Client Consultation
What this domain covers
Client consultation is the structured conversation before a service. The exam tests how to identify needs, check contraindications, explain the service, obtain consent, and record information without diagnosing disease.
Core rules and concepts
- Greet the client, use open questions such as “What would you like to improve today?”, and listen without interrupting.
- Ask about allergies, skin or scalp conditions, pregnancy, medication, recent waxing, chemical treatments, and previous reactions.
- Analyse skin or hair in good light and explain what you observe in simple terms. Do not diagnose a medical condition.
- Perform a patch test when a product or service requires it, and record the result.
- Explain the steps, expected outcome, home care, price, and risks; obtain informed consent before starting.
- Keep a client record card with date, service, products, patch-test result, and any reaction. Keep records confidential.
Worked example
A client asks for an eyebrow wax and says she used a retinoid acne cream until last week. What should the therapist do?
Reasoning: The therapist should ask how recently the retinoid was used and explain that retinoid-treated skin is fragile and waxing can tear the skin. The safe action is to postpone waxing and offer an alternative such as tweezing after checking with the client, or advise the client to follow medical advice before waxing. The therapist should record the advice and not simply proceed because the client wants a quick service. The reasoning is that informed consent requires disclosing the risk, not hiding it.
Traps that cost marks
- Skipping medical and allergy questions because the service looks simple.
- Promising a cure for acne or pigmentation.
- Starting without consent or a patch test where required.
- Discussing a client's record with other clients.