Are you interested in opening your own laser hair removal clinic but need help figuring out where to start?
Opening a laser hair removal clinic is an exciting venture, especially now with the increasing popularity of laser hair removal amongst both male and female clients. The growth of clients for laser hair removal creates a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the beauty and aesthetic industry.
Our School Director, Xubin Yuan, who co-founded the popular laser hair removal chain and aesthetic clinic, Premier Laser Clinic, will give you his insights into starting a laser hair removal business. He has successfully opened six laser clinics and was involved in sourcing the premises, purchasing equipment, and dealing with council requirements.
In this blog, we will guide you through the essential steps to opening a laser hair removal clinic in the UK.
The growing popularity of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has become one of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments, providing a long-term solution to clients’ unwanted hair.
Technological advancements have made the process more efficient, less painful, and more accessible to diverse audiences. There isn’t a better time to consider opening a laser hair removal clinic!
Below, we have compiled six steps to consider when opening a laser hair removal clinic.
Step 1 – Complete Market Research and Business Plan
When starting a business, much research and planning must be done. This research will serve as a foundation for your business. It’s crucial to understand the industry, the needs of your clients, and the competition you’ll face. Your initial plan will shape your business model and guide your decision-making process.
▶︎ Market Research
Before starting your business, you need to complete comprehensive market research. Identify your competitors and market leaders and their services, pricing, and customer reviews. What are they doing well? What could they improve on?
Assess the current demand for laser treatments, identifying trends and preferences specific to your area.
To understand your competitors and their services, we recommend using their free consultation services and browsing their websites to learn about their customer experience.
Researching these points will help you understand the market demand and market gap and set competitive prices. Market research and understanding your competitors will allow you to differentiate your laser clinic by offering unique selling points such as specialised packages, advanced equipment or outstanding customer service.
▶︎ Business Plan
When creating a business plan for your laser clinic, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based (SMART) goals that align with your aims and vision.
Break down these goals into achievable and manageable milestones, focusing on the actions you need to complete to achieve them.
Never underestimate the value of a good business plan. It’s your guide to starting, running, and growing your clinic.
▶︎ Budgeting
Before starting your business, you must fully understand your financial flexibility by determining your budget. Consider the location, equipment, staffing, and marketing costs. Understand where you want to invest money and where you’re willing to cut back.
Your budget will estimate the investment needed to start your clinic and offer an appraisal of your potential revenue and expenses, informing your decisions about funding, pricing and profitability.
Establish a financial management system to track your income and expenses. Talk to your bank about providing your business with a financial advisor that you can work with to create a budget that outlines projected income and expected costs.
A well-thought-out budget will provide direction and increase the likelihood of your business succeeding.
Step 2 – Choosing the right location and negotiating your lease
Selecting the right location for your laser clinic is a critical decision. You can either rent a room in an existing clinic, spa, salon or gym. However, this blog will focus on those looking to start their business by renting their own commercial space.
When choosing your location, consider whether you want to open your clinic in a busy area with high traffic and organic footfall—choosing a busier location results in higher rent but greater exposure.
Alternatively, you may prefer a quieter location with less footfall that offers cheaper rent but requires marketing and promotion to attract clients.
Each option has pros and cons, and the choice will depend on your business strategy and budget.
Once you have found a suitable location and premises, negotiate the lease terms with the landlord. Before you can sign a lease agreement, you should settle on the proposed use of the property—confirm that the building is a class E, which is suitable for commercial use.
You must discuss any building modifications you plan to make to the site and ensure you have the landlord’s permission.
Finally, confirm that the lease duration aligns with your business plan, with options for extension as your business grows.
Step 3 – Acquiring Licensing and Insurance
Businesses that offer laser treatments and other specific beauty and aesthetic treatments must obtain a special treatment licence (STL) from the local council.
▶︎ Why do you need a special treatment license for laser hair removal?
Laser treatments involve the use of powerful lasers that can cause skin damage and severe harm if not used correctly.
A Special Treatment License will guarantee that:
- Safety and Hygiene Standards — The business meets and upholds the government’s strict health and safety regulations.
- Trained Staff—Laser Hair Removal requires trained staff, and the SLT ensures that practitioners have regulated laser training qualifications and can safely perform laser treatments.
- Equipment Standards— The machines used to perform the laser treatments are appropriate, regularly maintained and safe for commercial use.
- Insurance—The business has adequate insurance to cover potential liabilities and protect its staff, clients, and buildings.
▶︎ How do you get a special treatment license (STL) for a laser clinic?
To obtain a Special Treatment License for your laser hair removal business, you must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate that practitioners are trained and qualified.
- Ensure the premises meet health and safety standards.
- Prove that laser equipment is safe and regularly maintained.
- Have adequate public liability insurance.
You must provide the council with several documents, including an electrical installation report, PAT certificate, premises plan, treatment list with prices, laser machine manual, and Local Rules.
You can appoint a Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) to help you with Local Rules and ensure your clinic adhering to laser safety standards. They also provide direction on setting up your treatment room, using equipment, and training staff.
The Special Treatment Licence application process involves:
- Submitting an application form with required documentation to the local authority.
- Undergoing a premises inspection.
Before gaining approval, if all standards are met.
The STL costs vary by location, ranging from £200 to over £1,000 for the initial application, with potentially lower annual renewal fees.
Check with your local council for exact requirements and fees. This process ensures the business operates safely and legally, protecting clients and staff.
