There are some contra-indications which will require you to adapt your waxing treatment. If you work around a contra-indication during a treatment, always remember to record what it is and where it is found on the body on the client record card.
Psoriasis – Dull red papules appear on the skin that are covered in silvery scales that can become infected. You can work on areas of the body that are not affected.
However, if there is any sign of infection or weeping you must not offer waxing treatment and the client should take advice from their GP.
Fragile Skin – This is identified by very thin or crepe-like skin. It should not be waxed over as it can cause serious damage.
Raised Moles and Skin Tags – Never wax directly over these. Work around them and protect from the wax by applying a small amount of petroleum jelly over the area. If the moles are open or weeping refer the client to their GP for advice.
Warts – Warts are small, rough lumps on the skin that are non-cancerous. They are often found on the hands and feet. Warts are caused by a virus known as the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV causes keratin, a hard protein in the top layer of the epidermis to grow too much. If someone comes into the salon with a verruca or a wart, ensure that it is completely covered with a plaster. You may only wax over an area where warts are not present. If the client has not consulted their GP already, ask them to make an appointment for advice about treating the warts.
Abrasions, Insect Bites, Broken Skin, Bruises and Sunburn – Do not wax over the affected area until it is completely healed. Do not wax areas that show signs of infection.
Varicose Veins/Red Veins – Do not wax over the affected area. You can wax areas that remain unaffected.
Eczema – This appears on the skin as a red rash that sometimes is raised or itchy and there may be blisters. The skin can weep and crack and scaling of skin can occur. Do not wax over any area of the body that is affected by eczema. If the client has very severe eczema it is best for them to obtain GP’s consent prior to treating as certain products may irritate the condition further.
Oedema – Oedema is the medical term for fluid retention in the body. It occurs when there is a build-up of fluid (mainly water) in the body’s tissues, causing swelling to occur in the affected area. Do not wax over any area of the body that shows signs of oedema. If the client has not consulted their GP already about the problem, ask them to make an appointment for advice about treating this.
Recent Piercings or Tattoos – You should wait until the area has completely healed before treating. You can wax areas that are not in the area of the piercing or tattoo.
Recent Scar Tissue – Do not wax over scar tissue that is less than six months old and only then if there is no sign of redness and the scar looks healed. If in doubt, refer the client to their GP for advice before treating. This also applies to fractures, sprains and broken bones. Do not wax over the affected area until completely healed. You can wax areas that remain unaffected.
Epilepsy – When discussing this illness with your client you have to be very careful not to offend and be accused of discrimination on the grounds of disability. Ask the client if they know what causes a seizure and how often they experience them. If they advise you that stress may cause a seizure then you should advise them that waxing can be uncomfortable and cause them stress and they may wish to consider other hair removal methods. If they wish to proceed, offer them a patch test so that they can experience the treatment before commencing the full treatment.
Ensure that you have a contact number for their next of kin recorded on their consultation card and discuss with the client what action you would be required to take if they have a seizure whilst you’re with them. All therapists should undertake a first aid course so that they know how to help someone that may have an epileptic seizure, or any other medical emergency, whilst visiting the salon.
If the client has any concerns about whether they should go ahead with the treatment, you should recommend that they seek advice from their GP.
Skin Peeling Products and Treatments – If the client is using or has recently used AHA/BHA/Glycolic acid skincare or has had a professional salon treatment, you must not wax over the affected area. Also, if they have recently had a salon microdermabrasion or dermabrasion treatment you must not wax over the affected area.
If a client has recently had IPL/Laser/LHE hair removal, skin rejuvenation or red vein treatments then do not wax over the area on the body which has been treated.
Contact Dermatitis – As well as taking care of the client, you should also make sure that you think about yourself. You should be aware that as a therapist you may be vulnerable to contact dermatitis or allergies. If this is the case, follow the procedure as you would with a client, and take precautions during further treatments.
Disposable gloves worn during wax treatments can cause contact dermatitis in some therapists.
Cosmetic Procedures – If the client has had recent cosmetic surgery/botox injections/cosmetic fillers do not wax directly over the affected area. Ask them to consult their medical practitioner for advice as to when waxing can be carried out prior to treating.
Diabetic Clients – We have consulted with Guild membership insurers and they have confirmed that it is acceptable to offer wax treatments to diabetic clients whose condition is controlled by diet or medication, thus removing the need for the therapist having to obtain written consent from the client’s medical practitioner. However, therapists must ensure that there are no other medical complications related to diabetes present in the area to be treated, such as neuropathy, as this can restrict the client’s ability to feel heat or pain in a specific area. If any loss of sensation is present in the area to be treated then refer the client to their medical practitioner for advice and consent prior to wax treatments.
Spray and Manual Tanning Treatments – If a client has recently had a tanning treatment you must advise them that waxing over an area that has been recently spray tanned may cause their tan to appear patchy or streaky. If they wish you to proceed, always make sure that they sign the client record card to say that they have discussed this with you and that they understand what may happen but wish to go ahead.
Menstruation – This is not a contra-indication, however, it is a well known fact that a woman’s pain threshold is reduced during menstruation and it may be best for the client to wait until after her period to have waxing treatments. Of course, it is entirely up to the client whether to proceed or not.
Pregnant Clients
Pregnancy is not an illness, however, if the client advises you that they have a history of problems then you should not offer treatment without GP’s written consent. Also, if the pregnant client has advised you that they have developed certain medical conditions during the pregnancy that are contra-indications to the treatment,
they must obtain a letter from their GP prior to offering treatment. Waxing of any kind can be carried out on a healthy pregnant client, but this can be a little tricky as
the pregnancy progresses as the ‘bump’ can get in the way and the client can be uncomfortable. Pregnant clients must not be allowed to lie on their backs for too long. You really need to use a level of common sense to know if it is going to be possible to carry out the treatment safely and effectively.
GP’s Written Consent
Some GPs refuse to write letters for their patients and others will write a letter but charge a fee for it. If you cannot get a GP’s letter then you will not be insured to carry out the treatment and this must be made clear to the client. Some salons ask their clients to sign a disclaimer to say they are willing to go ahead with the treatment without the GP’s letter or without having a patch test. However, disclaimers are not guaranteed to stand up in court if a personal injury claim is pursued. If you are not certain whether to treat a client then you should refer them to their GP for a letter prior to offering them treatment. You are not qualified to diagnose medical conditions or understand medication. If you explain to the client why you require a letter, you do not want to offer them a treatment that could have an impact on their health, they are usually happy to go to their GP.