Position the client in a sitting position on the couch with the bed head up.

Check that the wax is the correct working temperature before applying it to your client’s skin. Apply a small amount of wax onto the inside of your own wrist. Always look at the wax pot setting and the texture of the wax before you do the test on yourself as the wax pot may have been turned up too high and you could burn yourself. Once you are happy that the wax is the correct temperature you may apply a small amount onto the area to be treated. Ask the client to advise you if they are comfortable with the temperature of the wax and if it is ok for you to proceed. Check the client is happy with the wax temperature throughout the rest of the treatment.

Using a cotton wool pad and a suitable pre-wax sanitising lotion, wipe over the area to be treated so that there is no trace of make-up creams or oils left on the skin. Blot the area that has been cleansed with a dry tissue. If the skin or the hairs are not dry and oil free the wax will not to adhere to the hairs. In warm weather you can apply a light dusting of unperfumed, talc-free powder over the area to be treated; this will absorb any excess moisture on the skin, keeping it dry.

When applying the wax to the area, it should be spread thinly and in the direction of the hair growth. Every client’s hair growth pattern may be different and you will need to adapt the treatment accordingly. Use a new spatula to collect a small amount of warm wax from the wax pot, taking care not to drip wax on the floor or couch. Hold the spatula at 90 degrees to the skin and then lightly spread the wax over the area using a smooth and controlled movement. Never press down hard on the area as you may scratch the client’s skin. Do not apply the wax too thickly as this will make removal very difficult and uncomfortable for the client. Take care not to spread the wax over too large an area at any one time.

Apply the wax to the leg nearest to you. You need to apply the wax from the base of the knee down to the ankle. Remember to apply the wax in the direction of the hair growth and remove it using the strip in the opposite direction of the hair growth. You are aiming to cover the front of the lower leg. Work carefully to remove the hair from the area ensuring that you don’t overlap an area that has already been treated as this can cause damage to the skin and discomfort to the client.

To remove the wax and the hair from the area, place a new disposable wax strip over the wax you have just applied in the direction of the hair growth. You should gently place your hand over the wax strip and smooth it down over the area that is being treated using a stroking action. You must leave a small free edge at the base of the wax strip (about an inch) as you will need to be able to grip onto this section of the wax strip in order to remove the strip along with the wax and hair that is adhered to it. The free edge of the wax strip must be gripped firmly and the strip must be removed swiftly, against the direction of the hair growth and parallel with the client’s skin. Do not pull in an upward direction and do not do this slowly as it will be extremely painful for the client. The action must be smooth and swift.

To remove any patches of wax left on the skin, place the wax strip onto the area and exert a small amount of pressure with your fingers and remove using the same action described previously. When the wax strip is full, fold it over and place in the designated contaminated waste bin.

Ask your client to turn their leg slightly to one side and apply wax to the inside of the lower leg nearest to you that has not been treated, and remove using the wax strip. Repeat this on the outside of the leg.

Some clients request that you remove any superfluous hair from their toes. The toes and the tops of the feet are incredibly sensitive and can be quite painful and before proceeding with the treatment you should explain this to your client. The treatment of these areas is relatively simple and quick as long as you follow the rule of applying the wax in the direction of growth and removing it against the direction of growth. You will need a narrower spatula and you will also need to cut your wax strip into shorter and narrower pieces. Ask the client to flex their toe to make the removal easier.

Ask the client to bend their knee and then apply the wax from just above the knee- cap to the base of the knee. Apply the wax strip to the lower section of the knee and remove before moving to the upper section.

Repeat the application and removal of the wax on the front of the other leg, foot, toes and the knee.

Lower the head of the couch and ask your client to turn over so that they are lying face down. You will then be able to treat the back of the legs. Cover the leg you are not going to work on with a towel. Also make sure the client’s upper body is covered and kept warm by a towel. Apply the wax to the leg nearest to you in the direction of the hair growth. On the back of the leg the hair growth pattern generally sweeps from the outside to the inside of the calf. Remove the wax with a wax strip. Check for any stray hairs and if there are any, remove them using sterile tweezers. Repeat this on the other leg.

Apply a cooling aftercare gel or cream to the backs of the legs. Apply directly onto a pad of cotton wool and smooth over the area that has been treated. Using a tissue, remove any excess product before asking the client to turn back over onto their front, raising the head of the couch once they are lying on their back again. Apply the cooling aftercare gel or cream to the front of the legs.

Ask the client if they are happy with the outcome and record this on the record card. Talk to the client about any homecare products they can purchase from you to help the skin calm down after the treatment. Complete the client record card and give the client written aftercare advice and the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. Arrange the client’s next appointment at reception after payment has been taken.