With recent news on allergies to gel manicures making headlines, for some there may be a little cautiousness when booking beauty appointments.
Though, the experts at BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) – known for their campaigns to improve salon safety for professionals and consumers alike – are here to reassure you that safe beauty appointments are possible, sharing their top dos and don’ts for safe beauty.
“With new salons opening their doors, it can be hard to navigate which salon to choose when booking a treatment and the decision can be influenced by factors ranging from price to distance. To ensure you’re booking in with a safe, experienced, and qualified therapist, take the time to do some prior research on the service you will receive both before and after your treatment” said Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chair of British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC).
The DO’s before…
- DO – Make sure there will be a consultation before your treatment is carried out
- DO – Ask your therapist what qualifications / training they have and if they are insured
- DO –Check customer feedback and reviews
The DON’Ts before…
- DON’T – Compromise on quality for cheaper treatments
- DON’T – Book a treatment if you have any uncertainty about the therapist’s capabilities
- DON’T – Skip required patch testing, your therapist has a responsibility to insist on this for your own safety
“When you’re tight on time or have a last-minute event, it can be tempting to try and skip the patch testing stage. However, this is often a compliance requirement for dye-related treatments and an essential step to avoid risk of allergies, unwanted reactions, and complications” advises Lesley.
The DO’s before…
- DO – Make sure your therapist shares thorough aftercare information
- DO – Provide a good testimonial after having a positive treatment experience
Lesley adds “Aftercare is just as important as the appointment itself, both to help maintain quality results and to quickly spot any potential reactions or complications. Ensure that this is provided at the end of your treatment.”
The DON’Ts before…
- DON’T – Skip any review appointments if applicable, it’s an important part of your treatment aftercare
- DON’T – Forget to check T.I.M.E. when booking in for your next treatment!
BABTAC launched the consumer safety initiative, T.I.M.E, at the start of the year with the backing of key industry players, Caroline Hirons, Millie Kendall OBE, Dija Ayodele and Candice Glanville. The safety checklist aims to help consumers know what to be mindful of when booking a service with a beauty therapist.