Aside from getting an STL, you will need to invest in various insurances to protect your laser business.
Insurance Requirement for Laser Business
▶︎ Public Liability Insurance protects against claims made by clients or other third parties for any injuries or damages resulting from the business operations.
▶︎ Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice Insurance) covers legal costs and claims for compensation if a client were to sue due to negligence or mistakes made during treatments.
▶︎ Employer’s Liability Insurance is mandatory if you have employees. It covers claims for employees who might get injured or ill as a direct result of their work.
▶︎ Building and Contents Insurance protects the business premises and its contents against damage, theft, or other risks.
You can read more about laser hair removal insurance here.
By securing the appropriate licenses and insurance, your laser hair removal business can operate legally and protect itself against various risks, ensuring a safe environment for clients and staff.
Step 4 – Sourcing Equipment
Purchasing the right laser hair removal equipment will be your most significant investment, especially if you want to have numerous machines on site.
Firstly, you need to identify the type of laser equipment suitable for the treatments you plan to offer. Consider factors such as the technology, brand reputation, and clinical efficacy.
Popular models include:
- Soprano Titanium Ice
- Cynosure Elite+
- Candela GentleMax Pro
Once you have found the model you want, ensure the equipment meets local health and safety regulations.
When you are ready to purchase, evaluate whether buying or leasing the equipment is in your business’s best interest. Buying outright requires substantial upfront capital but avoids interest payments. Leasing spreads the cost over time, preserving cash flow but potentially incurring interest.
Regardless of what you choose to do, select a reputable supplier or manufacturer. Check for reviews, warranties, and after-sales support. And don’t be afraid to negotiate with suppliers to get the best deal!
Step 5 – Hiring Staff
A diverse staff is required for smooth business operations when starting and operating your laser clinic. Your staff will be the backbone of your clinic. Determine the number of employees you need and the skillset required.
Examples of the staff you might need:
- Clinic Managers manage the clinic’s daily operations, staff schedules, inventory, and compliance with regulations.
- Receptionists/Front Desk Staff handle appointments, customer inquiries, and administrative tasks.
- Marketing Personnel promote the business and manage client acquisition and retention strategies.
- Cleaning and maintenance staff ensure that the staff remains hygienic and equipment is well maintained.
The most essential role needed to run a successful laser clinic would be a certified laser technician trained and certified to perform laser treatments.
How to become a certified laser technician?
We have mapped a structured training pathway through Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy to become a certified laser technician.
Begin with the Level 2 Facial and Skincare course, which provides a foundational understanding of skin treatments and anatomy.
Progress to the Level 3 Beauty Therapy course covering advanced facial and body electrical treatments.
Finally, enrol in the Level 4 Laser and IPL course, which focuses on laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation techniques. The course includes detailed modules on laser physics, hair and skin anatomy, safe operation of laser equipment, client consultation, and treatment protocols. By completing these qualifications, you can perform laser hair removal safely and effectively, meeting the requirements for professional practice.
The comprehensive laser training ensures you meet industry standards and insurance requirements.
Our courses are available as part-time options with fast-track options, allowing learners flexibility for different schedules. At Ray Cochrane Academy, we have modern facilities and experienced tutors to support your learning. The Academy emphasises hands-on experience and thorough theoretical knowledge, guaranteeing students are well-prepared for real-world applications.
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Step 6 – Marketing and Promoting the Laser Business
You must develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote your business and attract clients successfully. Utilise online and offline channels for the best results:
- Social media advertising
- Google Ads also known as PPC
- Online location directories such as Google My Business and Yell
- Beauty booking apps such as Fresha and Treatwell
- Local newspapers
- Partnerships with local business
Building an Online Presence
A strong online presence is very important for any business to increase brand awareness and reach more people. Create a professional website to showcase your services, pricing, and client testimonials. Your website should be ready before you launch the business, as this will allow you to test it out. It’s crucial to optimise your site for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility- think of keywords your clients could search to find you.
Social Media is another great tool for building your brand’s online presence. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow you to share before-and-after photos/videos, interact with potential clients, post client reviews, and offer promotional offers.
Finally, we recommend listing your business location on online directories such as Google My Business and Yell. These online directories make your business appear more credible, showing potential customers that you are a genuine business. They also allow you to update your opening hours and contact details and be easily found in your area.
Promotions and Discounts
When starting your business, please take advantage of introductory offers, which will help you initially bring in clients, allowing your fantastic service to win them over and retain them!
Offering package deals or referral programs is another great way to attract and retain clients while growing your business through word of mouth.
Customer Relationship Management
Once you have attracted these clients, you want to retain them. Investing in a good Customer Relationship Management software can help with this. The system will enable you to provide clients with a personalised experience.
The CRM system can store information on your client’s history, treatment preferences, appointment scheduling and contact preferences.
With this information, you can send your clients emails, newsletters, text reminders, and even offers, increasing their ability to recall your brand.
Ready to open your laser clinic now?
Opening a laser hair removal clinic involves a lot of careful planning and research. With the right strategy, qualifications, location and marketing efforts, you can establish a thriving clinic that enjoys the growing demand for laser treatments.
Many of Ray Cochrane’s graduates have opened clinics, spas, and salons nationwide. Our student spotlight page features their stories and experiences, and you’re sure to find lots of inspiration!
By following our steps, you’ll be on your way to creating your own business that helps clients achieve smooth, hair-free skin.
