Client Consultation, Contraindications, and Documentation
Client Consultation, Contraindications, and Documentation tests your ability to collect a usable history, recognize when a service must be refused or modified, obtain consent, and write a record that protects both client and licensee.
The consultation
Ask about medications, allergies, pregnancy, skin and eye conditions, prior waxing, peels, laser and injectables, sun exposure and home care. Confirm expectations, explain sensations and aftercare, and obtain written informed consent. Patch test tints and adhesives 24–48 hours ahead.
Contraindications to know cold
- Isotretinoin - no waxing, peels, dermaplaning or aggressive exfoliation while taking it, and typically for 6 months after stopping; skin is thin and fragile.
- Topical retinoids and strong acid home care - withhold waxing and peels for several days; the stratum corneum is compromised.
- Photosensitizing drugs (tetracyclines, some antibiotics, diuretics) - elevated burn and pigmentation risk.
- Active herpes simplex, impetigo, warts, fungal infection, open or weeping lesions - do not treat; refer.
- Recent peels, laser, microneedling, sunburn or surgery - wait for healing.
- Electrical devices - pacemaker, pregnancy, epilepsy, metal implants.
- Keloid history, uncontrolled diabetes, anticoagulants - modify or decline waxing.
Relative contraindications can sometimes be worked around; absolute ones cannot.
Documentation
Use SOAP - Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan - and record date, service, products and strengths, timing, patch tests, consent, contraindications discussed, outcome and aftercare. Store records securely and retain them as Board rules require.
Worked example
A client using tretinoin asks for a brow wax. Reasoning: skin lifting risk is high, so decline the wax, document the medication and the refusal, reschedule only after discontinuation and clearance, and offer tweezing instead.
Traps that cost marks
- Believing a signed form overrides a contraindication.
- Accepting a verbal reassurance without recording it.
- Diagnosing a rash instead of referring.