Wax Depilation Manual
Wax Depilation Manual
Contra-indications
If the client has any of the following conditions the Wax Depilation treatment should not be carried out.
Swelling.
Undiagnosed lumps and bumps.
Skin disorders such as recent haemorrhaging and bruising.
Recent scar tissue.
Loss of skin sensation.
Fractures or sprains.
Defective circulation.
Urinary infection/disease
Allergies to products used during waxing services ,in particular to surgical spirit if being used as a skin cleanser or
sticking plasters(rosin is contained in the adhesive of some makes)which is an indicator of a potential allergy.
Contra indications restrict the treatment, for example the treatment may have to be adapted for the client eg if the client had a
small localised bruise, the area would need to be avoided.
Therapists must always inspect the area to be treated and check that there is no infection or disease present, which could
contra indicate the treatment.
Always allow the client the opportunity to question and clarify any points before signing the record card.
Anyone under 16years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who must sign the consent form. And
appointments should be made after school hours.
Note: It is recommended that intimate waxing procedures are not carried out on those younger than 16 even with
Parental written consent.
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Waxing systems
A wide range of equipment and materials are required to carry out Warm and hot waxing treatments.
Material
Towels to protect the client
Disposable tissue roll – to protect the couch
Disposable wooden spatulas – different sizes for use on the various parts of the body
Wax removal strips – flexible enough for ease of work but not too thin to allow the wax to soak through
Talcum powder
Cotton wool to cleanse the clients skin and clean the equipment
Pre wax lotion
Surgical spirit – to cleanse the equipment
Disinfecting solution – to immerse small metal equipment
Tweezers – for removal of stray hairs
Wax
After wax lotion
Bin – lined with disposable bin liner.
Therapist
Apron to protect uniform from any spillages
Disposable surgical gloves
Client record card
Aftercare leaflets.
Environmental Health therefore underlines that therapist using the wax pot/ spatula method: “can minimise the risk of cross-
contamination by ensuring that:
• Spatulas are never re-dipped into the wax pot after use [e.g. after the spatula has come into contact with the client’s or
therapist’s skin. A new spatula should be used every time more wax is required]
• Splashes or spillages of wax are cleaned up immediately after treatment and the wax heater is disinfected
• Hot wax is not sieved and re-heated
• Wax strips are treated as clinical waste
• personal hygiene is maintained throughout the treatment [which includes wearing disposable gloves].”
If preferred, therapists may wish to transfer wax from a larger pot into smaller, sterile pots. This allows the therapist to use a
spatula more than once on an individual client, providing that any wax remaining in the smaller pot is disposed of after
treatment.
Please note: the wax pot/ spatula method remains a safe and very effective means of removing unwanted hair, providing that
the therapist is particular about hygienic practice. The wax cartridge
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Most wax cartridge systems comprise of hand-held units that have one of two types of applicator heads:
• a roller head (which is replaceable or disposable), or
• a wide, flat nozzle or similar (which is usually disposable).
Whether or not contamination can pass from the client’s skin back into the wax cartridge during the course of a treatment
remains a hot topic of debate. Some beauty suppliers claim that their product’s applicator heads have a built-in mechanism
that prevents any ‘flow-back’ (e.g. wax cannot re-enter the cartridge once it has been expelled). If this is the case, then any
part used wax cartridges should remain contamination- free for the next client, provided that the applicator head is removed
and a new and/or clean and sterile one is attached immediately after treatment.
However, if therapists are in any doubt, they should use a new wax cartridge and a new applicator head for each client.
Whilst this approach might seem a little uneconomical, therapists should bear in mind that the cost of wax cartridges and
applicator heads is minimal, and that their client’s health is priceless.
The wax cartridge systems outlined above (e.g. those wax cartridges that have replaceable/ disposable applicator heads).
Concerns have been raised, however, about the multiple uses of wax cartridges that have fixed applicator heads which cannot
be replaced after treatment (e.g. single-unit applicators similar to roll-on deodorants). For this reason, cartridges with fixed
applicator heads should ideally only be used to treat one client.
Warm wax
Introduction
This first became available in 1975; its popularity grew until it became the market leader, replacing hot wax within most
salons.
Warm wax crates a sticky coating on the hairs, which makes them adhere to a paper or fabric strip. It is applied at a lower
temperature (of 43c) than hot wax.
Warm wax is a mixture of glucose syrup and zinc oxide with synthetic resins and soothing agents such as azulene added to
it. Fructose syrup-honey is an alternative base for warm wax.
The wax heater 2 settings, a melting temperature of 47c and a holding/working temperature 43c, which allows the wax to be
left on all day without being detrimental to the efficiency of the wax and without causing an unpleasant odour.
