Preparation of the treatment room and client

Preparation of the treatment room:

The environment in which the facial treatment is carried out is very important as this will have an impact on the client immediately – they will either feel comfortable and relaxed or apprehensive. The following points should be considered when preparing your room.

• The treatment room should be comfortably warm and well ventilated. The temperature should be approximately 25 degrees. If the client is cold, she will not be relaxed and enjoy the treatment. The body temperature will drop when laid down.
• A calming colour promotes relaxation
• Windows should be adequately screened with binds/curtains so that the client feels they have total privacy
• Relaxing music should be played in the background to encourage the client to relax and discourage them from talking during the treatment
• Ensure you are not interrupted during the client’s treatment time
• Turn mobile phones to silent
• Lighting should be subdued, not glaring and not to dark. Candlelight is very calming but take care to potion candles safely
• Fresh flowers or a burner crate a nice aroma and aid relaxation.

Preparation of the client:

Many clients will feel a little nervous and apprehensive on their first visit to you, it is important to reassure the client and make her feel at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.

Complete a client consultation with the client whilst she is dressed and gain written consent for the treatment to go ahead here. Then give the client clear instructions and explain exactly which clothing should be removed. For a facial, the client should remove her top and bra and to leave her lower garments on, she can unbutton her trousers or skirt for comfort if desired and if she is wearing a dress which must all be removed to leave her under garments on. Offer to towels for her to cover her body and tell the client to lay face up and show her the end of the couch to place her head, then leave to allow her to undress in privacy. Ask the client to remove her jewellery and put it somewhere safe in her bag for example.

When the client is laying comfortably on the couch, cover her with another large towel and a blanket. Explain the facial treatment procedure again to the client. A facial should be a totally relaxing experience for the client. She should be comfortably positioned in semi-reclined position or lying flat. A rolled towel may be used as a knee support or placed under the hollow of the back to ensure the clients comfort throughout.

The headband should be placed on the client’s head to protect their hair and to stop it falling onto their face. You can now begin the skin analysis. Many clients will want to close their eyes and drift off to sleep.

Preparation of the work area:

Use this check list as a guide:

Magnification lamps:

There are various type of magnification lamps available, including fixed or freestanding. The use of a magnification lamp is strongly recommended. For good clear vision they are vital. Look thought the centre of the magnification lamp and not the edges as this can distort the image. Always release each section of a mag light by turning the nut to loosen then it can be repositioned and re tightened. This ensures your equipment is stable and safe to use.

Posture:

• Make sure the couch is at a suitable height or you to work at, arm height is perfect for most
• Have both feet positioned on the floor
• Use a comfortable stool or seat with back support if needed
• Keep your back straight when working
• When bending bend from the knees, not the waist
• Ensure your neck and shoulders are relaxed
• Take regular breaks between clients