A skin graze is when the top layer of skin lifts during waxing, leaving a small amount of exposed skin with a burn-like appearance. Although this heals up within a few days, it can be annoying and an inconvenience for clients (who wants a flaky scab around their brows).
So, you've waxed your client's brow and half their skin along with it.
Oops. 😬
First of all, don't panic. Grazes happen, and a lot of the time, it isn't actually your fault...
*raises brow at the retinol-obsessed client* 👀
A skin graze can be stressful, or even embarrassing, for a brow artist as a lot of the time people assume it's due to a lack of experience on the therapist's part. In reality, there are many factors that can cause waxing grazes.
When a client's skin is sensitised, grazes are much more likely.
But what causes enhanced skin sensitivity, and what should your client do to avoid this?
Okay, get ready to take notes…
THE SKINCARE NO-NOS ⛔
AHAs? Exfoliators? Vitamin A?
Retinol? Retinoid? Tretinoin?
No, no, and double no.
Warn your clients when they book their appointment to avoid using such skin products (or any products containing AHAs or Vitamin A) for at least 3 days before treatment. These products remove the skin's protective barrier, resulting in enhanced sensitivity which can lead to grazes.
Also, advise them to discontinue using such products for 3 days post-treatment.
THE SUNBED ADDICT... (THERE'S ALWAYS ONE 🫠)
⚠️ Tell your clients to avoid the sunbeds. REPEAT: avoid the sunbeds! ⚠️
You guessed it, sunbeds enhance skin sensitivity – a big no-no pre-wax! The same applies to saunas, steam rooms and even hot tubs. Tell your client to avoid all of these services at least 48 hours before their appointment to reduce the risk of skin grazes.
WEATHER CHANGES 🥶
As the weather gets colder, skin becomes more sensitive, hence waxing grazes more likely. Considering we are unable to control the weather, all you can do is be wary of seasonal changes and make sure you're using/melting the wax correctly to minimise the risk of grazes.
WAX TEMPERATURE 🌡️
Okay, this one is kind of your fault🤦♀️
It’s your responsibility to check the wax’s temperature before using it. Check it on your wrist, and then your client’s too, to ensure it isn’t too hot or too cold. Wax that is above or below the ideal temperature can cause skin grazes.
SO, NOW YOU KNOW THE CAUSES,
LET'S DISCUSS THE FIXES...
DO A SKIN CONSULTATION 📝
Communication is key! 🗝️
Assess your client's skin beforehand. Discuss their pre-wax treatment care. Ask questions. For example, have they suffered from waxing skin grazes before? Do they naturally have sensitive skin? If so, ensure you use the right type of wax for their needs. Make sure to layer the wax thinly, as thick wax can pull the skin and lead to grazing.
If your client admits to doing any of the big waxing no-nos pre-treatment, never be afraid to say no to going ahead with the treatment. It’s your job to ensure your client’s safety and warn them before their appointment of the dos and don’ts. If the conditions don't allow for it, then do not wax.
USE A BARRIER 🚧
Would you curl hair without heat defence? Would you apply gel polish without a base coat? Would you sit and sunbathe without SPF?
Then why would you do a brow wax without a protective barrier…?🤷♀️
Using a barrier pre-wax can help protect the skin and avoid waxing grazes.
And remember it’s not always our fault, but it is our responsibility to check the clients consultation forms and ensure we are following all the steps to try avoid it! If it happens make your client aware of it and recommend on how to look after/treat it over the next few days.
Our top tips:
- Use eyebrow powder as your barrier if clients are on a retinol/vitamin a based skincare routine.https://beautifulbrowsandlashes.com/collections/brows/products/beautiful-brows-powder-light-brown
- If grazing does happen recommend a hydrating and soothing product such as environ colostrum gel as a rescue sos 🆘
- NEVER wax if your client is after a peel/exfolation or on tretinon or roaccutane