Waxing & threading Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Aftercare product reactions — Check fragrance and preservative sensitivities; choose bland, alcohol-free soothing products and avoid essential oils on freshly waxed skin. Provide written aftercare (no heat, gym, sunbeds 24 h) and a route to report rashes; switch brand if recurring irritation is logged.
• Brow/eye irritation during threading — Seat upright with head support; ask contacts to be removed; avoid thread contact with ocular surface. Work with short, controlled pulls and shield eyes from loose ends. Provide sterile saline and sterile swabs; cease if tearing or irritation persists.
• Herpes simplex reactivation (upper lip/face) — Screen for current or recurrent cold sores; avoid waxing/threading over active lesions and defer until healed. Wear gloves, use disposables, and for frequent outbreaks advise clients to seek medical input on prophylaxis. Record sites and adjust service order to minimise friction.
• Cross-contamination and double-dipping — Decant single-use sticks; never return a used spatula to the pot. Use separate pots by body area, replace strips between pulls, and wear gloves for intimate zones. Disinfect trolleys and handles each client and discard leftover decants; log cleaning on a visible checklist.
• Contraindications (retinoids/Accutane/peels) — Screen for isotretinoin, topical retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, recent microdermabrasion or laser; defer waxing on treated zones until safe intervals. Offer threading or trimming instead; note timelines in the record and reconfirm at each visit before resuming wax services.