Top beauty salon no-no's

With the ever-increasing challenges that face beauty therapists from the onset of new technologies, advancement of cosmeceuticals and the increasingly educated consumer, governing associations are faced with bigger responsibilities in educating the therapists and managing industry standards. As part of a broad-based initiative to assist consumers making a choice about which salon best suits their needs, the AABTh has developed a checklist for consumers to assist them in achieving their goals and receiving the best treatment possible. Presented in brochure format together with key association information, the following points are highlighted to consumers:

Take this checklist to your first consultation so you're equipped with the questions that need to be asked in order to ensure choosing the appropriate and most qualified professional beauty therapist:

* Your professional beauty therapist should display their product, technology and industry qualifications and industry certifications in the salon. Ask to see them.
* Your therapist should listen to and address your goals, offering you solutions that you understand and are comfortable to proceed with.
* Your therapist should be proficient in performing the treatment you are considering and should be able to advise you of the expected results. Ask them for client testimonials and ask them to tell you what the effects of the treatment will be.
* Prior to your treatment you should undergo a comprehensive consultation to ascertain specific details about your personal requirements.
* Your professional beauty therapist should be able to answer all your questions about the treatment and what outcomes to expect. Ask them.
* The Therapist should have a comprehensive knowledge of the products and active ingredients being used in your treatment and how these ingredients affect the skin. They should advise you if you are going to experience any specific sensations so you know what's normal.
* Your professional beauty therapists should dress and act in a professional manner
* Your salon premises and all tools and equipment used should be maintained according to the highest standards of cleanliness, as required and approved by the Association and the Department of Health. If you have any concerns, talk about them don't be shy to talk about them with your therapist!

'Top beauty salon no-no's

A focus on hygiene rules that beauty therapists and salons must follow, but that customers may not be aware of...

Spatulas should be used to remove products from jars - fingers can contaminate!

The wax should never be recycled or reused - therapists must never double dip a spatula into a wax pot

The waxing table should be cleaned with detergent and then wiped with hospital-grade disinfectant - protective paper should be replaced for each client to recline on

Wax temperature should first be tested on the inside of the operator's wrist in front of the client

Salon shower facilities should be provided and utilized prior to any body treatment

All equipment that is in contact with the skin should be cleaned, sterilized and stored in sterile conditions. For example, sealed containers

Operators should wash their hands in front of their clients prior to each treatment. If a procedure is interrupted hands must be washed again before resuming work

Disposable single gloves should never be re-used

When your therapist spreads moisturizing cream on your sensitive, just-waxed skin he/she should wash their hands prior to doing so, or wear disposable gloves

Excess cosmetics should never be returned to original containers

Operators should not eat, smoke or drink while attending to a client. These activities allow close contact with the mouth, transferring micro-organisms to the hand which can in turn be spread to the client

Whenever possible, the use of fire-sterilized, single-use equipment and implements is recommended and is required by law for any skin penetration procedures. A new, fire-sterilized needle must be used for each client, for example, during electrolysis

Australian standards-approved Sharps Containers should be seen and used to dispose of any needles that penetrate the skin

Any materials with blood products, for example wax strips, should be placed in a plastic lined receptacle and then double bagged and disposed of with general garbage

During manicures and pedicures it is recommended that equipment, where possible, is single use and disposable. Fungal infections are transferable when introducing files under the cuticles. The rasping of corns and callouses on feet should be carried out using disposable equipment

Disposable paper towels or clean towels should be used on the manicure table for each new client. Clients should see these being replaced

Skin antiseptics should be applied before the insertion of body parts into paraffin baths (usually during manicure treatments)

Pedi spas must be washed and then wiped with hospital grade disinfectant before each client to avoid the spread of tinea and other fungal infections as well as bacteria

Disposable brushes, cotton wool and sponges should be used when applying camouflage makeup on post operative skin

Ear piercing guns must only be used for ear piercing and not for any other types of body piercing

Disposable tweezers should be used when plucking stubborn hairs along the bikini line and eyebrows. If the same pair of tweezers is used it should be sterilized between each client

When treatments are being performed using cosmeceuticals with active ingredients, the lid of the product should always remain fastened to prevent light from destroying the efficacy of the ingredients

Nail dryers must be wiped down between clients with hospital grade disinfectant

For further information contact AABTH on 02 9415 4633 or visit www.aabth.com.au