In recent years, the demand for laser and IPL hair removal has skyrocketed — and with it, so has the need for qualified, highly trained professionals. At Beautorium Training Academy, we are proud to offer the ITEC Level 4 Diploma in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments, one of the most respected and internationally recognised qualifications in the industry.

But why does the level of your qualification matter so much?

⚖️ Changing Regulations in Europe: France Sets the Tone

In May 2024, France passed a landmark law (Decree n° 2024‑470) that formally allows trained aesthetic professionals — not just doctors — to carry out laser and IPL hair removal. Previously, only medical doctors were legally permitted to perform these treatments in France, although in practice, many beauty clinics operated in a legal grey area. This change follows several EU court rulings that found such restrictions conflicted with European laws on freedom of establishment and services — particularly for IPL. Previously, France restricted all light-based hair removal to doctors under a 1962 law. However, a series of legal challenges from 2019–2021 overturned this monopoly. The courts ruled that limiting IPL to doctors violated European Union law on freedom of services — paving the way for broader access.The new law now gives beauty professionals with the right training a clear and legal pathway to practise.This marks a major shift in the regulatory landscape and is a clear sign of where the European beauty industry is heading.

Under the new law:

Laser and IPL hair removal can be performed by trained beauty professionals, doctors, or nurses.
Mandatory certified training is required
Practitioners must adhere to strict safety standards, including pre-treatment screening, visible risk notices, and adverse event reporting.
All equipment used must comply with EU Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR 2017/745) to ensure safety and effectiveness.

This move is widely seen as the first step in raising the standards of light-based therapies across Europe, with Ireland likely to follow suit in formalising expectations around qualifications and practitioner safety.

What Are the Current Laser/IPL Regulations in Ireland?

Unlike France and other EU countries, Ireland currently has no formal licensing requirements for beauty professionals offering laser or IPL hair removal. In fact, anyone can legally perform these treatments — regardless of qualification — as long as they comply with general workplace safety regulations.

Currently in Ireland:

There is no legal requirement to hold a recognised qualification to carry out laser or IPL hair removal.
Providers must adhere to general health and safety legislation, including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and S.I. No. 176/2010, which cover artificial optical radiation.
These laws require risk assessments, appropriate use of safety equipment, and staff training, but do not specify any required certification.

By contrast, Northern Ireland (under UK law) requires clinics to register with the RQIA and employ a Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) and Expert Medical Practitioner (EMP) to oversee treatments. These requirements do not apply in the Republic of Ireland — yet.

However, pressure is mounting:

Insurers, training providers, and established clinics are calling for formal regulation of laser/IPL treatments in Ireland.
Public concern about unqualified practitioners and client safety is growing.
Industry best practice already expects therapists to have structured, independently assessed training, such as ITEC, to protect themselves and their clients.

🎓 What Does "Certified Training" Mean — and Why Does It Matter?

While France has yet to publish the full details of what counts as "certified," one thing is clear: manufacturer-led training alone is not enough.

To comply with modern regulatory expectations, training must be:

Structured and evidence-based,
Assessed through formal examinations or practical evaluations,
Delivered by qualified educators,
Covering anatomy, skin and hair science, contraindications, consultation protocols, and machine safety,
Aligned with European Qualification Framework (EQF) standards.

Internationally recognised qualifications such as ITEC, CIBTAC or CIDESCO are the gold standard — respected not only in France and Ireland, but globally. These qualifications are independently accredited and ensure a therapist is properly trained to deliver treatments safely, effectively, and within professional and legal boundaries.

At Beautorium Training Academy, our ITEC Diploma in Laser and IPL includes:

Practical and theoretical training on both laser and IPL platforms,
Detailed education on client consultation, contraindications, aftercare and machine safety,
Access to advanced, medically-rated technology,
Certification recognised across the EU and beyond.

Why This Matters for Therapists in Ireland

While Ireland currently does not require a formal qualification in Laser/IPL to operate, this is changing. There is growing pressure across Europe — and from within the Irish aesthetic industry — to raise the bar and ensure all practitioners meet a consistent, recognised training standard.

If you're a therapist offering or planning to offer laser or IPL hair removal, it's no longer enough to rely on manufacturer-led workshops. These courses often lack standardisation, impartial assessment, or theoretical depth — and may not protect you or your clients legally or professionally in the event of a claim.

Investing in an ITEC Diploma not only elevates your credibility but also future-proofs your career. As regulations tighten and insurers become more cautious, having a formal qualification could make the difference between growth and being left behind.

🎓 Why the ITEC Diploma is Ahead of the Curve

At Beautorium Training Academy, our ITEC Diploma in Laser and IPL includes:

Practical and theoretical training on both laser and IPL platforms,
In-depth education on client consultation, contraindications, aftercare, and machine safety,
Access to advanced, medically-rated technology,
Certification that is recognised across the EU and beyond.

Even though it’s not currently required by law in Ireland, completing a qualification like ITEC:

Protects your business and your clients,
Strengthens your professional credibility,
Prepares you for future regulatory changes, and
Aligns you with European-wide safety and competency standards.

If you’re currently offering laser/IPL treatments without a formal qualification — or if you’ve only completed short in-house training — now is the time to upskill. Future regulation is not a matter of if, but when.

🌟 Become a Trusted Professional in a Rapidly Evolving Industry

At Beautorium Training Academy, we are proud to be at the forefront of industry standards. Our graduates are trained to the highest level, giving both clients and employers peace of mind.

We don’t just teach treatments — we teach confidence, compliance, and career longevity.

If you're ready to elevate your qualifications, increase client trust, and align yourself with the future of regulated aesthetics in Europe, our next intake for the ITEC Diploma in Laser and IPL Treatments is now open.

📩 Enquire today and take the next step toward professional excellence.