about the worst thing he could have done.

“OMIGOD!” he cries and has a shocked look on his face.

Obviously, his words and facial expression just made things worse. I put my head in my hands and cried.

After my initial release of emotion, I then mighta, kinda… threw a HUGE fit and yelled a little; ok … maybe I even asked to see the aesthetician so she could see her nice handy work. She did finally come, but only peeked into the doorway.

I left with more tears, less 350 dollars, scabs on my face and they were so nice to send me home with …. wait for it ….. SUNSCREEN!!! UNBELIEVABLE.

Welcoming Change

This my friends was well over 10 years ago so I guess by all standards I should just be glad that I still have my eyesight. I am left sadly with pigment, hyperpigmentation is what we call it. It gets really dark in the summer with sun exposure.

I have embraced my experience as a blessing and it is what gives me my passion for this industry.

To see The State of Texas be one of the first to pioneer regulation has made me proud! I am more than excited to be a part of propelling the aesthetic laser community to have safer work practices. I know the technicians are excited as well. We all want to be knowledgeable on our craft.

So what are the steps that need to be taken?

The new regulations fall under The Texas Department of Health. If you had been in the industry and submitted documentation by August 31, 2011 you may have been included on the “grandfathering” clause. This simply means you did not have to go through all the training that everyone else now has to go through. If you did not submit the proper paperwork by that deadline, you will need to be certified.

These are the levels for Laser Technicians certification:

1. Laser Hair Removal Apprentice
2. Laser Hair Removal Technician
3. Laser Hair Removal Senior Technician
4. Laser Professional

How does one start this process? First, understand there is no skipping one to get to the other. Each has its own application, fee & requirements.

• First you must submit an application for your apprentice, and then once you receive your approval with certificate in hand you are eligible to begin your required 40 hours of laser didactic training and CPR Certification from an approved facility.
• Once that is completed you must hands-on perform laser hair removal treatment on 100 approved body parts designated by the state. These treatments must be signed off and observed by a licensed senior laser tech or a licensed laser professional only.
• Once you have completed this you need to submit another application; this time the application for Laser Technician. Attach a copy of your 100 logged and signed off treatments with fee’s. After you get the Laser Hair Removal Technician certificationback in hand you are ready to go for your Senior certification.
• For Senior Laser Technician you must observe 100 laser hair removal approved body parts being performed by at least a registered apprentice. The senior or professional will log that they observed you observing the other performing the treatments. Once observed and logged you will send your application with copy of logged treatment with fees. Now you should be a Senior Laser Technician.
• Once you receive your Senior Laser Tech certification, you simply pay another fee and take a 1 day course and a test to obtain your Laser Professional license.

Laser Hair Removal Training, Part 1—Texas Laws

As of August 31^st  of last year Texas Laws have changed. Finally, we have some regulation within our aesthetic industry for laser hair removal training.

Year after year we have had to casually sit by and watch innocent clients get burned due to the lack of education and little-to-no-training in the field of lasers. This overwhelmingly growing industry seemed to have just slipped right through the cracks of the system with regards to consumer safety related.

I have been in the industry for 7 years and have many scarey stories to tell, as do many other people. Actually, my adventure in this industry did not start with the want for knowledge or a career change. It came by way of me being a consumer.

I was a single mom with two boys at home working a more than full time job. Needless to say, I had a lot on my plate a very little in my wallet. One of the nice things I would do to treat myself was visit the plastic surgeons office of my employer. She had taken me there one day I found it fascinating. All those fancy creams seemed so expensive. Then there was the make-up … you know “THE MAKE-UP”… such a gorgeous palette of colors.

There was a women there that claimed the title “Aesthetician.” She did a consultation with me and color matched my skin to the foundation. I felt amazing. So I bought the mineral make up that would one day change my life… forever.

Fast forward three years

For three years, I went to the same place to see the same Aesthetician. Then, one fateful day, that would all change. I came to see her and she was no longer there. There was someone new. Not feeling very warm and fuzzy about this new person, I had my reservations. It was like an old friend was gone.

I should had followed my instinct that was stirring in my belly which was GET OUT—NOW!!!

I just knew this was going to turn into a car-salesman-type pitch. New girl new job.. she needs to  make sales…who was this girl? Plus, now I was going to have to start all over again… explain my life and my likes/dislikes. Ugh. I was done before I even started.

