Contraindications for Body & Brazilian Waxing
Before undertaking a waxing treatment, it is vital that you read through this list of known contraindications for waxing to better prepare you for your treatment.
Leg Waxing should not be performed on clients who have varicose veins, phlebitis, or diabetes
A Doctor’s consent will be needed due to the seriousness of possible aftereffects.
Allergies
Please disclose all allergies before commencing wax treatment. Beeswax has a relatively high incidence of allergic reaction
Contagious Skin Diseases or Disorders
Some skin diseases are not easily detectable and we rely upon client honesty. If a client discloses that they have a skin disease, and it is one that the therapist does not consider a contraindication to treatment, the following precautions must be taken:
Waxing must be performed with hard wax, not strip wax;
Wooden spatula must be used once only, and not both ends of the stick;
Gloves must be worn at all time;
All surfaces must be wiped thoroughly down with alcohol afterwards;
All metal instruments used during treatment, eg tweezers, must be sterilised.
Visible Skin Trauma
If someone presents with visible skin trauma, the area is to be avoided.
Lesions, Sores, and Open Wounds
If someone presents with lesions, sores or open wounds, the area is to be avoided.
Post-Surgical Scarring
Post-surgical scarring is very deep and takes a long time to heal fully. For that reason, we do not wax over areas of scarring less than six months old, or that reopens periodically.
Keloid or Hypertrophic Scarring
Clients who are genuinely prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring must be thoroughly informed that
there is a risk of skin trauma resultant from waxing, and that it is their decision if they go ahead with the treatment.
Sunburn
Skin showing signs of redness from sun or solarium exposure must not be waxed.
Spray Tan
Waxing may cause your spray or self – tan to appear patchy.
Very Dry Skin
Skin damage or tearing can occur where skin is very dry, typically in men. In some instances, dry skin will attempt to absorb the moisture from the wax and this makes it very difficult to remove and heightens the chance of skin trauma. Extra caution should be taken with dry skin. Applying a very light layer of pre-wax oil before strip waxing is beneficial. It is very important to shower and moisturise after being in chlorinated swimming pool or hot tub due to the drying effects of chlorine.
Thin Skin
Thin skin can result for many reasons, such as diabetes, aging, use of prescribed skin care creams, and off-the-shelf depilatory creams and sprays. Extreme care is to be taken.
Pregnancy less than twelve weeks
While there is no medical evidence to suggest that waxing can harm an unborn child, it is wise to err on the side of safety during the first trimester of pregnancy. No waxing treatments are to be performed during that time.
Fractures, Sprains, and Broken Bones
If someone presents with fractures or broken bones, no body part is to be treated, as they could strain the break by tensing etc.
Facial Waxing should not be performed on clients who have any of the following contraindications:
Recent chemical peels using glycolic, salicylic, or other acid-based products
Recent microdermabrasion, injectables (Botox or other dermal fillers)
Recent cosmetic or reconstructive surgery
Rosacea or very sensitive skin
Sunburn
History of fever blisters or cold sores
Presence of pustules or papules on area to be waxed
Exfoliating topical medication including Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Differin, Azelex, other peeling agents, or vitamin A topical products
Hydroquinone for skin lightening
Topical or oral cortisone medication
Accutane or other acne medications
Blood-thinning medications
Menstruation
During a woman’s period the pain threshold is at its lowest immediately before and during her period. Hormones which stimulate the regrowth of hair are most active during this time. It is important to be aware that your discomfort might be slightly higher than at other times. It is advisable to take Ibuprofen about 1 hour before the hair removal treatment.
Moles, Warts, Abrasions, Irritated or Inflamed Skin
Do not have wax applied over warts, moles, abrasions, or irritated or inflamed skin. Hair protruding from a mole should not be removed by means of waxing because wax could cause trauma to the mole.