How to Choose a Laser Hair Removal Practitioner

Once you decide you want laser hair removal, it is not as easy as heading to the first dermatologist you find online. Since a botched job could cause lifelong scars, you should choose a practitioner who not only charges a price you like, but who will provide the best possible service.

Instructions

1. Shop around before you choose a laser hair removal practitioner. Not all clinics and clinicians are the same. Ultimately, you will want to select one that is both within your price range and seems the most qualified.

2. Ask about prices and procedures over the phone. Some clinics will try to make you come in for a consultation before they give you any further information. If you want to go that route, make sure the consultation is free. There are plenty of other laser hair removal clinics and spas that offer free consultations.

3. Find out what kind of laser the practitioner will be using. If you have darker skin, you will need to find a clinic with a Yag laser, which has the longer wavelength necessary for darker skin.

4. Check hair removal forums and opinion websites to see if anyone has any complaints about the practitioner. Remember that dissatisfied customers are the ones who typically post their opinions online, so you may not find any rave reviews.

5. Compare prices on a level playing field. You may find that one place charges more, but also recommends fewer treatments than another place. Some spas use lower-frequency lasers and frequent treatments, meaning you will need to return more often.

6. Choose the practitioner you trust with your body. If the nurse makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason or the clinic refuses to answer your questions, then go somewhere else. While this may be a cosmetic procedure, you should still select someone you trust to perform it.

7. Look into the fine print of any special promotions. You don't want to start treatment only to have the prices increased down the line. Ask the clinic if it offers any pre-paid plans for a series of treatments.

Tips & Warnings

• Dermatologists usually offer laser hair removal in their offices. You might want to choose a licensed doctor instead of a technician hired by a spa. No matter whom you decide to go with, find out how long he has been performing laser treatments.

• Some practitioners offer to treat a test patch to see if the laser hair removal will work. It is up to you whether you want to jump right in or test a small area.