Top Risk-Prevention Tips Every Esthetician Should Know

As an esthetician, your top priority is delivering exceptional care, but even routine treatments carry risks. From chemical peels gone wrong to allergic reactions and equipment misuse, these small missteps can lead to big liabilities. 

From injuries to lawsuits and client complaints, you must proactively reduce risks and protect your business and reputation. A serious incident could lead to a costly lawsuit or business closure. Continue reading to learn risk-prevention tips that minimize risks as an esthetician and help your business thrive. 

Use Disposable Items During Treatments And Services

The use of disposable supplies can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Complaints due to contamination during a client session can ultimately lead to lawsuits. 

Disposable items are a convenient alternative to cleaning and sterilizing reusable supplies, helping you save time and money. You can focus on providing exceptional service without the hassle of cleaning and sanitizing supplies in between each session. 

Clients are also more likely to trust estheticians who take these extra precautions, especially regarding safety. Additionally, health and safety regulations may require the use of disposable items, so incorporating them into your practice demonstrates your commitment to safety.

Maintain a Regular Cleaning and Disinfecting Schedule

Maintain a clean and safe workspace by regularly cleaning and sanitizing all your tools and equipment. Disinfect all surfaces and chairs to reduce contaminants and avoid infections. Clean water basins, use clean robes or sheets for each client and set aside time every night to thoroughly clean each workstation. 

Also, use only EPA-registered disinfectants, as they have been tested for safety and proven effective against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using EPA-registered disinfectants helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases, which is critical in personal care settings where direct skin contact is involved.

A strict cleaning protocol after each procedure helps with compliance and reduces hefty fines and penalties. A tidy workspace also creates a welcoming atmosphere for your clients and enhances their experience, making them more likely to return. 

Wear Protective Equipment While You Work

Protect yourself, your employees, and your clients by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and eyewear during every procedure to reduce exposure to harmful contaminants and infections. 

Wear gloves when performing services that include direct skin contact, and change them when switching clients to prevent cross-contamination. Include masks and eyewear when handling chemicals that might permanently damage your eyes. 

Being extra cautious helps you avoid potential risks and maintain your good reputation. It also ensures you provide top-notch quality care, encouraging more potential customers to choose you over competitors. 

Stay Current With Regulations and Guidelines

You can avoid issues and potential lawsuits by staying informed about current regulations and laws. State requirements for estheticians vary by state, so it's essential to stay up-to-date and compliant. You may also check professional organizations or associations for updates on your practice. Staying up to date with current laws and regulations can help minimize risks and protect your business. 

Other Risks to Avoid

In addition to cross-contamination from an unhygienic workspace, you must be aware of burns, tool misuse, and product allergies. If a client reacts negatively to a product you use, such as a certain brand of eyelash glue or even a type of wax, they may file a claim. 

Allergic Reactions

Not all clients are aware of their own allergies. To help avoid some risks, you can ask what brands the client typically uses or what ingredients they try to avoid. You can also test products beforehand to see if they have a negative reaction. For example, test out some eyelash glue in a small area around the temple to see how the skin reacts. 

Burns

As a trained esthetician, you want to do everything you can to ensure your clients are happy and satisfied. This can be hard since everyone’s skin is different, and they may react differently to the products you use. Even waxing a client in a sensitive area or not ensuring the right temperature for the wax can result in liability claims. To avoid this, use caution and speak with your client. 

Tool Misuse

Using tweezers to apply lashes requires a steady hand and proper technique to avoid injury to the eye. To avoid this risk, ensure you are properly trained in the tools you use. 

Regularly refresh your skills through continuing education or certification courses to stay confident and current with best practices. 

Purchase an Insurance Policy for Greater Peace of Mind

Estheticians are vulnerable to lawsuits for negligence and other unforeseen events that might lead to a costly business disruption. Apart from staying updated with current regulations and prioritizing cleanliness and client safety, it's also crucial to purchase insurance to protect your business and reputation. The right insurance coverage is the cornerstone of risk management as an esthetician and should not be treated as an afterthought. 

Find coverage that includes professional liability insurance to protect you from any claims associated with your work as an esthetician. Property damage is covered for incidents at a client’s home if the policy has general liability. For example, you accidentally spill serum on a client's expensive couch. Insurance can help cover the cost of the damages.

Safeguard your business and reputation and purchase all-inclusive insurance coverage at NACAMS. We offer comprehensive policies designed specifically for estheticians. 

We can provide up to $3 million for general and professional liability insurance and $25,000 for identity theft protection. We also cover 500+ modalities and offer immediate certification. Contact us today. 

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