Consultation and Client Care
Domain 3 tests the consultation as a safety and consent process, not a chat before treatment: history-taking, contraindication screening, clear explanation, documented consent and secure record keeping.
Consultation sequence
- Greet, confirm identity and treatment, ensure privacy and hand hygiene.
- Ask open questions about skin/hair/nail history, allergies, medications, pregnancy, recent procedures, lifestyle and previous reactions.
- Explain the treatment, sensations, risks, alternatives and aftercare in plain language; check understanding.
- Obtain informed consent; complete patch tests 24–48 hours before tinting or waxing where required.
- Screen absolute and relative contraindications; refer when uncertain.
- Record facts, not opinions: date, products, patch-test result, consent, advice and referral. Store securely under GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Communication and boundaries
Use active listening, avoid jargon and confirm the client’s goals. Do not promise medical outcomes or diagnose. Offer a chaperone where appropriate and adapt communication for sensory or language needs.
Worked example: A client wants a bikini wax and reports isotretinoin use ending two months ago. Reasoning: isotretinoin increases skin fragility and reduces healing, so waxing could tear skin. Do not proceed; explain the risk, advise waiting for prescriber clearance and offer a non-waxing alternative. Record the decision and advice.
Traps: assuming consent; skipping medication questions; writing “client fine” instead of facts; discussing a client in public; sharing records without authority.