Are you considering microneedling, dermaplaning, eyelash extensions, or have special health considerations? Although even a basic “cut and color” should come from a licensed professional, it’s even more important to seek out special qualifications when you’re getting these advanced beauty services.
Qualification Levels
All states require employees at a salon or spa offering appearance enhancement services to have an Appearance Enhancement License such as Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetics, Nails or Waxing. Each license specialty means that the person has successfully completed the required hours of training and coursework to attain the specialty license for their field.
In addition to a license, an esthetician or other beauty professionals may hold a special certification. This represents training hours that the specialist has attained in addition to his or her Appearance Enhancement License. If you notice certificates but no actual Appearance Enhancement License at a beauty station, it may be a warning sign that this person may not have the required coursework and hours of training required, and therefore, cannot legally charge for that service.
If a salon or spa tells you their employees are “trained” in a specialized service, consider follow-up questions. Without an actual Appearance Enhancement License or Certification, training isn’t always enough to legally charge for certain services in many states.
Eyelash Extensions
As you might expect, the act of attaching materials with adhesives around the sensitive eye area requires specific licensing. Along with safety and infection control considerations, there is an art to proper application.
For that reason, eyelash extensions application is regulated in most parts of the country. In New York State, only a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician may legally provide eyelash extension services.
Ideally, that person would also hold a certification in eyelash extensions, so that you know that they have additional hours of training specifically for this beauty service.
Microneedling
Microneedling literally involves injuring facial skin in a controlled setting — so it’s no wonder that many states don’t let just any salon worker perform the procedure. Outside of a Medical License, many states such as New York, require someone performing microneedling to have an Acupuncture License.
With microneedling, a device containing stainless steel needles is rolled over the skin, which causes “micro” injuries to skin layers. In turn, the body produces healing collagen and elastin. After several treatments, skin often becomes firmer, acne scars and pore size improve in appearance, skin tone evens out, and fine lines and wrinkles are decreased.
Because an esthetician trained in microneedling knows the difference between “good” temporary injuries and complications such as bruising and excess bleeding, asking a beauty professional for their qualifications is crucial.
Microneedling devices themselves are regulated on the national level. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes sure that they conform to certain specifications. Currently, the FDA requires that microneedle devices should not be longer than 0.3 millimeters in length, and that the estheticians don’t make medical claims about the needles’ benefits. Even with the FDA requirements, in New York State this is not a deciding factor as to whether or not someone can use the device. In New York State, you are required to have an Acupuncture License.
Dermaplaning
A specialized type of facial exfoliation, dermaplaning can address a myriad of complexion problems, including wrinkles, acne and dullness, as well as unsightly facial hair.
Because dermaplaning involves a type of scalpel, you should definitely make sure the pro wielding that tool holds the proper licensing. In New York State, for example, the professional performing this service in a salon or spa is required to have a Barber’s License. Some states also offer additional certification training.
Why is this special training so important for “glorified shaving”? Using a licensed professional (or someone who is working under a Medical Director) means that if anything were to go wrong with the process, insurance may cover related expenses.
Do You Have Special Health Considerations?
Many people who are undergoing, or have completed, cancer treatment seek out the mood-boosting power of a salon or spa treatment. Yet your immune system may be compromised, which means you’ll need that extra layer of protection to ensure your continued health.
Whether you temporarily or permanently have immune system vulnerability, you shouldn’t have to worry that the salon or spa service you receive could put you at risk — or that you’ll be refused a beauty appointment because of your requirements.
To ensure that you get the healthiest service possible, seek out a beauty professional with additional Oncology training. Many patients simply forgo a potentially dangerous trip to the salon or spa, not realizing that there are, in fact, pros who know exactly how to help them boost their beauty while ensuring their health.
Interested In Beauty Services or Beauty Courses?
If you are interested in the services or the courses we offer at the New York Institute of Beauty, contact us today at 631-582-4737 or info@nyib.edu. We can explain more about what clients should look for when seeking out specialized beauty treatments. If you’re a potential student, we can advise you on which courses to pursue, depending on the specific services that interest you.
