According to the decree of January 6, 1962, “any method of hair removal, except tweezers or wax,” is classified as a medical procedure. For safety, laser or pulsed light hair removal should ideally be performed only by a doctor or their trained assistant. In practice, however, aesthetic centers commonly offer pulsed light treatments. Many physicians agree that a properly trained esthetician can safely manage these devices, which emit a less precise polychromatic light spectrum deemed lower risk. These machines are often less powerful and more affordable, potentially requiring more sessions (up to double the number), but with correct settings, long-term results match those of medical-grade equipment.
Laser hair removal fears—like sterility or cancer—are largely unfounded. The main risks involve temporary pigment spots or superficial burns, which fade within days if the device is poorly adjusted, overly aggressive on melanin, or if photosensitizing medications are taken. The light reaches only the dermis, posing no threat to internal organs, even in the bikini area. Protective eyewear is essential to shield the retina from flashes, and large moles should be avoided, though no post-treatment changes have been noted. By precaution, it’s not advised for pregnant women.
This is why it’s termed “permanent hair removal” rather than definitive. Two key reasons:
1/ Regrowth risk exists due to hormonal influences; imbalances can trigger hair return in treated areas, though this is rare.
2/ Laser or pulsed light eliminates only 80-90% of hairs. The rest are either vellus (fine downy hairs) or lack melanin, making them invisible to the device.
