Waxing, when done correctly, is a safe and effective way to remove body hair and have lasting results. Licensed professionals have been through special trainings which go through the different types of wax, which wax types are most effective in different areas, proper cleansing and sanitation (for your safety), universal precautions (for their safety), and waxing techniques. Waxing is not a skill you can learn by watching a few YouTube videos; it is a skill which requires hands-on training combined with lots of practice. Without the proper training and following best practices, it is possible to be injured.
My experience as an Esthetician has revealed a new (scary) world to me. I was never one to pay attention to things such as body hair too much as a young adult. I guess one reason was because I was lucky enough to have blond hair on most of my body; my eyebrows are so blonde you wouldn’t even know I had a set if I didn’t tint them every month. As my business grows, more and more clients have made the switch from nail salon waxing to Esthetician waxing and have been amazed at the difference in service and results.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to make the switch too! Regardless of where you go to get waxed, there are several things to keep an eye out for. Here are five things to look for in a waxing professional:
- A proper license. Licensing requirements vary by state but in order to protect yourself, please verify that the person you are planning to see for waxing has the proper licensing requirements for your state. Ensuring their license is current and active is also very important. In the state of Illinois, it is as easy as a website search. Many nail salons offer waxing services for your convenience (and their bottom line), but in many cases the technicians performing them do not have the proper licensing. If you’re not sure, when you are there, you can ask to see a copy of their license. A professional will keep their license on display or at least within reach in case someone asks.
- Recommendations. These days, with social media and local facebook groups, there isn’t anything easier to do that ask for a recommendation. Then do your research. View their website and social media, their pricing, and call or email them to ask some questions.
- A clean environment. You should be able to walk into a treatment room and see that the professional puts time and care into their work space. Is there wax all over the wax pot? Are their tools in an organized state? Every technician will have their own system of organizing their tools in a manner that is ergonomic for them, but the same theme should be apparent… tools which are clean and covered, gloves within reach, surfaces are clean and sanitized, etc.
- Gloves. Universal Precautions, as defined by OSHA, “is an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and certain human body fluids as if they were known to be infectious for HIV, HBV and other bloodborne pathogens.” Waxing can draw blood, period, no matter where on the body you are waxing. It is in the interest of the technician and the client that gloves are worn to protect both parties. If your technician is not wearing gloves while waxing you, I suggest that you request that they do.
- No double dipping. This one is more difficult to determine until you actually get into the place. Generally, however, if you step into the room and there is a stick sitting in or on top of the wax, that may just be the wax stick they use. Double dipping can be seen anywhere. Protect yourself. You do not know what/who was waxed before you. This also goes back to recommendations; hopefully, a friend would not recommend you to go to a person who they witnessed double dipping.
The same theme should be apparent… tools which are clean and covered, gloves within reach, surfaces are clean and sanitized, etc.
Waxing can be a confidence boosting service and save you time each day but there are also risks associated. Find a technician who is professional and makes your health and safety a priority.
Your Esty Besty 