Code of Conduct

Any therapist working within the industry should follow the codes of practice as a minimum standard. This is what is required to meet acceptable health and safety guidelines.

This can be divided into three main areas:

Client prep and consultation

It is required by insurance companies to perform a patch test on all new clients, prior to the consultation or treatment, to ensure there is no sensitivity to the products you are using. A patch test must be carried out a minimum of 48 hours before the treatment takes place, this is very important for insurance reasons and the clients safety.

• Every client should receive a full consultation before any treatment commences.
• Information recorded during the consultation may be stored electronically or filled manually.
• Information must be kept confidential and must be kept for up to six years.
• During the consultation the client’s health and lifestyle will be discussed as well as current methods used to remove the hair.
• Contra-indications and contra-actions will be discussed as well as aftercare for the client.
• It is very important that the client signs the consultation form, to say they agree with the information that has been recorded and that they understand the aftercare advice given and will follow this advice.

Hygiene

• The spread of organisms which may cause diseases must be controlled during waxing treatments.
• All metal equipment must be sterilised using the appropriate techniques (e.g. autoclave or Barbicide/Mundo solution).
• Each client needs new, disposable equipment such as spatulas.
• Therapists should ensure that their personal presentation is to the highest standard possible.
• Therapists may wear aprons to protect their clothing.
• They should put on disposable gloves directly before the waxing commences and change the gloves between every client.
• The therapist also needs to ensure that the client’s clothing is suitably protected to prevent damage from products.
• Every beauty therapy business should check with their local authority for the methods of waste disposal required in their area. This is because some waste will be contaminated, (e.g. by client’s blood from blood spotting).

Techniques during treatment

• One of the main injuries to occur during waxing is burns from the wax being heated too high.
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidelines on heating.
• Therapists should test the wax on the inner part of their own wrist first and then apply a small amount of wax to the client, to make sure the temperature is tolerable for the client.
• Therapists must ensure that clients are in the best position possible for the area being treated to reduce the risk of bruising.
• For first-time clients it is advisable to apply and remove a small amount of wax first, so the client can experience the sensation before a large amount of wax is applied.

As a Brow Technician you need to understand the anatomy and physiology of the skin and hair.