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Gives an instant result
Lasts between 4 and 6 weeks
Treatment is quick and relatively inexpensive
Reasons why warm wax may not have been fully successful
The warm wax is applied to thickly for the strip to grip the hairs
The warm wax is applied and removed in the wrong direction
The wax is removed to slowly
The angle at which the wax strip is removed is incorrect
The skin is not held taut during treatment, and hairs are caught in the crease of the skin.
Treatment Procedure
General techniques
1. It is important to observe the direction of the hair growth; warm wax must always be applied with the direction of
hair growth and removed against the direction of growth
This ensures adhesion between the hair, the strip and the wax, and that the hair is removed complete with its bulb
as it is pulled back on itself from the follicle.
2. The spatula is dipped into the wax pot, ensuring that the excess is removed from its sides and tip by wiping the
spatula against the sides of the tub or metal bar. Ensure that dripping does not occur by holding a strip under the
spatula as you transfer it to the area to be treated.
3. Place the spatula onto the skin at 90 degree angel and push the wax along the direction of the hair growth, coating
the area in a very thin film of wax.
Quite a large area can be spread with each sweep of the spatula as warm wax will not set.
4. Fold back approximately 20mm at the end of the strip and grip the flap with the thumb widthways across the strip.
The flap will provide a wax free handle throughout the treatment.
5. Ensure that the strip is placed at the bottom end of the wax covered area and make a firm bond between the strip
and the wax, by pressing firmly along the strips width and length, following the direction of the hair growth.
6. Using the non-working hand stretch the skin to minimise any discomfort. Grip the flap tightly using the working
hand to remove the strip against the direction of hair growth. Ensure you use a firm and steady pull, pulling back
on itself, close to the skin.
Do not pull the strip upwards at the end of the pull as this will cause the hairs to break at the end of the strip and
will also be very painful for the client.
7. The strip can be used many times; it tends to work best when some wax builds up on its surface. When there is too
much wax on the wax strip it will stop picking up wax and therefore needs to be thrown away and a new one used.
8. It is important not to spread repeatedly and remove wax over the same area. Wax should not be spread and
removed more that twice on sensitive areas such as underarms, bikini line and the face. Any remaining stray hairs
can be removed by using sterilised tweezers.
This treatment should take approximately 20 – 30 minutes and no more than two to three wax strips should be used.
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1. Prior to the legs being waxed the area should be cleansed.
2. The client should be sat on the up raised couch with both legs straight out in front.
3. The front of the legs should be treated first on the leg furthest away, using three sweeps of the spatula go from just
below the knee to the ankle .Repeat this pattern with the leg nearest to you; this will prevent you from leaning over
the already waxed leg.
4. Starting at the nearest leg remove the wax using the strip staring at the ankle and working up towards the knees.
5. Repeat on the other leg.
6. Ask the client to bend their legs to one side, beginning again with the further leg spread wax on one side of the leg,
from the knee to the ankle using two sweeps of the spatula.
7. Starting on the nearest leg remove the wax from the bottom upwards.
8. Repeat on the other leg.
9. Repeat 7 and 8 on the other side of the legs.
10. Bend one knee and spread wax from just above the knee downwards.
11. Remove the wax from the bottom upwards, removing the wax from below the knee first and then above it.
12. Repeat 10 and 11 on the other knee.
13. Lower the back rest and ask the client to turn over.
14. On the back of the legs the direction of the hair growth tends to be from outside to the inside of the calf muscle.
15. Starting at the furthest away leg spread on the wax following the direction of hair growth.
16. Repeat on the nearer leg.
17. Starting on the nearest leg remove wax against the direction of hair growth.
18. Repeat on the other leg.
19. Apply after wax lotion to clean cotton wool and apply this to the back of the client's legs, checking if there are any
hairs left behind, if there are remove with sterile tweezers.
20. Ask the client to turn over and repeat the application on the front of the legs.
21. Remove excess lotion with a clean tissue.
Toes
Clients frequently ask for their toes to be waxed in conjunction with a leg wax treatment. When doing this follow then
normal guidelines for waxing, but be aware that hairs on the toes tend to grow in different directions.
Remember to cut strips into small manageable pieces to effectively remove hair.
A full leg treatment should take approximately 40 – 50 minutes and between four to six strips should be sufficient.
When waxing the full leg, follow the same procedure as carrying out a half leg wax.
The hairs on the thighs tend to grow in different directions; therefore it is better to not spread the wax over a large area in
one go as there is a tendency to forget the direction the hairs are growing in.
Remember you must support the skin on the thigh as you remove a strip as the tissues in this area tend to bruise more easily.
