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4 Oct 2024
Photo: Midjourney x The Sandy Times
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The beauty industry moves at an intimidating pace, often too fast to keep up with. By the time you have learned about a new treatment or product, it has likely already fallen out of fashion. If you are not a beauty geek, you may find it overwhelming to navigate everything in a cosmetologist's clinic. Fortunately, you don’t need to know it all.
What truly matters is finding a reliable professional who will explain things clearly. This can be challenging, but trust your instincts — if something feels off, it is best to consult elsewhere. After all, it is your face and body, and you should have the final say. Here are some tips to help you spot when something isn’t quite right (or to reassure you when everything is on track — because while caution is necessary, anxiety isn't).
Red Flags
Unsolicited comments on your appearance
It is natural to visit a cosmetologist with the goal of looking… well, better. However, if they start making uninvited critiques about your looks, they might not be the right professional for you. I once sat in front of a mirror while a doctor asked what I was unhappy with. I mentioned a few things and added, "Perhaps my jawline could be firmer?" The doctor replied, “Correct!” Since that day, I have felt uncertain and ashamed of something I hadn’t even noticed before. Did I come back to that specialist? Make a guess!
Recommending procedures without being asked
Following on from the previous point — if you are content with your lips, wrinkles, nose, or anything else, a good cosmetologist won't push treatments you haven’t asked for. One exception might be if a treatment requires complementary preparation, such as deep skin hydration before RF lifting. In these cases, it is perfectly fine for them to suggest additional steps to ensure the procedure goes smoothly.
Refusing to explain procedures in detail
Yes, patients can be a bit annoying with their questions (all the same, again and again), but answering them is actually part of the job for cosmetologists. So, for you, it is much better to ask too many questions than too few. You should feel comfortable asking what is in an injection or how a machine works. This knowledge could be useful if you ever need to consult another specialist in the future.
Pushing one treatment while dismissing others
If a cosmetologist insists on one procedure while discouraging another, it is important to ask yourself: are they truly confident in their methods, or is it a case of limited expertise? The simple way to find out is to ask “Why?” If their answers are well-reasoned, you will know you are in good hands.
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Photo: Curated Lifestyle
Green Flags
Offering multiple options and combinations
Not a fan of needles? No problem. A good cosmetologist will suggest alternative treatments, like non-invasive machine-based procedures, instead of pushing you into something that makes you uncomfortable.
Taking a long-term view and creating a plan
A one-time "wow" effect might be a thing, but long-term results take time. A skilled professional will help you build a treatment plan rather than trying to sell you everything at once.
Being honest about side effects and recovery — and even refusing to perform a procedure
A great specialist is upfront about the downsides. They will warn you if treatment is painful, if recovery takes time, or if you look red and swollen after a peel. If they spot any contraindications, they might even refuse to proceed. And that is not just professional — it is the safest option for you.
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