Safety First!

Safety First

Contraindication is something that, if present, makes the service inadvisable due to a possible negative outcome.

Sure, it’s easy to differentiate contraindications that are clear and obvious, while some contraindications aren’t as obvious. A thorough intake form (or client consultation form), verbal communication, looking and feeling the skin are required to determine that it is safe to wax a client. 

What are questions I should ask on my intake form?

​Daily habits that affect the skin

You will want to understand how much water, alcohol and caffeine is consumed. These all affect the hydration of the skin.

How much do they exercise? Here is also a direct correlation to hydration but also skin condition. Let’s say your client is training for a marathon and running many miles per day and are scheduled for a Brazilian wax, the question will open up the conversation to ask more questions and even to look for chaffing on the skin, which you wouldn’t wax over.

Medication, orally or topically

Blood thinners, antibiotics and other medication can leave an adverse effect from waxing. It is very important that you ask, and the client tells you what medications are being taken. The client should always check with their Dr. to be sure it is safe to proceed with waxing.

Skin care products being used

This is a big one.

The ingredients in over the counter skin care products have evolved from basic ingredients to advanced ingredients that used to need a prescription for use. Clients may not know what they are using. First, ask if their skincare is a prescription. Prescription products may not be compatible with waxing. Next ask if their regimen is professional skincare quality or over the counter (like from the drug store). Professional products may have a higher percentage of active ingredients. Typically, products formulated for smoothing, lightening, brightening, clearing and more, are the ones that will contain ingredients that thin the skin making waxing inadvisable.

Once you understand what products are used, next you need to understand where the product is used. Does an acne medication used on the chin effect the eyebrow area? Yes. Does a smoothing cream used on the decollete effect the upper lip? Yes. Ingredients travel and may be trans epidermal. And Accutane? At least 1 year since the last dose and do a test strip. A small percentage of people may not be able to tolerate waxing after the use of Accutane, even years later.

General health

Any serious health issues could affect the skin. The skin is an organ and connected to the entire organ system. Cancer, diabetes, and other disease can affect the skin as well. Now, we will add covid_19 to the list due to documented cases of skin rashes and other skin conditions.

How should I proceed?

Quality wax

First off, it is very important to use a high-quality wax. There are so many waxes on the market to choose from, your clients come first, choose wisely. Cirépil, the inventors of the Original Patented Blue wax beads-an all-purpose, high-quality wax and a good choice to feel confident in the safety of your clients. If the client is sensitive, opt for Cristalline, a hypoallergenic vegan wax

Check the temperature

Check the temperature of the wax on your wrist AND your client’s wrist to be sure the temperature of the wax is comfortable. Cirepil waxes, both soft and hard waxes, are low temperature wax and very comfortable for the client. 

Do a test strip on the area to be waxed

Do a test strip on the area to be waxed. The skin should not be red or irritated. Cirepil waxes are very gentle. Every hair is removed, leaving behind only beautiful skin

Check the temperature

Check the temperature of the wax on your wrist AND your client’s wrist to be sure the temperature of the wax is comfortable. Cirepil waxes, both soft and hard waxes, are low temperature wax and very comfortable for the client. 

Prepare the skin before waxing

Using one drop of Cirépil’s Pre Depilatory Oil will create a barrier between the hair and the wax, protecting the skin and resulting in a very comfortable wax removal. The key is to only use a drop and then blot the area. It is a game changer! Toss the powder.

Follow your instinct

If it doesn’t feel right don’t do it. Not every client will reveal all the products they use or maybe they forgot they applied a new serum.  Look at the skin, if you see the light sheen indicative of retinol use or anything out of the ordinary have the client discontinue all active products and come back in at a later date. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Clients will love your caution and professionalism.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 17 December 2020.

