Here are some tips and information that consumers should keep in mind when considering and receiving a Cosmetologists and wax service. estheticians are licensed and regulated in California by the Board of Barbering for questions, comments, or complaints, and Cosmetology (Board). contact the Board. The Board works to Board of BarBering and Cosmetology ensure that cosmetologists 2420 del Paso road, suite 100 saCramento, Ca 95834 and estheticians follow www.barbercosmo.ca.gov State law and established 800-952-5210 infection control standards. Waxing Safety tipS 14_363 (03/15) BefoRe YoUR Wax seRViCe Do not Wax afteR the seRViCe • Look around to see if the salon is clean • irritated, inflamed, or open wounds. it is important to remember waxing services and tidy, and that tools look sanitary can have unfavorable results, including • your legs, if you have varicose veins. as well. an allergic reaction, irritation, burning, • any area that has a rash, recent scar • Check that your cosmetologist or redness, scarring, and soreness. Some skin tissue, skin graft, cold sore, mole, wart, esthetician has their license displayed layers can thin and possibly lift off when or pimple. at their workstation and that it has not waxed, especially if you recently received expired. Note that it is out of the scope • any part of your face or body where another service or use skin care products or of practice for a manicurist to perform a you have received Botox or collagen medications described in this brochure. wax service; manicurists have not been injections. properly trained in waxing procedures. • anywhere that has been waxed within the YoU maY Want to sKiP a WaxinG seRViCe • Make sure your technician washes their last 24 hours. RememBeR—if you see something hands before serving you. if they don’t, • Over or around body piercings. • While you are pregnant or taking birth not quite right, say something, first control, hormone replacement, or to your wax technician and then to ask him or her to do so. the Board also • areas where you have recently used skin antibiotics medications. During this the salon owner. if there is no recommends your technician wear gloves care products that contain salicylic acid, time, your skin can be more sensitive to resolution, say something to the during any waxing procedure. glycolic acid, and/or alpha hydroxyl acids waxing. you may consider having your Board by calling 800-952-5210 • Check if the wax pot is clean and free of of any kind. technician perform a patch test before or by filing a complaint online at excessive wax drippings. • if you have recently received aggressive he or she attempts a full service. www.BreeZe.ca.gov. • See if the wax rollers are clean. Some exfoliation of the skin, such as • if you are a smoker or have rosacea. technicians use a roller to apply the wax microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, and/or Let’s work together for a safe, Dilated capillaries can be sensitive to the instead of a wax stick. either the roller chemical peels. healthy salon experience. waxing process. head needs to be replaced with a fresh • if you have taken or are using prescription ensuring the health and safety of disposable one or the head should be • if you take blood thinners, or have medications, such as antibiotics, California consumers by promoting cleaned and sanitized between clients. diabetes or phlebitis. these are medical accutane, topical ointments or creams ethical standards and by enforcing conditions. please consult with your • ask what disinfection procedures your (e.g., Retin-a or Renova), and/or acne the laws of the barbering and doctor before receiving a waxing technician is using and how the salon medication. beauty industry. procedure. sanitizes its tools. • if you have lupus or aiDS or you are in • if you recently drank a large amount • Make sure disposable items, such as wax cancer therapy getting chemotherapy of caffeine or alcohol. Stimulants and sticks, are immediately thrown away after or radiation. depressants can cause your skin to be use. No double-dipping in the wax pot! • if you have been in direct sunlight for extra sensitive to waxing. Wait until they • Check that your treatment table is a long period of time or in a tanning are out of your system before getting a covered with a fresh, clean towel or a bed within the last 24 hours or your waxing service. sheet of new treatment table paper. skin is sunburned. .