Intimate waxing
Beauty therapist who wants to carry out intimate waxing treatments, should hold the advance waxing course
certificate/diploma to be insured to carry out these services. e.g. Holly wood and Brazilian etc
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First the hair is snipped with scissors so the wax can reach the follicles. Then, using a wooden stick, a technician places
warm wax on the area a little bit at a time. As with a regular bikini wax, cloth strips are placed over the hot wax and after it
hardens, pulled away from the skin.
Traditional Brazilian and Hollywood waxes includes the labia and the area that reaches into the buttocks. If there are stray
hairs after waxing, the technician may also tweeze the area. The key to allowing wax to penetrate into the follicles (and
provide the closest possible wax) is to relax. And many women claim the treatment is not nearly as painful as it sounds.
1. The client should be positioned lying flat or in a semi reclining position as the skin tissues are then pulled tighter. Bend
the client’s knee out to one side and place the foot flat against the knee of the other leg.
2. Tuck tissues along the lower edge of the client’s briefs. Ask the client to place their hand on top of the tissue to hold
everything in place.
4. Using sterile tweezers trim the hair to be waxed and the adjacent hairs to approximately 6 – 12 mm in length. This is to
prevent wax going into hairs that are not to be removed and also avoids the treatment being too painful.
5. Spread and remove the wax in the most distinct areas the number of times depends on the direction of the hair growth.
6. Use half of the strip length to remove the wax. It is important not to cover the whole area and tear it off all at once.
7. As soon as an area has been treated apply after wax lotion, remove with a clean tissue to remove excess.
8. Straighten both the clients legs out in front and place tissues along the top end of the clients briefs (lower the abdomen if
necessary) Usually the direction of the hair growth sweeps in from the sides and then up to the navel.
10. Apply and remove the wax in small sections. On completion apply after wax lotion.
1. Lay the client flat on their back with the backs of their hands behind their head and elbows flat on the couch.
2. Cleanse the areas to be treated.
3. Place protective tissue under the edge of the underclothing.
4. Ask the client to bring their opposite arm down and over and to pull the breast away from the underarm. This helps
to pull the muscles tight.
5. Underarm hair tends to grow into two main directions. Observe the directions of the hair growth then apply and
remove the wax separately for each small area.
6. Apply after wax to the treated area and remove any odd stray hairs with sterile tweezers.
Remember
Bikini line and underarm waxing can be extremely uncomfortable especially if the hair growth is thick and coarse with
strong deep routes. Some slight bleeding can occur when carrying out these treatments. Any waste contaminated by blood
must be disposed of hygienically in a sealed bag.
Arm treatment
An arm wax should take approximately 10 – 15 minutes for a half arm wax and 20 – 30 minutes for a full arm wax.
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1. The client should be in a sitting position, with all their clothing protected with towels and tissues tucked into the
clients sleeve edges.
2. As the arm is round , the treatment procedure should be done in short lengths by horizontal pulls of the strip.
The rest of the treatment is the same as following the general rules of waxing.
Face treatment
1. The client should be in a semi reclining position, their head supported and a clean towel draped across their
shoulders. A clean head band can also be used to keep the hair away from their face.
2. Clean the area using an antiseptic cleansing lotion.
3. Spread and remove wax for small areas at a time, paying particular attention to the growth of the hair growth.
Hairs on the top lip may need to be removed spreading the wax on one half of the top lip, removing this in three
narrow sections, repeat the process on the other half and then treat the central section under the nose.
Eyebrow treatment
1. Consult with the client on the desired shape they wish to achieve.
2. Brush the eyebrows and separate the unwanted hairs from the line of the other hairs.
3. Using a small spatula apply a thin film of wax to the unwanted hairs in a small area. Remove the wax using a clean
strip and repeat in the different areas but each time use a clean strip until all the unwanted hairs have been
removed.
4. Apply soothing antiseptic cream and use sterile tweezers to remove any stray hairs.
Remember
All facial hairs should be approached with extra care as the facial skin is more sensitive than the skin elsewhere.
Introduction
Hot wax takes longer to heat than warm wax and is relatively slow to use, taking much longer than the warm wax
application.
Hot wax cools on contact with the skin and contracts around the hair shaft gripping it firmly. This allows for removal of the
shorter and stronger hairs.
Hot wax is a blend of waxes and resins so that the wax will remain flexible when cool. Beeswax is often comprises of 25 –
60 per cent of the finished product. Cetiol, azulene and vitamin E are often added to the wax preparation in order to soothe
the skin and minimise the skins reaction.
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Maintenance of Hot wax
Reasons why hot wax may not have been fully successful
The Hot wax the edges of the application is too thin therefore making the removal difficult
The Hot wax is applied and removed in the wrong direction
The wax is removed to slowly
The angle at which the wax strip is removed is incorrect
The skin is not held taut during treatment, and hairs are caught in the crease of the skin.
