Double waxing refers to the practice of using a spatula on several clients to apply wax on their skin. Lately, this practice has been talked about, especially in terms of hygiene and health risks. A question that crosses many minds is: Can you actually get a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from such a practice? We’ll explore this further;
Can You Get an STD From Double Dipping Wax?
First up, it’s important to note that there is little to no risk of transmitting typical STDs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, through waxing.
For all we know, STDs can’t be transmitted without sexual or oral contact, and Pubmed reaffirms this. You can only catch it if you come in direct contact with infected skin, mucous membranes, as well as perhaps bodily fluids like blood, vaginal fluids, or semen.
In the case of waxing, the worry is that if wax or the tools used come into contact with infected fluids or skin, they might hold onto the pathogens and transfer them to another person. This isn’t far from the truth.
However, the survival of STD-causing pathogens outside the body varies greatly. Most of these organisms are short-lived outside the human body – the heat of the wax kills them all the time.
Yet, it’s essential to recognize that while the risk of transmitting a typical STD in this way is very low, there is still a general risk of skin infections. We believe that bacteria or viruses that thrive in less-than-sterile environments cause this, though such infections are not necessarily STDs.
For example, there is this type of infection known as Molluscum Contagiosum(not an STD, though) that can spread through body contact, including potentially through contaminated objects like waxing equipment.
Generally, issues with double dipping wax are less about traditional STDs and more about the spread of skin infections. Herpes might come to mind. However, it’s important to know that herpes leans more towards skin-to-skin transmission, and the risk of catching it through waxing, even with practices like double dipping, is largely based on misinformation.
Though double dipping waxing won’t necessarily transmit STDs, we don’t support it regardless. I don’t think a professional spa that prioritizes clients’ safety would ever engage in double dipping – Not just for STD sake, but for general healthiness.
We advise that you stick to salons and spas that adhere to strict cleanliness protocols, which include ones that use a new spatula on each client. This would eliminate any risk of transmitting infections.
What Are The Risks of Double Dipping Wax?
The short answer? Cross-contamination! When the same applicator is dipped into the wax pot after touching someone’s skin, it might carry along bacteria, viruses, or other germs(not STD-causing pathogens, though). These pathogens are easily passed on to the next client once it is used on them.
This contamination risk isn’t just about catching a cold. There’s a chance of spreading serious infections. The risk is higher if skin is irritated or has tiny cuts from previous waxing. Even though the heat of the wax might kill off some germs, the practice is still considered unsafe and is banned in many places for good reason.
The safer way to go is to use a new spatula every single time wax is removed from the pot. This way, the wax remains clean and contaminant-free, ensuring a safer experience in beauty salons.
What are safer alternatives to double-dipping wax?
These safer alternatives to double waxing substitute the risks of spreading diseases for a more hygienic experience. Let’s uncover them:
Single dipping
In the world of waxing, using a spatula just once before grabbing a new one for more wax helps stop bacteria or viruses from traveling from someone’s skin back into the communal wax pot. This is important because once those germs get into the pot, they could make their way to another client’s skin, raising the risk of infections.
A single dipping method in saloons ensures they’re not reusing the same applicator that has once been used on someone. This keeps the wax clean and shrinks the chances of spreading diseases among clients.
Because of this, clients can feel more comfortable, at least knowing the salon takes their health seriously by following such practices.
It also speaks volumes about the salon’s professionalism(heavy on this!). Spas that commit to this procedure always benefit from an elevated reputation. It shows they are dedicated to providing not only beauty services but also a more conducive, stabilizing environment for customers.
Individual wax pots
Individual wax pots are a great way to make waxing safer and avoid the problems that come with double dipping. As the name suggests, an individual wax pot is a small container of wax that’s just for one person. This means no one else’s germs can get into your wax because the pot is only used on your skin.
This practice helps stop germs from spreading because the same wax is never shared between clients. When you go for a waxing appointment and see that a salon uses individual wax pots, you can feel more relaxed and confident. You’ll know you’re getting a clean, just-for-you batch of wax.
Pre-packaged Wax strips
These seem perfect for keeping things clean because each strip comes in its own package and is thrown away after it’s used just once. Unlike when a big pot of wax is used for many different people, these strips make sure that everyone gets a fresh, unused product.
As such you won’t have to worry about catching an infection from someone else when you get a wax. Salons that use these kinds of strips show that they care a lot about keeping things sparkling clean and ensuring their customers can relax knowing they’re in good hands.
Disposable Waxing application kits
More or less like the pre-packaged wax strips, disposable waxing application kits are like getting a brand new set of tools for each waxing session, keeping things super clean and safe.
Picture it like this: Every time someone comes in for a wax, they get their own pack that nobody else has used before. This pack has everything needed for the waxing, and once the job is done, everything in the kit is thrown away.
This is a big deal because it cuts down on the chance of spreading germs. There’s no worry about who used the waxing tools before you or if they were cleaned right. Everything is fresh out of the pack, just for you.
These options keep the wax free of contaminants. And so, by adhering to them, salons can offer a safer waxing experience, which protects their clients from potential infections. It’s always a good idea to look for places that value hygiene and avoid practices that could compromise your health.
Can You Get an STD From Double Dipping Wax? Wrap!
While the idea of getting an STD from double dipping in wax seems alarming, it’s pretty rare, thanks to high temperatures usually killing most bacteria and viruses.
However, it’s still possible for some skin infections or other germs to spread this way. Places that use single dipping, disposable application kits, and the aforementioned show they are serious about keeping everything clean and safe for everyone.
So, on your next waxing, be sure to choose such a place – a salon that avoids double dipping and uses these clean practices, which can put your mind at ease.