As my new aesthetician starting color matching my face for my make-up, she so politely pointed out my upper lip hair and let me know they had a special …did I mention this day was MY BIRTHDAY!!!

I thought it about read the consent form even asked her if I was a good candidate. She said I was. It so happens that summer I was spending a  lot of time at the lake and I was very, very tan. At the time of my visit I even had a small burn on my forehead from my straight iron. I remember asking her “Are you sure?” because I am very dark. I made sure and pointed out my burn. I admit I was bit scared.

Happy Birthday…

Next thing you know, I’m in a room in the back, goggles on. I heard the machine, I felt a cold gel on my cheek then on the upper and lower skin areas surrounding my lips.

I hear her say, “I am going to give you a test spot” then BLAMMO right on my cheek I felt this blast of heat and a snapping feeling.

Then within seconds there were 4 pulses: 2 on the top of my lip and 2 on the bottom.

I smelt skin.

I felt cold pain.

I am quickly whisked off the table and ushered out the door to pay.

What Aftercare?

I got in my car to head for my big birthday dinner with family and friends.

I was no sooner on the road, when I knew something was very wrong. My cheek had a blistered grey look in the shape of a bar; my mouth did too. It felt like what it feels like to touch the stove when hot. A lingering burning feeling with a ashy blistered area where the top layer of skin was thin.

This Hurts!!

I was in pain and I was swelling fast. Needless to say, everyone at dinner was concerned. Dinner was over very quickly.

I tried to soothe my pain that night with ice and some wine. It was obvious this was going to be bad.

The next morning I called the office only to be told, “Everything is fine… that’s completely normal.”

Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The most sought after treatment that single-handedly sparked the aesthetic laser industryinto overdrive still gets a bad name due to misguided clients that receive incorrect information.

So, does laser hair removal work?

Theory #1

I have so many opinions on this topic I don’t know where to start. I have a couple of theories on this so let’s start with my money theory.

One way to be misguided would be the company’s need to make a sale. Know your facts and that I guarantee it will keep money in your pocket for that great personal gift you have been waiting to buy yourself. Of all aesthetic treatments this is now the most affordable as well.

Make no mistake, just because this treatment is common, does not mean that it can’t be dangerous.

Back to the money. Sales… sales… sales. Of course Laser Company’s must make a profit. However, time and time again I have seen client’s receive treatments when they are not even a candidate.

Like whom you ask? Blonde hair, grey hair or red hair. Laser does not work on hair of these colors. This is part of laser physics. I know I have heard of lasers that treat hairs like I have mentioned. But, I have yet to see the clinical evidence or the machine that does this. I believe if this were true I would be promoting that in my business not writing about why you are being misled.

Here is the skinny; your hair has 3 growth cycles. One of those cycles is your “growth” or “active” cycle. That is the cycle in which we hope 80% of your hair is in when you are getting your treatment. Believe it or not there is the possibility that when you go in for your first treatment that you are in fact in a “resting” or “fall-out” phase. During these times the laser will have no effect on the hair.

I have consulted hundreds of clients and a nice percentage of them have said “laser didn’t work for me.” That statement has just never made sense to me. If you have balanced hormones, your treatments were properly spaced and settings were appropriate, there really is no reason why lasers would not work.  Trained and well informed technicians know these facts.

So, the questions “lies” with… Did they tell you that? Many have said re-treatment durations were spanned so far apart there is no way it would work. Your body with just about everything that is does works on a schedule. Your heart beats, your blood pumps, your eyes blink, and the amount of times you swallow all the way to when a woman has her menstruation cycle.

You can think of hair removal like introit. If you go in to place the eggs every month when you are not ovulating you will never get pregnant. The same goes for hair removal. If you are targeting the laser for destruction of the hair follicle while in the inactive stage, then there will not be any effect on the killing the hair follicle. So there is one way money goes out the window down the toilet; a vacation that could have been is gone.

The most basic format that should be followed should be the first three treatments treated every 4 weeks, then treatment  four and five treated approximately 5 weeks apart, and any treatments thereafter 6 weeks. This protocol would be for smaller areas other than legs or back. The protocol for that is spreading the return duration further out to 8-12 weeks.

