6.4. Reflection Checkpoint

Key Takeaways

• Hair grows in three phases (anagen, catagen, telogen); anagen is optimal for laser/IPL because the follicle is active
• Soft wax (strip wax) adheres to skin — never apply twice to the same area; hard wax adheres primarily to hair — gentler for sensitive areas
• Double-dipping in the wax pot is always an infection control violation; contamination of the pot affects all subsequent clients
• Isotretinoin (Accutane) is an absolute contraindication for waxing — minimum 6-month wait after discontinuation
• Electrolysis is the only FDA-recognized permanent hair removal method; laser and IPL produce permanent hair reduction

Connecting Forward

Phase 7 covers makeup application — the final service domain on the exam. The principles are familiar: color theory, correct technique, and — critically — infection control standards that apply specifically to makeup tools and products.

Self-Check Questions

• A client mentions she stopped taking Accutane "a couple of months ago" and wants her eyebrows waxed. How do you handle this situation?
• Explain why waxing requires multiple infection control steps that simple tweezing does not, using the shared-equipment principle.