Professional Practices: Three Reasons Why Double Dip Waxing is a Serious Don’t

As a beauty professional, you undoubtedly work hard to earn your reputation as a safe, clean and qualified waxer. You’ve likely invested a lot of time into creating a relaxing atmosphere at your place of business; one where your clients know they’re being cared for with quality products and an attention to every detail.

With so much invested, we probably don’t have to tell you why double dipping is a big deal. Instead, consider this a friendly refresher on the dangers of this bad beauty practice. We encourage you to read on and educate your clients about why it’s so important to avoid this all-too-common salon scenario.

Double dipping defined:

Just as it sounds, double dipping refers to when a practitioner dips a spatula into a wax pot, applies wax to the skin and then re-uses the same spatula to obtain more wax from the pot.

Sometimes this involves reusing the same spatula multiple times intentionally to save on waste or cost. Other times, it may be as simple as absentmindedly re-dipping the same stick while chatting with your client. However, the circumstances don’t particularly matter. Both are considered double dipping and both can have serious consequences.

Our Top Three Reasons to Avoid Double Dipping Altogether

• Double dipping is unsanitary

Because the surface of the skin is home to bacteria, dead cells and other debris, these things are transferred to the wax pot, should you dip the same stick more than once. As a result, harmful bacteria then has the potential to infect the skin of anyone who comes in contact with the wax from that pot.

Pinpoint bleeding can also be common during waxing procedures. When this happens, blood can easily contaminate your wax with bacteria, germs and diseases.

• Double dipping is unethical

It’s quite telling that worldwide, most countries agree on the banning of double dip waxing practices. In the U.K., The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority considers spatulas single use items and recommends using a new spatula for each dip in the wax pot. In the United States, double dipping is prohibited by esthetician state boards in all 50 states.

Additionally, The National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health, funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, has its own specialized document pertaining to the consequences of double dipping. Ignoring these non-negotiable standards puts you at serious risk of losing your licensure and right to practice.

• Double dipping is unprofessional
  These days, many waxing clients are quite savvy to cleanliness standards and practices. In the event that a client catches you double dipping, they may be too polite to say anything. However, they would be right to stop the service, not knowing how many other clients they might now be sharing your wax pot with.
  
  Clients who note an unsanitary salon environment may feel justified in cancelling their standing appointments, warning their friends and leaving bad reviews. In other words, double dipping is bad for business and should be avoided at all costs.

What to do if you accidentally double dip

Double dipped by mistake? It happens from time to time. However, when you make this misstep, the best thing to do is to acknowledge your error and immediately dispose of the remaining wax. While it can feel painful to toss out unused products, it’s still far safer than continuing to use contaminated wax and risk much more than sunk cost.

By prioritizing safety and maintaining impeccable hygiene standards for your practice, you ensure the health of your clients and your business, for a long time to come.

Written by Jenny Leazer-Ragolia, Licensed Esthetician