The main way to remember how your treatments should be spaced is based on your growth cycle. Unfortunately, your body does not sound an alarm when hairs are active. On average your growth cycles of your smaller areas is every 28-32 days.  There are always 3 hairs in the follicle and 3 growth phases. To catch the hair in the growth stage that will be at least 6 treatment to insure 80% reduction to catch all follicles. That is if you’re on time!!

Using nair to remove pubic hair

Start by washing the area you wish to remove hair from in a warm shower. Have the bottle of Nair (make sure it is made for the bikini area), two washcloths and soap ready before you start. Once you have washed the specific area, stand out of the direct spray of the shower and apply a generous amount of Nair onto your fingers. Smooth it onto the area, making sure only to touch skin and not any sensitive parts. Nair only works on the bikini area, not all hair around it. Do not rub it into the skin, but rather dab it on and smear it lightly so you have a thick paste covering the hair.

Preparing Your Skin

Start by washing the area you wish to remove hair from in a warm shower. Have the bottle of Nair (make sure it is made for the bikini area), two washcloths and soap ready before you start. Once you have washed the specific area, stand out of the direct spray of the shower and apply a generous amount of Nair onto your fingers. Smooth it onto the area, making sure only to touch skin and not any sensitive parts. Nair only works on the bikini area, not all hair around it. Do not rub it into the skin, but rather dab it on and smear it lightly so you have a thick paste covering the hair.

Using Nair

Have a clock in view from the shower and, once the Nair has been applied, wait 5 minutes. If it starts to burn or become uncomfortable, wash it off immediately and cleanse the area with a gentle soap. After 5 minutes, gently rub away a small area with a washcloth. If the hair comes off easily, rinse off the cloth and continue to wipe away the rest of the Nair. If there is still hair left, wait a few more minutes, no more than 10, and then wipe it off. Rinse any excess Nair off with water and hang the used washcloth where you won't accidentally pick it up again later.

Finishing and Caring for Skin

Rinse your skin in warm water, and wash again with a mild soap. Gently pat the area with the second, clean washcloth to make sure all Nair is completely removed. If any hair is left over, leave it for now. Using Nair again, or shaving, can cause irritation and pain in the skin. Wait at least 1 week between uses. After you get out of the shower, gently pat the area dry; do not rub. Wear loose fitting clothing for several hours to avoid irritation. If you have a soothing aftershave lotion made for the bikini area, use it to calm the skin and preserve moisture.

How to shape and groom thick eyebrows - Eyebrow Tutorial

How to Shave Your Bikini Area Completely

If you'd like to try the Brazilian wax look but you're wary of waxing, a careful shave will give you the nearly same look, pain-free. Here are instructions on how to make shaving your bikini area completely a safe and easy part of your shower routine.

EditSteps

Part One: Shave Your Mons Pubis

1. 1
   Decide what you want your mons pubis (the mound of pubic hair under your belly button) to look like. Choose the option that makes you feel the most feminine and sexy. You have a few options:
   
   
   
   • Shave it all off. There are no health risks to shaving all of your hair off as long as you don't cut yourself.
   • Use a stencil. You will place a stencil, like a small heart, over your pubic area. Then, you'll shave around the stencil to leave a section of hair with a fun shape over your pubic area. You can find stencil kits at most adult stores or online.
   • Create a landing strip. Your landing strip, or a line extending up from your labial part toward your belly button, can be either whisper thin (good for thick, unruly hair) or slightly wider (for thin sparse hair).
2. 2
   Trim your pubic hair with scissors to about 1/4" (6 mm) in length before you get into the shower.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Start your shower and allow some time before you begin shaving so that your skin and hair warm up and soften. You can also soak in the tub for a little while before standing up in the shower to shave the area. If you want to wash the area, clean it before you start shaving to avoid irritating your exposed skin later.
4. 4
   Wet your mons pubis with warm shower water and smooth some shaving gel over it.
   
   
   
   • Definitely invest in some shaving gel for this delicate area, even if you normally use soap for your legs and armpits, on the first time that you shave it.
   • Shop for a transparent, non-foamy shower gel so that you can see what you're doing while you shave.
5. 5
   Briefly wet a previously unused razor. The razor should be a brand that you know and use often for maximum comfort.
6. 6
   Shave with long, slow, even strokes in the direction of hair growth. Put your hand onto your stomach just above the mons pubis to make sure the skin over your mons pubis is smooth and taut.
   
