Sure, Groupon discounts at your local salon are tempting, but laser hair removal needs to be conducted by a physician, says a new study published in JAMA Dermatology, finding that 86% of lawsuits involving laser hair removal between 2008 and 2012 were conducted by non-physicians. So what’s wrong with getting the laser hair removal offered by your nail salon? “The qualifications to conduct the procedure vary by state, and even then, there’s very minimal enforcement,” says Ranella Hirsch, MD, past president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and dermatologist in Boston. This means the person zapping your hair away may not be qualified to handle complications and assess whether or not you’re a good candidate in the first place. Plus, in order to make money off the extremely expensive equipment (which can cost upwards of $20,000), many salons need to sell the procedure to anyone who walks in the door in order to make a profit, regardless of whether or not their skin is right for it. What could go wrong, you ask? Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin in your hair follicle. But since melanin is also found in surrounding skin, the light can accidently target the skin, resulting in burns and scars. Only a professional is qualified to assess your specific complexion, and knows when to take it easy based on your skin’s response. MORE: 3 Ways To Safely Remove Ingrown Hairs
