What factors should I consider before investing in a laser system for my salon?

What factors should I consider before investing in a laser system for my salon?

There are a lot of people out there who want to know a quick way to get up and running with a laser but I advise you not to rush things. You need to do your research, invest in the right products and then train, train and train some more.

You should go on a Level 4 laser course before purchasing anything so you can learn about the different types of lasers and what they do. Then, when you buy your machine, you will already have an understanding of basic laser physics and can spend your training time really understanding the machine and how best to use it.

Choosing which brand to work with is the next tough decision. Laser system prices in UK range from £10,000 to £100,000-plus and I urge you not to buy cheap imports from overseas markets such as China because you really don’t know what you’ll be getting.

Some of the lasers I’ve used and have found to be good are Candela’s Gentle Max Pro, which has two lasers inside one machine, making it versatile and a good option if you want to offer hair removal to all skin colours, and Fotona lasers. These are well made and can also contain two lasers in one unit, but are better suited to more experienced users.

Whoever you go with, make sure they have excellent support systems in place because after initial training you may feel overwhelmed. Then ask if the supplier can come in for a few hours every month for the next four months so you get a bit more hands-on help.

Debbie Thomas is an aesthetic therapist. She is founder of the Debbie Thomas Clinic and a specialist in advanced laser skin treatments and skincare.