Salon System educator & wax specialist, Lisa Stone, answers the waxing questions you may have felt too awkward to ask…
Some therapists may choose to put Vaseline on the mole or skin tag and continue the wax service, but I prefer to work around it. I may put by thumb over it while I wax the surrounding area, but if there are any hairs that are close to it or difficult to get to, I will tweeze them.
Moles and skin tags are quite common in the groin area so easy to work around using hot wax; you just need to be confident with a spatula. See a spatula as an extension of your finger for maximum control.
Q: How can a tech benefit from offering male intimate waxing services?
Men make for loyal clients. Once they feel comfortable, they will continue to return and spend their money with you. While the service is growing in popularity, businesses that offer male intimate waxing may not be common in your area so the treatment can offer you a unique selling point. What’s more, you can make additional profit by retailing aftercare products post-appointment.
If a tech is not comfortable offering intimate waxing services for males, I would encourage offering the likes of eyebrow and nasal waxing. A nasal wax takes five minutes yet you can reasonable charge £10-15 for it.
Q: Are there any female intimate waxing trends to note?
While we recently experienced a surge in women wanting to be hairless ‘down there’, the Brazilian is making a comeback. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a small runway strip, as there are more varieties of Brazilian coming to the fore. One such is ‘The Martini’, which sees all hair removed from underneath and around the bottom area but a triangle of hair left. Shapes including hearts are also popular.
Remind clients what is expected when they book their appointment and perhaps have a pre-wax leaflet to give to them, or write a piece on your website regarding treatment prep.
If a client comes in for an intimate wax, they are usually quite well groomed, but it may be worth leaving some wipes or freshening products in the treatment room for them and say that they are there if they wish to use them. Also advise clients to trim the hair before arrival, but not to trim it too short which could make waxing more challenging.
Q: Can a therapist spot skin or health issues when doing a wax treatment?
Waxers must be vigilant when performing a treatment so it does become apparent quite quickly if there is a skin issue or an issue in the intimate area. Honesty must be expected from the client at the consultation stage so that any contra-indications can be identified and a waxer can decide how to proceed.
As with nails, we are not permitted to diagnose but it can be possible to recognise the likes of scabies, hemorrhoids, thrush and genital warts. If the waxer believes that these problems are present, I advise saying to the client: ‘This area looks a bit sore and sensitive, I’d advise you go to your GP to get it checked out because it looks irritated. If we put wax on it, it will exasperate the area.’ Be sensitive and don’t embarrass them. It’s important to be tactful and professional in your delivery.
Salon System Just Wax products are available from wholesalers nationwide, including Salon Services & Capital Hair & Beauty.
Discover more about Salon System Just Wax training at www.uktraining-solutions.co.uk
