Open and honest pre-consultation is the key to avoiding unfortunate skin lifts, writes Kristie Lau-Adams.
No matter how experienced you are, a skin lift can happen during any waxing procedure. Often, and incorrectly, perceived as a wax burn, a skin lift erupts when the skin’s top layer is inadvertently removed during waxing.
It may resemble a burn, particularly to clients, but a skin lift is always the result of skin adhering to wax. It is most common amongst clients undertaking an active skincare regimen or oral medications that heighten skin sensitivity.
According to Hanna Beasley, director and master artist at Lémac on the Gold Coast who specialise in brows and lashes, prevention starts with a thorough consultation. “Our clients are asked about their skincare and medication routines,” Hanna tells PB. “Advising clients to discontinue the use of active ingredients for at least five days before a waxing appointment is crucial. Also, choosing a gentler wax for a patch test prior to the full treatment ensures the skin can tolerate waxing.”
She adds that clients are typically unaware of the risks their active skincare products pose. Ingredients like AHAs, vitamin A, vitamin C, retinol and topical steroids can speed up skin cell turnover and weaken the skin’s natural barrier. Medications administered to control various skin issues should also be disclosed.
“It is vital to educate clients about these risks,” she explains. “This transparency fosters trust while ensuring the client is well-informed and prepared for their treatment.”
In the case of a skin lift occurring during a treatment, immediate steps lead to optimal recovery. Hanna
advises that therapists “immediately stop waxing the affected area” before using tweezers to complete shaping.
“Caution should also be exercised with post-waxing products as the exposed skin is more vulnerable to irritation and infection,” she adds, before recommending that clients are kept across all of the details.
“Open communication is essential,” she advises. “Explain the situation clearly [and] discuss potential causes.”
Clients should also be advised that once they’ve experienced a skin lift, they may be more susceptible to future incidents due to increased skin sensitivity. Hanna mitigates this risk by recommending additional precautions, like modifying a skincare routine and using gentler hair removal techniques.
One of Hanna’s managers at Lémac, Emily*, managed a skin lift in recent months and joins the wider team in educating both salons and client on the risks of skin lifts. Emily says that if a lift occurs, therapists should supply clients with detailed post-procedure care instructions and a “soothing balm” to treat the affected area.
“We provide our clients with a balm to use morning and night,” Emily details. “This keeps the area clean to assist the healing process. I also recommend using the balm as much as possible and avoiding the application of harsh products or makeup. Clients should also avoid picking at dry skin as it can lead to scarring.”
*Surname not disclosed
This article originally appeared in the Issue 01 2025 print issue of Professional Beauty magazine. Read it here.
Read the current issue of our digital magazine here:
- For more news and updates, subscribe to our weekly newsletter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Like us on Facebook
- Join Australia’s largest network of beauty industry professionals on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to our print magazine
Have an idea for a story or want to see a topic covered on our site and in our pages? Get in touch at info@professionalbeauty.com.au.