NYS WAXING STUDY GUIDE UPDATED
2026/2027 SYLLABUS||A+ GRADED||
Section 1: Infection Control & Sanitation
1. What is the difference between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization?
ANSWER ✓ Sanitation reduces the number of microorganisms on a surface; disinfection
destroys most disease-causing microorganisms (but not spores) on non-porous
surfaces; sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including spores, typically using an
autoclave.
2. According to NYS regulations, what level of infection control is required for
non-porous surfaces like counters and treatment tables?
ANSWER ✓ Disinfection using an EPA-registered hospital-level disinfectant.
3. How must reusable implements, such as metal spatulas, be cleaned after each
use?
ANSWER ✓ They must be washed with soap and water, then immersed in an EPA-
registered hospital-level disinfectant following the manufacturer's contact time, or
sterilized in an autoclave.
4. What is the proper way to store clean, disinfected implements?
ANSWER ✓ In a clean, closed, covered, or disinfected container, separate from soiled
implements.
5. What is the minimum required sanitation protocol for a wax pot's exterior?
ANSWER ✓ The exterior must be cleaned and disinfected after each client using an
EPA-registered disinfectant.
6. True or False: Double-dipping a spatula into a wax pot is permissible if the wax
is hard wax.
ANSWER ✓ False. Double-dipping any spatula into any wax pot is prohibited by NYS
sanitation regulations to prevent cross-contamination.
7. What is the proper procedure if a skin injury (bleeding) occurs during a waxing
service?
ANSWER ✓ Stop the service, apply pressure with a sterile gauze, and dispose of all
, contaminated tools and materials in a biohazard container. The area must be cleaned,
and a new, sterile applicator must be used if the service is to continue.
8. How often should cloth linens (e.g., treatment table covers) be changed?
ANSWER ✓ After each client. A fresh, clean linen must be used for every client.
9. What type of container must be used for the disposal of used wax strips and
cotton applicators?
ANSWER ✓ A lined, covered trash container with a foot-operated lid.
10. What does "single-use" mean in the context of waxing supplies?
ANSWER ✓ Items that are designed for one client, one procedure, and must be
discarded immediately after use. Examples include wooden spatulas, fabric strips, and
applicators.
11. What is the required handwashing procedure before and after each client?
ANSWER ✓ Wash hands with warm water and antimicrobial soap for a minimum of 20
seconds, using a brush to clean under the nails, and dry with a single-use paper towel.
12. Are gloves required for all waxing services under NYS guidelines?
ANSWER ✓ Yes, gloves are required to be worn by the esthetician during all waxing
services to protect both the client and the practitioner from exposure to bloodborne
pathogens and bacteria.
Section 2: Client Consultation & Contraindications
13. What is the primary purpose of a client intake form?
ANSWER ✓ To gather medical history, identify contraindications, obtain informed
consent, and document allergies or medications that may affect the waxing service.
14. List five absolute contraindications for waxing.
ANSWER ✓ 1. Active acne (pustules/cystic), 2. Recent chemical peel (within the last 14-
30 days), 3. Use of Accutane (isotretinoin) within the past 6-12 months, 4. Sunburn or
open wounds in the area, 5. Active viral, fungal, or bacterial infections (e.g., herpes
simplex, impetigo, warts).
15. Why is it important to ask a client about Retin-A or Tretinoin use?
ANSWER ✓ These ingredients thin the epidermis, making it more fragile and prone to
2026/2027 SYLLABUS||A+ GRADED||
Section 1: Infection Control & Sanitation
1. What is the difference between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization?
ANSWER ✓ Sanitation reduces the number of microorganisms on a surface; disinfection
destroys most disease-causing microorganisms (but not spores) on non-porous
surfaces; sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including spores, typically using an
autoclave.
2. According to NYS regulations, what level of infection control is required for
non-porous surfaces like counters and treatment tables?
ANSWER ✓ Disinfection using an EPA-registered hospital-level disinfectant.
3. How must reusable implements, such as metal spatulas, be cleaned after each
use?
ANSWER ✓ They must be washed with soap and water, then immersed in an EPA-
registered hospital-level disinfectant following the manufacturer's contact time, or
sterilized in an autoclave.
4. What is the proper way to store clean, disinfected implements?
ANSWER ✓ In a clean, closed, covered, or disinfected container, separate from soiled
implements.
5. What is the minimum required sanitation protocol for a wax pot's exterior?
ANSWER ✓ The exterior must be cleaned and disinfected after each client using an
EPA-registered disinfectant.
6. True or False: Double-dipping a spatula into a wax pot is permissible if the wax
is hard wax.
ANSWER ✓ False. Double-dipping any spatula into any wax pot is prohibited by NYS
sanitation regulations to prevent cross-contamination.
7. What is the proper procedure if a skin injury (bleeding) occurs during a waxing
service?
ANSWER ✓ Stop the service, apply pressure with a sterile gauze, and dispose of all
, contaminated tools and materials in a biohazard container. The area must be cleaned,
and a new, sterile applicator must be used if the service is to continue.
8. How often should cloth linens (e.g., treatment table covers) be changed?
ANSWER ✓ After each client. A fresh, clean linen must be used for every client.
9. What type of container must be used for the disposal of used wax strips and
cotton applicators?
ANSWER ✓ A lined, covered trash container with a foot-operated lid.
10. What does "single-use" mean in the context of waxing supplies?
ANSWER ✓ Items that are designed for one client, one procedure, and must be
discarded immediately after use. Examples include wooden spatulas, fabric strips, and
applicators.
11. What is the required handwashing procedure before and after each client?
ANSWER ✓ Wash hands with warm water and antimicrobial soap for a minimum of 20
seconds, using a brush to clean under the nails, and dry with a single-use paper towel.
12. Are gloves required for all waxing services under NYS guidelines?
ANSWER ✓ Yes, gloves are required to be worn by the esthetician during all waxing
services to protect both the client and the practitioner from exposure to bloodborne
pathogens and bacteria.
Section 2: Client Consultation & Contraindications
13. What is the primary purpose of a client intake form?
ANSWER ✓ To gather medical history, identify contraindications, obtain informed
consent, and document allergies or medications that may affect the waxing service.
14. List five absolute contraindications for waxing.
ANSWER ✓ 1. Active acne (pustules/cystic), 2. Recent chemical peel (within the last 14-
30 days), 3. Use of Accutane (isotretinoin) within the past 6-12 months, 4. Sunburn or
open wounds in the area, 5. Active viral, fungal, or bacterial infections (e.g., herpes
simplex, impetigo, warts).
15. Why is it important to ask a client about Retin-A or Tretinoin use?
ANSWER ✓ These ingredients thin the epidermis, making it more fragile and prone to