Recent Posts

blog

The Ultimate Guide to Opening Your Own Waxing Business

In recent years, the personal grooming industry has witnessed a surge in demand for professional...

more

blog

Silky Smooth: The Art of Waxing Arms

When it comes to hair removal, waxing has been a tried and true method for...

more

blog

Embrace the Summer with Waxing: A Guide to Smooth, Carefree Skin

As the warm sunrays bathe us in their golden glow, summer arrives with its promise...

more

blog

When it comes to exfoliation, what is the best physical or chemical exfoliation?

Exfoliation is an effective solution for many skin concerns like acne, aging skin, hyperpigmentation, ingrown...

more

blog

What’s the difference between a Bikini Wax vs a Brazilian Wax?

You are using top notch wax, the Mercedes Benz of waxing, Cirépil wax. You have...

more

blog

3 Steps for a Foolproof Back Wax

Men’s waxing has increased, the market is currently hotter than cryptocurrency. If you are hesitant...

more

blog

5 Waxing Tips from Top Wax Pros

1. Different temperature wax for different body areas Salon owner and highly experienced waxer, Jamie...

more

blog

Ethically Chic: differences between vegan, organic and cruelty free products

The ethically chic movement isn’t new, but it is growing especially within the professional salon and...

more

blog

7 Waxing Myths Demystified

Read on to demystify the myths and facts when it comes to waxing! 1- Waxing...

more

blog

5 reasons Why Preparing the Skin Prior to Waxing is Important

Why is it important to prepare the skin before waxing? isn’t faster to just apply...

more

blog

Powder vs Oil, which is better?

It is a highly debated subject in the waxing industry.  How to prepare the client’s...

more

blog

Waxing Classes, in person and online, Learn how to wax a client

The Naked Truth of Esthetics Education. Almost every state in the USA, requires an esthetics...

more

blog

Safeguard your Business – Liability insurance in the waxing industry 

All is going as planned, you graduate from esthetics school, take hours of advanced classes,...

more

blog

Make More Money – Add On Services to your Salon

Being an esthetician is extremely rewarding. Most of us love our job for the social...

more

blog

Melanoma Matters

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month April showers may bring May flowers, but May is...

more

blog

Does waxing need to be so painful?

1- The Wax  The wax you choose to use on your clients is a big...

more

blog

Waxing or Shaving, what is the best method?

It’s a catch 22, you hate having hair, so you shave every day. The idea of...

more

blog

Which is better, hard wax beads or soft strip wax?

Should you wax clients with hard wax (aka hot wax) or soft wax (aka strip...

more

blog

Why waxing is better? Comparison of different hair removal methods

With so many hair removal options & some that are even permanent, do people still...

more

blog

What waxing accessories do you need for professional waxing?

Ok, so you have carefully chosen the best wax for your business but what else...

more

blog

New Wax, New Service, Explained

Tattoo’s often have tremendous meaning. Aside from the 3 am drunken *regretted* tattoo decision, most...

more

blog

When Hard Wax is Ready?

Too thin, too thick or just right? Hard Wax Consistency, answered! Ensure your Cirépil Hard Wax is...

more

blog

What is Tattoo Wax?

As estheticians, you have likely spent hours watching YouTube and Instagram videos of waxing. Stirring,...

more

blog

Safety First!

Contraindication is something that, if present, makes the service inadvisable due to a possible negative...

more

blog

5 Benefits of Hard Wax

Hard wax, sometimes referred to as stripless wax, is depilatory wax that is removed without...

more

blog

5 Steps to Waxing Sensitive Skin

Isn’t is true, the first thing your clients say before you apply the wax, ‘just...

more

blog

Do you offer men’s waxing?

If you have not yet added men’s waxing to your waxing menu, you are missing...

more

blog

First Time Brazilian Wax Made Easy

So, your client is a Brazilian waxing virgin and is ready to take the plunge!...

more

blog

Which wax is the best wax?

With so many hard wax options, how do I know which hard wax beads to...

more

blog

Build a Male Waxing Clientele

Waxing was once thought to be something exclusive for woman.This is no longer the case....

more