Hair Removal and Related Services
Domain 3 - Hair Removal and Related Services - tests safe waxing and tweezing, contraindication screening, sanitation, and aftercare.
Waxing mechanics
Hair should be about ¼ inch for wax to grip. Cleanse and dry the area; glove up; test wax temperature on your wrist or a small area. Apply soft wax in the direction of hair growth and remove the strip against growth; hard wax is applied in a thin layer and removed against growth without a strip. Use a fresh spatula for each dip-never double-dip. Use disposable strips and gloves; discard contaminated wax.
Screening
Ask about isotretinoin, topical retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, recent peels, laser, sunburn, active infection, and keloid history. Fragile or recently treated skin can lift or tear. Reschedule when the risk is high and document the decision.
Aftercare
Advise no heat, friction, tight clothing, swimming, or sun for 24 hours; exfoliate gently after 24–48 hours to reduce ingrown hairs. Recommend sunscreen on exposed treated areas.
Worked example: A client has used tretinoin nightly for two weeks and wants a lip wax. Reschedule. Retinoids thin the stratum corneum and increase the risk of skin avulsion; waxing now could cause a painful erosion. Offer tweezing only if the skin is intact, or book after the client has stopped the retinoid for the interval advised by the prescriber.
Traps: double-dipping; wax that is too hot; waxing over moles, lesions, or irritated skin; skipping the medication history; promising laser-level results from waxing.