Waxing: Double-dipping

What are your thoughts about double-dipping?  Is it ever okay?  Today I had a full leg wax and was running low on sticks.  When I asked one of the girls to go out and get more, my boss came to me and asked why - she has always used the same stick for the service.  I nearly fainted.  I was always taught that this is wrong, and that a new stick must be used for each dip into the wax pot.  My school taught this, and the State Board was also insistent that each stick must be disposed of after one use.  

I am practicing in Massachusetts, and after doing some online research, I'm reading that it's fairly common for people to double dip.  But I don't want to do it, I find the thought incredibly gross.  The wax does not get hot enough to kill any bacteria or viruses, does it?

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie G Laynes on July 18, 2012 at 8:25am

Hannah my company was involved because an esty was sued for doing exactly what you just said. She saw the esty doing that because the can was too low and she didnt have a new one warming and told the client that she never double dips. 1 month later she got a call and a letter from state board. We were involved because the wax that we sell had to be named after state board became involved. Sooo...I say use 2 double pots and never double dip. You never know who is watching.

Permalink Reply by Hannah Baker on July 18, 2012 at 9:36am

Thank you, I am glad you told me this.

Permalink Reply by iskyn for me on July 17, 2012 at 4:17pm

Absolutely disgusting ! Aside from the fact that double dipping is illegal may I suggest you ask your boss if she would like to be the client following another with an infectious disease. All joking aside waxing sticks are far less expensive than loosing a client due to mistrust regarding our Health Code. Best Wishes

Permalink Reply by Kate Rodrigue on July 17, 2012 at 4:58pm

Totally agree. I wouldn't eat at a restaurant where they didn't use clean cutlery & plates for each diner; I consider wax sticks in the same "ick factor" category.

Permalink Reply by Pamela Cordeiro on July 20, 2012 at 3:34pm

All of these responses were so helpful, especially the ones from Stephanie.  I am against double-dipping but needed the backup.  Thank you so much.

Permalink Reply by Sheila Gordon on July 21, 2012 at 6:48am

Ok I have to admit, I have double dipped ONCE on a leg wax.  Very first one that came in and I had started to use the little sticks but it was very frustrating!  After that I purchased the large wax spatulas that you can re-use.  I got them from appearus beauty (not sure spelling).  I also bought a pack of white plastic ones that are the same size as a normal waxing stick but have a larger area to hold wax.  I haven't used those yet.  I know the wax queen does say double dipping is ok and I have taken her waxing class but I still think that for the clients piece of mind, no double dipping. 

Permalink Reply by Susan Ferguson on July 22, 2012 at 9:30am

I don't, but I am not against it. You need to check, not all state boards have it as "illegal".  Bacteria needs moisture to grow. There is no moisture in wax. Do your homework has there been a case of a suit that was proven that someone got a disease from waxing? Wax sticks are like nail polish brushes.... the wax, or polish left on the stick or brush has never touched the clients skin. The only skin that touches the the wax is the side of the wax that is against the skin. As mentioned in an earlier reply.....what about the roller applicators that Clean and Easy use, same principle.  Sanitation and cleanliness are of the utmost importance and I am a stickler but I do not spread fear or panic within my clients that they may get disease from someone that may double dip.  There is a salon around the corner from my place that advertises how anyone that gets a pedicure from a spa pedi-tub is almost destine to get some bad thing from it.  Again it is all about sanitation......

Permalink Reply by Brigitte McDonald on July 22, 2012 at 1:22pm

I don't double-dip and was taught it was illegal in PA, however, I use Nufree Nudesse for my waxing and they do have a report with a scientific lab that shows the bacteria does not grow in their wax.  Their wax is not a wax but a soya and botanical based product, it works fabulous and they've been around for many years.  They do claim it is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial.  They also have a product called Finipil that you put on afterwards that kills bacteria and cools the pores to reduce inflammation and it also has a hair growth inhibitor in it (I don't know how well that works, needs daily reapplication).  It works great too and my clients regularly buy it and love it.  However, I still do not double-dip, because of the laws and I don't know if fungus spores or other types of diseases can live in the wax.  But they do have a report you can request that actually shows the facts.

Permalink Reply by Valerie on July 22, 2012 at 6:37pm

To anyone who thinks double dipping is no big deal - how would you feel if you came in for a lip wax, and the client before you had gotten a full brazilian wax, including the rectal area, and they weren't "clean". Even a VERY clean anus will have E. Coli bacteria on it. If you are willing to risk having that wiped on your face, I question your sanity. AND, when I was in Esthetics school years ago, they recycled the hard wax. A girl in my class got a staph infection in her leg after being waxed. The Derm felt it was caused by contaminated wax.  MRSA, the flesh eating bacteria is very scary, and can be transmitted through skin to skin contact. How do we know it CAN'T be transmitted by wax? We can't say "It's JUST an arm wax, it's JUST a leg wax." There may not be water in wax, but bacterial spores can exist without water for some time. So, while you may not have LIVE bacteria, don't forget about the spores which are trouble waiting to happen . Everything puts our clients health at risk when we don't practice safe waxing practices.

Permalink Reply by Christina Wilson on August 27, 2012 at 10:31am

Indeed Valerie, I absolutely share your conviction on the subject! Even if it wasn't a State law I'd be opposed to double dipping. Consumers these days are informed and generally know it's not acceptable or a legal practice. So why put your professionalism and reputation at risk? Who wants to sit on the side of possible infection to save on some sticks...even if a wax was scientifically proven not to grow bacteria? A good friend with impeccable hygiene contracted MRSA on her finger after visiting a reputable dermatologist that I respect. It was scary, and it is a serious concern. I try to pamper and "spoil" my clients as I know all of us do. I think it would be difficult to feel pampered if I saw my esthetician trying to save time or money on inexpensive sticks by double dipping. Veto double dipping! :) It just plants a small weed in your garden that is your brand. 

Permalink Reply by Michell Jones on July 29, 2012 at 4:00pm

Eactly @Valerie:  would you want someone else's bikini wax residue on your upper lip? It's wrong in so many levels. A suggestion though is take the used stick cover the used end with a waxing strip and flip it to use the un used end. It doubles the use of your stick without contaminating the wax.

Permalink Reply by Monica Grajales on April 14, 2013 at 6:26pm

CDC is encountering more and more cases of STDs and other viral infections associated with Brazilian waxing. Enough said.  Tell your boss s/he is gross. Seriously, let them know that they are risking far more money and reputation than buying a box of sticks.

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