Client Consultation
Client consultation: consent before contact
This domain tests structured consultation: greeting, open questions, medical and allergy history, contraindications, informed consent, record keeping and privacy. The exam favours what-do-you-ask-next and should-you-proceed scenarios.
Core rules
- Use open questions such as 'What bothers you most about your brows?' then closed questions to confirm.
- Ask about allergies, pregnancy, diabetes, epilepsy, skin conditions, recent peels, retinoids, blood thinners, cold sores and previous reactions.
- Explain the treatment, sensation, duration, aftercare and alternatives. Obtain written consent. Record refused treatment and the reason.
- Contraindications differ by service: active infection, open wounds, sunburn and recent exfoliation generally stop facials and waxing; isotretinoin and blood thinners are cautions for waxing; pregnancy is a caution for certain essential oils and electrical treatments.
- Protect privacy with a screen or closed room, and keep records confidential.
Worked example
A client says she started isotretinoin two months ago and wants her upper lip waxed. The assistant should not proceed. Isotretinoin thins the skin and increases the risk of tearing. Explain the risk, record it, offer threading as an alternative if the skin is intact, and advise her to check with her doctor before waxing. Reasoning: consent must be informed; offering a safer alternative maintains service without overstepping scope.
Traps
- Diagnosing a skin condition instead of referring.
- Promising permanent hair reduction from waxing.
- Accepting a casual 'I am fine' without recording allergies.
- Consulting in an open area where others can hear.