The difference between a regular salon and a proper med spa is actually pretty significant and it's worth understanding before you book anything. At a med spa, the procedures are typically overseen by licensed medical professionals, which means the equipment tends to be medical-grade and the staff have proper training in handling different skin types and potential complications. In a regular salon setting, you're more likely to encounter IPL devices rather than true laser technology — and while IPL can work for some people, it's not the same thing and the results are usually less consistent. For laser hair removal specifically, the type of laser used matters a lot depending on your skin tone and hair color. Darker skin tones need specific wavelengths to avoid pigmentation issues, and not every place has the right equipment for that. Always ask what laser system they use and whether the technician is certified.