Pre-Appointment Checklist: What to Avoid Before Salon Treatments

Twenty-four hours before injectable treatments (fillers, anti-wrinkle injections), eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and blood-thinning supplements. Caffeine constricts then dilates blood vessels, increasing bruising risk by 30%. Alcohol thins blood for 24–36 hours post-consumption. Fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba prolong clotting time; stop these 48 hours prior.

Retinol, tretinoin, and prescription retinoids must cease 7 days before chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or waxing. Retinoids thin the epidermis by increasing cell turnover 3–5 times normal rates. Waxing retinol-treated skin causes tearing and potential scarring. A glycolic peel over active retinoid use leads to burns in 15–20% of cases.

Exfoliation (scrubs, AHAs, BHAs, physical brushes) should stop 48 hours before facials, peels, or dermaplaning. Arriving with over-exfoliated skin (tight, shiny, sensitive) means your therapist will skip active ingredients, downgrade peel strength, or reschedule—you've already compromised your skin barrier.

Sun exposure is the biggest contraindication. A sunburn (even mild pinkness) postpones all facial treatments by 7–10 days. You cannot receive waxing, peels, or laser services on sunburnt skin—it's a hard stop for liability and healing reasons. If you've tanned (natural or spray) in the past 14 days, disclose this; certain lasers and IPL can cause hyperpigmentation on tanned skin.

Medication disclosure is non-negotiable. Roaccutane (isotretinoin) requires a 6–12 month wait post-treatment before waxing, peels, or microneedling. Blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and antibiotics can cause photosensitivity or slow healing. Hormone treatments (including oral contraceptives) increase melasma risk with certain peels.

Patch tests must occur 24–48 hours before lash/brow tinting, extensions, or first-time chemical peels. Allergies can develop at any time—even if you've had the service before. A proper patch test applies the product to your inner elbow or behind your ear; redness, itching, or swelling within 48 hours means cancellation.

Arrive makeup-free or plan an extra 10 minutes for cleansing. Waterproof mascara takes 5–7 minutes to remove, eating into your treatment time. If you wear contact lenses, bring a case and solution—lash lifts, brow lamination, and certain facials require removal.

Bring reference photos, your current skincare routine (or product names), and a list of medications/supplements. Fifteen minutes of pre-appointment prep prevents 90% of treatment complications.