How to Start a Laser Hair Removal Business from Home: 6 Simple Steps

It’s exciting but scary, isn’t it?

Starting a business is a thrilling ride, but it’s also daunting, confusing and overwhelming. Often, it’s difficult to know where to start and what to focus on.

It’s easy to run around investing money on things that aren’t critical to success. Things like logos and expensive websites.

The truth is that even though many big brands have those things, you don’t need them when you’re starting out. It’s best to keep things as simple as possible in the beginning, and then modify and refine as you go.

Instead of getting daunted by how well everyone else is doing, take action. Imperfect action beats perfect inaction.

Every. Single. Time.

Better to get the first version out into the world and refine it later. So, what exactly do you need to start a hair removal business from home?

We think there are 6 simple steps.

1.    Get Certified

Having your Laser/IPL Safety Certificate is the first essential step to not only opening your own business but operating the machine safely too. It’s not only best practice, but it’s also critical for insurance. Even more important it can save you LOADS of money by equipping you with the right knowledge, so you can ask relevant and smart questions about any machinery you plan on buying.

There is a lot to learn… from skin types to wavelengths, medications, post care and how often to treat. And if worst comes to worst it’s good to know how to treat any mishaps.

2.    Get Organised

Having a chat with a solicitor and your accountant to cross your i’s and dot your t’s is always a good place to start. Talk to your local council too about getting approval for operating a laser or IPL from home.

You will need to set up your insurance (We love The Sparrow Group) as well as get an ABN. And we highly recommend setting up separate bank accounts from the very beginning to keep your finances straight!

3.    Choose your Equipment

Once you are legally set up to go, it’s time to work out the best machine to invest in. It’s important to choose wisely as these machines can be around $80,000, and picking something up on E-bay, Gumtree or Ali Baba just won’t do.

Don't limit yourself necessarily either just buying one that only does hair removal. You might like to branch out later and add other services so ask the sales rep what else your machine might be able to do in the future.

You need to do your research, talk to suppliers and make sure you agree on some hands-on training for your specific model too. Whilst the principles are the same for every machine, you need to know your own machine like the back of your hand.

Electrical outlets for some lasers can also be different to household appliances so be sure you know all the details of the machine you’re buying

4.    Set up Your space

Now comes the fun stuff! Like rearranging your bedroom, you get to set a theme and feel for your space.

Turn on some music and get some paper out to scribble designs if that’s your thing. Have you thought of a colour scheme? What sort of image do you want to project?

Some things you will need are goggles for yourself and your clients (good laser/IPL sales companies give you these), a laser/IPL safety door sign, block out curtains, good lighting, a sink, a bed and the appropriate covers, consultation forms, an EFT machine and float for your hard earned cash. Gel (and some easy to use squeezy bottles for applying it to the skin pre-treatment), towels or gowns for modesty, disposable hats, and G-strings.

You should also buy a beautiful frame right about now, to display your laser safety certificate.

5.    Prepare Your Pricing

Spend a day cruising around your local area, pick up price lists, talk to staff and get a feel for the prices in and around your area. Call lots of salons and clinics to ask about pricing and packages.

Scroll the web. Where will you place yourself in the market? Above or below that price? Why? What is your point of difference?

6.    Maximise Your Marketing

You don’t need to go all fancy here but you do need to market your business. Opening the doors isn’t enough to guarantee success.

You don’t need a fancy website, but you do need a Facebook business page.

If you want to offer online booking, a simple system like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling makes it easy. You can even take payments using Acuity Scheduling, without needing any extra tech!

Instead of engaging a graphic designer, hop onto Canva or Easil and create some cool flyers using their templates. You can send them straight to print from within the system, which is super easy.

Opening offers, like bikini and underarm 6 pack for the price of 4 are a great place to start. 

Take Action

Here’s the thing that no one will tell you. It’s not enough to dream.

Dreaming of a business is enjoyable and can bring a smile to your face but getting out there and putting a plan into action is far more powerful.

Don’t put it off any longer – take action now so you can reap rewards tomorrow.

If you want to dip your toe in the water and save yourself a lot of stress, check out Everything You Want to Know About Laser But Were Afraid to Ask.

When you're ready to get serious, enrol in a Laser/IPL Safety Certificate and make an appointment with a solicitor. Open your new business bank account and get an ABN.

Then be sure to check out the Bravura Business Incubator for ongoing support to grow your business!

This is all easy and do-able. You just need to start.

You can sit and dream forever, or you can put things in place today. The choice is yours.

We can’t wait to see you succeed!