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PHOTO: K RAMESH BABU

pretty Perfectionism Some beauty parlours take hygiene and training seriously

As beauticians, dermatologists and cosmetologists jazz up the beauty world with a plethora of products and techniques, looking good has never been so easy. If age-old techniques have gone hi-tech, its users have multiplied.

The result: there has been a spurt in beauty parlours and skin care clinics, that are cashing in on the trend. ‘Skintillating’ adds to the beauty buzz but have you ever wondered, if your next door beautician with affable smile is a pro in her trade or doing things mechanically?

Anoo’s International Beauty School director Anuradha Ch. Says: “Except for a few, not all of them have degrees to support their claims of being beauty specialists. There has been a surge of beauticians, especially, new comers to the beauty industry, many without proper training except for short training courses of a few weeks/months. If using dubious beauty products can lead to medical complications, untrained people might also put their clients at risk,” she says.

Is beauty specialists’ qualification, a cause of concern or just an over reaction? “Somewhere in between,” asserts Madhavi Latha of Kaya Skin Clinic.

“Many of the beauticians are not qualified to do different procedures. They treat their clients superficially without getting the basic info. Like, even a small pimple could be the result of some internal changes but it might be treated differently. Beauticians need to use disposable gloves or at least wash hands before touching a client’s face. How many of them do it?” she asks and adds, “Even understanding skin types or following simple patch tests before procedures are important.”

In fact, laser and electrolysis, the popular methods of removing unwanted hair seem to fall under the irritant category.

Elaborates Madhavi Latha, “Some beauticians know only to use a laser machine mechanically. An improper use could lead to a laser burn and end up stimulating the hair growth. So, when a client is frustrated at the rising number of sessions, the beautician could pass the blame on client’s skin instead of knowing the crux of the problem.” Even electrolysis can pave way for pigmentation and scars.

So, next time, you want to look better and feel better, be sure you make an informed choice.

* If you are getting a laser or electrolysis done, make sure your beautician is qualified to do the procedures. If she/he is not qualified, the result be negative and lead to laser burns, rashes and hair growth.

* Ask the beautician to use disposable gloves or wash their hands each time they do a procedure.

* Look for combs, brushes and hair dryers. Even towels, napkins and powder puffs are carrier of germs. Make sure they are clean .

* A patch test is must before applying any cream .

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