Glow & Tell: Your Questions Answered - 26 February 2024

Welcome to our new segment, where every week, we’ll be answering all your burning beauty questions relating to businesses or general how to’s, with advice from our editor, team and beauty industry experts. Want to submit a question anonymously to be considered for next time? Just leave your question here, making sure to let us know that it’s for the Glow & Tell segment and see you next time!

Q: I recently faced a situation where my employer mandated that I perform a waxing service on a male client. I lack training in male waxing and felt uncomfortable with the request. Is it within my employer's rights to compel me to undertake tasks for which I am unprepared?

A: It is essential to understand that no employee should be coerced into performing tasks that fall outside their professional training or personal comfort zone. The lack of respect for your boundaries by your employer is a significant red flag. We advise seeking employment in a more supportive environment that values your expertise and personal boundaries. It's regrettable that you've been placed in this position.

Q: How should I discipline my employees? I have a policy expecting staff to arrive 15 minutes early to prepare for the day, a practice I've always believed to be standard. This time is unpaid, though I do offer a paid 30-minute lunch break, which is not a legal obligation. Despite repeated reminders, adherence to this policy has been inconsistent. Without an HR department, I find it challenging to manage this issue. Could you offer any guidance?

A: The expectation for employees to arrive early without compensation is an uncommon practice across most industries and can be detrimental to staff morale and retention. In the beauty sector, where meticulous preparation is crucial, it’s vital to recognize the value of this time. The current practice, including a brief and often interrupted lunch break, may contribute to the high turnover of skilled professionals. A fairer approach would be to compensate employees for their preparation time or adjust the scheduling to include setup and closure times within paid hours. The beauty industry is evolving, with professionals seeking equitable working conditions. Rethinking these practices could lead to higher staff satisfaction and retention.

Q: Is adherence to using brand-specific LED lamps for gel products necessary, or is this merely a marketing strategy to encourage brand loyalty?

A: Indeed, the compatibility between LED lamps and gel products is critical, primarily due to the specific wavelengths of light required for the optimal curing of the gel. The effectiveness of the curing process is not determined by wattage but by the nanometer wavelengths of the LED lamp. Did you know, that using the wrong type of lamp can invalidate your insurance?

Q: For beauty professionals considering working from home, particularly for waxing services, is a license required?

A: Operating a home-based salon does necessitate obtaining the appropriate license, which varies depending on your local jurisdiction as determined by your local council. Licenses are not only essential for specific beauty treatments like tattooing, piercing, or electrolysis but also for ancillary services such as playing music (unless it is royalty-free) or broadcasting television programs. Furthermore, securing salon insurance is imperative, as many insurance policies require a valid business license to offer full coverage. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is crucial for the legitimacy and safety of your home-based beauty business.

Q: What are the current guidelines for clients wishing to have a massage whilst having treatment for cancer?

A: As outlined by BABTAC, therapists must have a recognised qualification and appropriate CPD training in any discipline they wish to carry out treatments in. That means staff, who wish to carry out treatments for clients with cancer, will need accredited cancer / oncology specific CPD training.