BHSEA responds to the programme aired on Carte Blanche - June 2009

Beauty, Heath & Skincare
Employers Association

Feroza Fakir, president of the BHSEA responds to the recent Carte Blanche programme concerning beauty therapists and laser treatments
June 2009


In respect of the recently aired Carte Blanche insert concerning damage to clients after laser treatments provided by both therapists and doctors, we would like to acknowledge that there are and always will be professionals who operate in an unethical way.

This programme should not be a reflection against our industry but rather against individuals within the industry. It is important for both consumers and therapists to realise that therapists trained in recognised and accredited colleges are fully capable of conducting the treatments for which they have been trained, at a high level of competency, going way beyond just doing nails and peddies!

It is in the beauty, health and skin care therapists’ interest to continue to invest in post graduate studies and the latest excellent literature available, as much as possible, to keep up with changes and new techniques as they occur within the industry. Knowledge and education is the key to success.

Therapists should not be blind followers of trends and should beware of aggressive marketing from companies that may persuade one to purchase expensive equipment using easy financial solutions as an incentive, but not necessarily providing adequate information, training or results. Conduct your own extensive research and test effects on yourself - do not rely on “before and after” pictures as they can be digitally altered. In the case of lasers it is essential that full training and backup is provided by equipment suppliers and not undertaken by other therapists who may have already been trained. Proper training is vital. Ensure that your purchase contracts cover all training of both current and future employees.

In some cases the outcome of treatments on problem individuals is not easy to predict and even doctors experience difficulties here.

All product suppliers and owners of health and skincare clinics, spas and salons should belong to BHSEA - Beauty Health and Skincare Employers Association – this assists the association in providing protection to both therapists and clients.

Suppliers of potentially harmful products / equipment should also supply legal documentation / indemnity forms to therapists for clients to sign prior to receiving treatments involving these products. This will provide the therapist with added protection and ensure the client is adequately informed of all potential dangers or side-effects of treatments, particularly laser treatments and chemical peels, enabling them to make an informed choice of whether or not to continue with the procedure. Doctors use these procedural legal documents which their patients are required to sign. We should employ the same methods.

Problems may still arise due to allergies or undeclared medication and adequate care must be taken to reduce this risk as much as possible. Healing rate and ability is always the greatest problem, even for the medical profession, and client participation is vital to successful outcomes.

If therapists remain dedicated and act as professionally as possible they become assets to their profession and will be respected by their clients.

If in doubt, consult your association where you can be advised and assisted before making expensive investments – a major benefit to being member! We support our members and their abilities.

Let us keep our industry one to be justly proud of.

Feroza Fakir
President BHSEA
For further information please e-mail info@bhsea.co.za

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