California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlEasy
A client arrives for a scheduled waxing service with a small open cut on the area to be waxed. What should the cosmetologist do?
- ACover the cut with a cotton ball soaked in water before waxing
- BApply extra wax directly over the cut to seal it
- CAvoid waxing over the open cut and reschedule or adjust the service to exclude that area
- DProceed as normal since wax is heated and considered self-sanitizing
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Avoid waxing over the open cut and reschedule or adjust the service to exclude that area
Standard precautions require avoiding any service over broken or open skin to prevent infection and bloodborne pathogen exposure. The service should be modified, postponed, or the affected area excluded entirely.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect — a wet cotton ball does not protect against contamination and wax would still be unsafe to apply.
- B. Incorrect — wax does not seal or sanitize a wound and could cause further injury.
- D. Incorrect — heat does not sterilize skin or eliminate infection risk from an open wound.
Service Over Broken Skin
Cosmetology services must never be performed directly over open cuts, sores, or broken skin due to infection and bloodborne pathogen risk.
- Applies to waxing, shaving, manicures, and all skin services
- Open skin increases risk of pathogen entry and cross-contamination
- Service should be modified, postponed, or the area excluded
- Reflects standard precautions treating all skin conditions as potentially infectious
Memory trick: See a cut, skip that spot — no wax, no blade, no exception.