When Not to Wax

October 09, 2019

When a client shows up, don't just rush to get the waxing service over with. Take a good look at the skin and a few other factors, like the waxing products you're using, to make sure it's actually suitable to wax.

Waxing when the skin is not healthy or prepared may be harmful, and you, as the professional, have the responsibility of not carrying on with a waxing treatment. Learn when not to wax and avoid inconveniences with your clients.

The Client's Skin Is Irritated

Observe the skin closely and look for redness, scaling or a slight rash; these may be symptoms of irritation. Ask a few questions to the client: do they moisturize often? Have they recently had an allergic reaction? Have they used an irritating product? Does the area itch or burn?

If the irritation seems to come from an allergic reaction or a skin problem that is indeed causing an itch or a burn, it's best to suspend the treatment and instruct the client to use a balanced pH cream to soothe the skin at home, take antihistamines to reduce the allergic reaction, or suspend all products with harsh fragrances or colorings. Encourage them to consult their doctor if the irritation persists.

The Client Has A Skin Condition

If the client suffers from a permanent skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or severe acne, it's best not to wax, at least during a flare-up. Likewise, it's extremely important to conduct a patch test to prove beforehand that the wax won't trigger a relapse of the issue. Keep special waxing products for sensitive skin in your wax bar to provide these clients with the gentlest care possible and avoid exposing them to allergens.

With eczema, it's very important not to wax if the lesions are wet and tender. With psoriasis, it's generally safe to wax when the issue is in remission. With rosacea, it's best to have low melting point waxes (to avoid dilation of the capillaries) and with acne, you must make sure that there are no pustules (lesions with pus or discharge) since this increases the chance of infection.

The Client Has A Chronic Illness That Compromises the Skin

Some illnesses don't affect the skin directly but reflect on skin health: lupus, diabetes, phlebitis, cancer (after chemotherapy treatments) all compromise the defense barrier on the skin, so waxing can be too aggressive for these clients. Some medications for chronic illnesses such as blood thinners, some hormonal replacement treatments, and antibiotics can sensitize the skin as well.

Other illnesses (like herpes, which has a viral nature) are better overcome completely before undergoing a waxing treatment.

The Client Has Noticeable Skin Imperfections

Moles, warts, skin grafts, recent scar tissue, wounds or bruises should be examined carefully, and waxing avoided in those areas unless they are completely healed and don't exhibit accompanying symptoms like itching or burning. If they are scarce or isolated, just avoid waxing on them.

The Client Uses Powerful Exfoliators

Alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid), retinoids or salicylic acid are meant to exfoliate the top layers of skin, so when used regularly can over-sensitize the skin to waxing and it's best to instruct the client to stop them at least one week before the waxing appointment.

The Client Is on Skin Medication

Accutane and other acne medication are not friends with waxing since they peel away skin layers. Your client must wait at least one year after quitting the medication to have a waxing treatment.

The Client Has Had a Recent Facial Treatment

Microdermabrasion, microchannelling/microneedling and other kinds of derm beauty exfoliations, collagen or botox injections will sensitize skin for a few days, so waxing cannot be done around the same time of these treatments or even longer periods of time. For instance, it's best to wait at least 3 months before getting waxed after dermabrasion.

The Client Is on Her Period

There is no real prohibition as not to wax during menstruation, but it's not advised because it can turn out to be more painful than normal due to hormonal shifts in the body that make it more sensitive to pain. If a client must wax, ask her if she has particularly painful and abundant periods and put the appointment off if this is the case. Otherwise, assure them it is OK to wax during the days when the period is lighter and wear a tampon instead of a pad for more comfort. Learn more about waxing during your period on Waxing Myths: "Is Waxing Forbidden During Your Period?"

The Client Is Suntanned or Sunburnt

Prolonged sun exposure predisposes the skin to damage, so chances of irritation or skin ripping when waxing increase. The same thing applies to skin after saunas and body exfoliation.

Communicate with Your Clients

Careful observation upon the client's arrival will give you lots of answers and can lead you to decide not to wax, but there is some information that cannot be seen plainly. To ensure the client gives you accurate information and gain their trust, implement a mandatory pre-wax questionnaire where you include a scope of questions related to different skin issues, some symptoms, and even habits that may interfere with a waxing treatment.

All in all, a pre-wax treatment questionnaire will give you valuable information to do your best job and preserve your client's skin health and improve their results. You can conduct it a few days before the actual appointment, upon booking. Facilitate the process by sending it via email or a link on your website. Everyone will have smoother waxing!

So, those are a few common times when not to wax. Get informed and inform your clients too, so you can provide them with the best waxing ever. Don't forget top-quality waxing products too! Beauty Image has got you covered in that area. Call TOLL FREE 888-513-8815 or fill out the contact form below to get in touch with us. Subscribe to the newsletter, too; you'll get our latest news right in your inbox.

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