Waxing Safety and Dangers: What Waxing Specialists Should Know

Professional waxers like estheticians know waxing is a “hot” topic. It’s a fast, inexpensive, longer-lasting, texture-improving, and often less irritating alternative for clients ready to ditch the razors, writes the WaxxPot salon franchise.

There are dozens of hair removal methods out there. And hair removal has gotten significantly safer throughout history. (Thank goodness we left behind plucking the hairs one at a time! We’re looking at you, Ancient Greece). Still, no method is completely without risk–waxing among them. 

Waxing dangers don’t surprise us. After all, we’re ripping hairs out from the root. From the delicate skin around your eyes and bikini line to the sensitive tops of your toes, estheticians and other waxing specialists know it takes the right touch to prevent “waxing gone wrong” accidents. 

In this post, we’ll evaluate waxing safety and dangers every specialist should know to combat the risk of waxing fails.

What are the risks of waxing?

Waxing doesn’t always hurt. But when it hurts, boy, it sure does hurt! Some examples of common waxing dangers include:

Rashes

Many people prefer waxing because they hate the irritation and razor burns they get from shaving. These same people are often shocked to find waxing can cause similar symptoms. 

Damaged hair follicles, bacteria buildups, fragrances, and dyes from your waxing products can easily irritate sensitive skin. According to Abby Ahearn of Starpil Wax, such triggers can elicit rashes or rash-like reactions such as:

• Folliculitis due to bacterial infections
• Ingrown hairs
• Contact dermatitis
• Allergic reactions to facial waxing
• Histamine reactions, like hives and sneezing
• Acne

Skin Lifting and Burns

Hot wax or certain skincare products can also burn your clients, says Naomi Torres in a Byrdie article. These cases remain some of the most painful bikini wax fails.

For example, a Chicago woman’s 2016 wax sent her to the emergency room after the wax burned and disfigured her face, CBS reported. In waxing accidents like this one, the wax lifts hair as well as the skin, leaving the client vulnerable to bacteria, pigmentation, and scarring, Ahearn writes in a different Starpil Wax article.

In other cases, failure to heed waxing danger signs and safety best practices can cause even more traumatizing accidents. One husband on Reddit, for example, shared how his wife’s bikini wax appointment led to 9 stitches between her outer and inner labia, performed by a plastic surgeon. A Canadian woman sued a waxing salon for a tear around her vulva, plus psychological damages. In yet another incident, a Florida woman had such severe tears and lacerations after her wax appointment, she was awarded $400,000 from her lawsuit.

Illness

Your hair acts as an immunity barrier, Jahla Seppanen writes for the wellness blog Shape. As such, removing the hair can leave clients prone to infections. This, in turn, can trigger immune responses that leave clients physically ill. They might become feverish, nauseous, or fatigued due to infections, like yeast and staph, Seppanen writes. 

Alternatively, even mild inflammation draining into the lymph nodes, or the body’s general response to pain, can cause residual malaise. Lightheadedness, nausea, rapid heart rate, and fainting will catch any unsuspecting client off guard.

Waxing Safety: What are the safety precautions for waxing?

These “waxing fail” stories speak for themselves. When something goes wrong, clients are often quick to turn against their professional waxers. That’s why every waxing specialist should know the waxing dangers and how to prevent them.

Here are some waxing do’s and dont’s every waxing specialist should consider. You may even want to share this article with your clients so they know what good signs to look for—like the ones at your own salon!

1. Don’t reuse tools.

One of the biggest waxing safety tips: Never reuse your waxing tools. They can get contaminated and cause bacterial or fungal infections. As writer Aria Gmitter learned from her personal experience, such infections can mean multiple prescriptions and follow-up appointments with doctors. Plus, depending on the area, the infections can be excruciating and difficult to conceal—like those on the face.

Opt for single-use wax strips, applicator sticks, and gloves for waxing. Or at least grab a new spatula every time.

2. Use quality wax.

Your instruments aren’t the only things that should be clean and high-quality. Keep waxing safety top of mind and use high-quality wax that’s designed for the area you’re treating. For example, hard wax may be a better option for sensitive areas like the bikini line, Beauty Image USA writes. Quality wax can also help prevent infections.

Can wax expire? Not necessarily. But using wax past its optimal quality (or reusing old wax) isn’t great for your clients’ results. So if your wax changes consistency, color, etc., toss it. 

3. Provide pre and post-care instructions. 

Your instruments aren’t the only things that should be clean and high-quality. Keep waxing safety top of mind and use high-quality wax that’s designed for the area you’re treating. For example, hard wax may be a better option for sensitive areas like the bikini line, Beauty Image USA writes. Quality wax can also help prevent infections.

Can wax expire? Not necessarily. But using wax past its optimal quality (or reusing old wax) isn’t great for your clients’ results. So if your wax changes consistency, color, etc., toss it. 

4. Ask them about known allergies or conditions. 

Your instruments aren’t the only things that should be clean and high-quality. Keep waxing safety top of mind and use high-quality wax that’s designed for the area you’re treating. For example, hard wax may be a better option for sensitive areas like the bikini line, Beauty Image USA writes. Quality wax can also help prevent infections.

Can wax expire? Not necessarily. But using wax past its optimal quality (or reusing old wax) isn’t great for your clients’ results. So if your wax changes consistency, color, etc., toss it. 

5. Discuss (and sign on) the risks. 

Your instruments aren’t the only things that should be clean and high-quality. Keep waxing safety top of mind and use high-quality wax that’s designed for the area you’re treating. For example, hard wax may be a better option for sensitive areas like the bikini line, Beauty Image USA writes. Quality wax can also help prevent infections.

Can wax expire? Not necessarily. But using wax past its optimal quality (or reusing old wax) isn’t great for your clients’ results. So if your wax changes consistency, color, etc., toss it. 

When waxing accidents happen, insurance is the answer.

Don’t wait for a “bikini wax gone wrong” incident to happen. Protect yourself and your esthetician or waxing business today with an insurance policy designed for your line of work. Learn more about WellnessPro’s coverage for waxing specialists, or fill out an app here.