Whilst beauty etiquette comes naturally to experienced therapists, it’s important not to forget to educate first-time clients, says Fiona Tuck.
Fiona Tuck outlines five etiquette tips, or common behind closed doors beauty blunders, you should be sure to pass on to clients.
1. Keep your clothes on unless directed otherwise
Climbing up on the treatment couch does not give you a free for all to strip naked. A skin treatment, eye lash tint or eyebrow wax does not require exposure from the chest down so no need to take your clothes off. Not sure which way to lie down? If you are having a back massage lie on your front but otherwise lie on your back as we need to be able to get to your face for a face treatment.
2. Disposable underwear
This is not a head bonnet yet the majority of people put g strings on their head, unaware of the fact they are designed to be worn for spa treatments, massage, waxing etc. A disposable g string is designed to replace regular underwear (not to be worn over the top). Men especially need to remember this about treatment gowns. You may be given a modesty treatment gown to wear if the therapist needs to work on the décolleté area. This gown usually resembles a wraparound tube and is designed to be worn under the arms to cover the chest area. Think boob tube. It is not designed to be worn as a turban, neck collar or skirt.
3. Respect the therapist
Remember you are in the hands of an expert and whilst you may be a Google expert and read the latest on ingredient technology a therapist is trained to be able to separate fact from fiction and which ingredients work best for which skin condition. Let them be the expert to be sure to avoid the cleanser accidently dripping in your eyes.
4. Respect the products in the treatment room
Professional use products are just that professional use only. What may look like an innocent white pot could contain something more sinister such as acetone or a chemical peel. Nail bonding glue looks a lot like eye drops.
5. Follow professional recommendations
Detox oils, body butters, vitamin powders and capsules are usually for topical use only. Eating skincare products won’t have the effect that you may have been hoping for. Oh and be careful when reading instructions on packaging!
Fiona Tuck is managing director of Skinstitut, visit www.skinstitut.com