   
   
   • When shaving, let the blade do the work. Avoid pressing down into your skin.
   • If you have thick, curly hair and you're having a tough time shaving it, try using an electric razor to trim it down even more before you use the handheld razor for the finishing touches.
   • To prevent skin irritation, keep the strokes as smooth and long as possible. Use as few strokes as possible.
   • Rinse your razor between strokes if it becomes clogged with hair.
7. 7
   Remove as much hair from your mons pubis as you like. Check for missed spots and shave them. Apply more shaving gel if you need to.
   • For a closer shave, reapply shaving gel to the mons pubis and again using long, smooth strokes, shave in the direction opposite of the direction that your hair grows in instead.
   • Stop shaving against your hair growth immediately if you experience any irritation or pain.[1]

Part Two: Shave Between Your Thighs

1. 1
   Choose which side you would like to shave first. Try starting with the side opposite your dominant hand (e.g., if you're right-handed, start with your left side).
2. 2
   Bend at the waist and lift the leg that's on the same side as the part that you want to shave. Doing this will help you to see the area clearly. Prop your raised leg on the shower wall if you need to.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Wet the area and apply shaving gel to the area. Take care not to get any gel or other shower products in between the labia.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Shave with smooth, horizontal strokes from the outside in (e.g., if you're shaving your left side, shave from left to right). Use a light touch. Stop each stroke before the end of the labium in the center.
   
   
   
   • You may want to spread your legs further apart to keep the skin you're shaving taut, so that you won't run into any folded or wrinkled skin while you're shaving.
   • Rinse any excess shaving gel when you are done shaving the first side.
5. 5
   Shave the other side of your labia and your other inner thigh crease.

Part Three: Aftercare to Prevent Irritation

1. 1
   Pat your bikini area dry with a soft towel. Don't rub your bikini area vigorously, or you may irritate the delicate skin.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Pat your pubic area with some baby powder. You may also apply baby lotion to the area to reduce irritation.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Apply a toner containing witch hazel and rosemary. This toner will help to prevent razor burn.
4. 4
   Look out for red bumps on the days after you shave. You can apply a special ointment to eliminate red bumps in your bikini area. Look for an ointment at your drugstore or supermarket.
5. 5
   Allow at least a few days in between shaves. For a constantly hair-free look, you may have to look at other hair removal techniques, such as waxing or laser hair removal.
6. 6
   Avoid wearing skin-tight clothing. Tight clothing can cause irritation and can also cause ingrown hairs to form.[2]

EditTips

• Don't shave dry.
• Don't shave the same spot over and over again! You will create ingrown hairs which are a TOTAL pain to deal with and aren't very attractive!
• Always use shaving gels, soaps, and lotions that you know your skin won't react to. Avoid using a new bath product for the first time in your bikini area.
• Aloe Vera is a good gel to use for shaving. It also helps with preventing and treating itching and irritation afterwords.
• Do not shave upwards towards your body or over recent razor bumps.
• You may experience a lot of itchiness as the hair grows back. However, you'll minimize itching if you use long, slow strokes when shaving and shave with a new clean razor. Fortunately, the itchiness usually disappears after a few shaves.
• If you're scared to shave your whole bikini area right away, start by shaving your bikini line. As you get used to working down there, you can ease into shaving the whole area.
• You may experience red bumps, but that is normal for the first few tries but make sure to clean the bikini area before shaving, or you are more likely to cut yourself.
• When you are done shaving, put on baby lotion or baby oil to help with the itch and irritation.

EditWarnings

• Stop shaving immediately if you experience any irritation or cuts, and rinse your irritation or cut thoroughly with clear, running water. Never shave skin that is already irritated or is in any way unhealthy.
• Avoid using depilatory cream if you want to go completely bare. Depilatories will work on your bikini line, but they could leave chemical burns on the sensitive skin next to your sex organs.
• Never use an electric razor with rotating blades in your pubic area. One word--OUCH!
• Do not apply any perfume, body spray or feminine deodorant spray to the area immediately post shave. The spray will sting, and it may irritate your skin.
• Do not apply unknown shaving creams.

EditThings You'll Need

• Transparent shave gel
• New clean razor
• Stencil
• Electric razor
• Soft towel
• Baby powder or baby lotion
• Toner containing witch hazel and rosemary
• Ointment for red bumps