Hot wax is applied at a higher temperature than cool wax. The hairs embed in the wax and are gripped tightly as the wax
starts to cool and contracts. When the wax is pulled it removes the base of the follicle.
The equipment required for this treatment are the same as the warm wax treatment except for a wax heater that is more
suitable for hot wax and wax removal strips are not required. Brushes rather than spatulas can also apply the hot wax.
Remember
If the wax becomes too cool it will become brittle and break on removal.
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AFTERCARE / HOMECARE
After wax lotion should always be applied with clean cotton wool at the end of the treatment. This helps to prevent
any irritation or infection from occurring as well as taking away any feelings of discomfort.
The client should be encouraged to use this lotion at home for a few days following their treatment, to prevent dryness
or in growing hairs from occurring.
The client should avoid wearing tight clothing over the waxed areas for approximately 24 hours to prevent any
irritation or in growing hairs
If the client is prone to in growing hairs they should be advised to exfoliate at least two to three days before the
waxing treatment takes place. Exfoliation prevents the build up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, and
these then tend to block the follicles causing the growing hair to turn back on itself and grow inwards.
The client should be advised for the 24 hours following their waxing treatment they should not
Apply talcum powder, deodorants, perfumes, tanning products, make up or perfumed body lotion s over the treated
area. Any of these products could block the pores, cause an allergic reaction or irritation on the temporary sensitised
area.
Only unperfumed soap and water must be used on the treated areas.
Ultra violet treatments (sun beds) hot baths, sauna and steam baths should also be avoided as these would generate
more heat to the skin following the treatment and may cause discomfort or irritation
It is important the client does not keep touching or scratching the treated area as this could cause the open follicles to become
infected.
Clients should be asked to sign a section of their consultation form to acknowledge they have received an aftercare leaflet,
and that they have read and understood the content. Therapists should stress to their clients that if they do not carry through
the aftercare advice given, they may develop a
skin infection/ reaction.
They are as important as the other waxing industry,thay should not compromise on their standards as they are not salon
based.the waxing code of practice still apply.
They should work hygienically and use disposable where possible.
Eliminate waste within the requirement of coshh and local authority.
Use fresh and laundered towels for each client.
Disinfect the work area before and after of each client service.
Contra-actions
If a client does suffer from any of the above contra indications you must:
Ensure the room is well ventilated.
Offer the client a drink of water.
Remove the product immediately and apply a soothing skin care product.
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If symptoms persist advise the client to seek medical advice.
Any reactions should always be noted down on the client’s record card so that any adverse reactions are noted for future
treatments.
Name DOB
Contra-indications
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Bruises Self tan Normal skin Dry skin Sensitive
skin
Area to be treated
Results of treatment
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Home care advice
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Inspection and registration of premises
The local authority’s Environmental Health Department enforces the Health and Safety at Work Act. The environmental
health officer visits and inspects the premises. Any area of danger is identified by the inspector, and it is then the employer’s
responsibility to remove the danger within a stated period of time. If the employer fails to comply, this then can lead to
prosecution. The inspector has the authority to close the business until he or she is satisfied that all dangers to the public and
employees have been removed.
Code of Ethics
Members are obliged to uphold the dignity of the profession and shall conduct themselves in conformity with good taste and
professional decorum.
Members agree to act honourably towards their clients and fellow practitioners.
Members must not undertake treatments which are beyond the scope of their professional training. Members who do not
hold a relevant medical qualification must advise clients to consult a medical practitioner in such cases.
Members must not treat any client for a condition which, to her knowledge, is at the time under the care of a medical
practitioner without the knowledge and consent of that practitioner. Members should enquire before treating a client for the
first time if the client is under the care of a medical practitioner.
Members must not give injections or prescribe pills, ointments or lotions which should be prescribed by a medical
practitioner.
Members must not engage in activities which are illegal or immoral. Members must not work in, or be associated with
establishments which offer services which are illegal or immoral.
Candidates must use this as evidence of treatments they have carried out with clients. This evidence will be used to
contribute towards assessment of units for certificate in WAX Treatment.
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Candidate Name:…………………………………………………………………. Date:
………………………………………
f) Privacy 5 – Aftercare
b) Nervous
c) Non- nervous
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a) client physical details
b) Client expectations
Treatment details:
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Contra-indications
Area to be treated
Results of treatment
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After care advice
Assessor feedback:
If you have an employee who is working with display screen equipment, such as a receptionist, you will need to pay for eye
tests given by an optician or doctor and special spectacles if required.
It is also the employer’s responsibility to provide information and training for display screen equipment users and ensure
there are regular breaks or a change of activity.
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