Skin Reactions after Sugaring
If your client calls after receiving a Sugaring service and says they broke out, have a rash, or are itchy…how do you respond and what could’ve happened?
Assuming you covered your bases and supplied the client with the proper After Sugaring Advice, always stay calm, reassure them that this can and does happen occasionally, and prepare to ask a few questions. Your sense of calm and professionalism will dictate how the conversation will most likely go.
Gently ask what they did after the service? Not accusing them of any wrongdoing, but turn into detective mode to pinpoint what might have happened. There are several things that could’ve happened. Most point to exposing the area to bacteria, even in the subtle actions.
The clothes they wore afterward might have been too tight, or they may have done something to sweat. They might not have completely wiped the residue off the area during the clean-up process in your treatment room. Perhaps they applied something to the area to “soothe or moisturize” and it has bacteria in it. It’s important to remember removing hair, especially terminal hair, is not natural and the body is adjusting to it, so the slightest bit of bacteria could cause a reaction.
I advise my clients to gently wash with warm water after intimate relations, as that is a common way to cause a reaction. In my training, I always emphasize asking questions about their history of hair removal, have they ever experienced a reaction to any past hair removal services?
If so, what happened? “I break out with wax, I think I’m allergic to it” this is a misunderstanding of the process, in my opinion. Most clients are allergic to wax, however, waxing leaves the skin more susceptible to bacteria because it takes the top layer of live skin off and uses chemicals and heat.
It’s usually not too hard to find what the culprit may have been. Ask for a photo if you would like and reassure them that this reaction will be temporary. You can offer for them to come back in, do a double cleanse and mask the area to help give the skin some relief. Make a note to use a high frequency treatment on the area next time. Be willing to answer any questions they might have.
It can be a delicate conversation, but they ultimately should appreciate your attention to understand and help prevent any reactions the next time.
Keeping Things Sweet,
Libby