Underarm Wax

Blood spotting is likely to occur in the underarm region as the hairs can be very strong. Always wear a new pair of disposable gloves and take care to dispose of any waste in the designated contaminated waste bin. A new disposable spatula must be used to apply wax to one area only and this must not be dipped into the wax pot again in order to avoid contaminating the wax pot.

Ensure that the client has removed their top and a towel is placed over the top half of their body. If the client is wearing a bra, tuck a tissue into the side of the bra to avoid wax being spilt onto it. Prepare the client by asking them to lie face up on the couch and to place their left arm behind their head. Ask the client to place their right hand over their left breast and gently pull the breast towards them. This action stretches the skin of the underarm to make the treatment more comfortable for the client and aids the removal of the wax strip. Always treat one underarm at a time.

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 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 oil-free and dry, the wax will not 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. Trim any long hairs.

Look at the direction of hair growth. As this does not always grow in one direction, the wax will need to be applied and removed in a number of different ways to accommodate this. On this client, the hair is growing from the centre upwards and the lower hair is growing from the centre across and down.

With the client stretching the skin, apply the wax in the direction of the hair growth and remove with a strip. Remember to change your wax strip for a fresh one regularly when treating the underarms to avoid a build up of wax and hair which might cause the client discomfort. Pluck any stray hairs from the area using tweezers. Apply a soothing gel or lotion using a cotton wool pad.

Repeat steps 1–5 on the other underarm. Facial Waxing

Whilst facial waxing is quick and removes all the required hairs, some clients can

react to the heat. This means it is not ideal for clients with sensitive skin and alternative treatments such as threading should be suggested.

The Chin

Protect the client’s hair from wax drips with a headband or towel. Ask the client to lift their chin upwards in order to extend the neck.

Using a cotton wool pad and a suitable pre-wax sanitising lotion, wipe over the area to be treated so 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 oil-free and dry the wax will not 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.

Apply the wax using a smaller spatula in the direction of the hair growth on the chin. Some clients may require you to remove hair growing down their neck as well.

Remove the wax with smaller wax strips, taking care not to put pressure on the respiratory tract. Remember to change your wax strip for a fresh one regularly when treating the chin to avoid a build up of wax and hair which might cause the client discomfort and trauma to the skin. Pluck any stray hairs from the area using tweezers. Apply soothing gel or lotion using a cotton wool pad.

Upper Lip

Protect the client’s hair from wax drips with a headband or towel. Remove all make up from the area to be treated and ask the client to close their mouth and stretch the upper lip in a downward direction.

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 oil- free and dry the wax will not 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.

On the upper lip, the hair tends to grow in the centre and down and outwards at either side. Apply the wax using a smaller spatula in the direction of the hair growth to one of three sections. The first sections to treat are the two areas either side of the centre of the upper lip. Remove the wax with smaller wax strips, taking care not to put pressure on the lip area. Change your wax strip for a fresh one regularly when treating the upper lip to avoid a build up of wax and hair which might cause the client discomfort and trauma to the skin.

The last section to treat is the area directly under the nose which is very sensitive. Check for stray hairs and if there are any, pluck them from the area using tweezers. Apply a soothing gel or lotion using a cotton wool pad.

The Eyebrows

Protect the client’s hair from wax drips with a headband or towel. Remove all make up from the area to be treated. Make sure you discuss with the client a desired shape for the eyebrows prior to beginning waxing.

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 oil- free and dry the wax will not adhere to the hairs. In warm weather you can apply a light dusting of un-perfumed, talc-free powder over the area to be treated; this will absorb any excess moisture on the skin, keeping it dry.

Comb the eyebrows into shape using a disposable mascara or eyebrow brush and, if necessary, apply petroleum jelly to the areas you do not want to remove.

Using an appropriately sized spatula, apply wax in the centre of the two eyebrows in the direction of the hair growth, which is usually upwards. Remove the wax with smaller wax strips.

Using a smaller applicator such as an orange stick, apply wax beneath one of the brows, in the direction of the hair growth. This is usually towards the outside of the face. Ask the client to hold the top of their forehead in order to stretch the skin for easier hair removal before removing the wax with small wax strips.

If the client wishes, or if there are a lot of straggly hairs, you may wax above the brow providing that this does not take anything from the main body of the brow. Again, apply the wax in the direction of hair growth, which should be the same as for underneath the brow, before removing it with small wax strips. Repeat steps on the other brow and then check for any stray hairs. These can be removed with tweezers. Apply a soothing gel or lotion using a cotton wool pad.

Forearm

Establish with the client the area that they wish to be waxed. Make sure that the client is in a comfortable position with the head of the couch in an upright position. Support the forearm on a pillow that is well protected with towels and paper.

Look carefully at the direction of the hair growth and ensure that the treatment is carried out in small sections. Do take great care when treating this area as bruising can occur.

Ask the client if they are happy with the outcome and record this on their 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 the reception after payment has been taken.