Infections & contagious conditions

Cellulitis — beauty treatment safety

Name: Cellulitis: which treatments are safe?
Creator: Anna

Also called cellulitis, skin infection, cellulitis and pedicure.

In short

On this page, Cellulitis is checked against 88 treatments: 88 are ones to avoid. The tightest restrictions are in Facials and Body Treatments.

Most oftenAvoid

Every treatment name opens its own page

Facials

25 treatments · all 25 to avoid

Facials — Cellulitis
What we found	Treatment
A responsible salon will decline this	AHA Peel (Glycolic / Lactic / Mandelic)Also: glycolic peel, lactic peel, mandelic peel, alpha hydroxy peel, light chemical peel Why, and the source — AHA Peel (Glycolic / Lactic / Mandelic) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	BHA Peel (Salicylic)Also: salicylic peel, beta hydroxy peel, acne peel Why, and the source — BHA Peel (Salicylic) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Carbon Laser FacialAlso: Hollywood peel, China doll peel, carbon peel Why, and the source — Carbon Laser Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Classic FacialAlso: European facial, deep cleansing facial, traditional facial Why, and the source — Classic Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Cryo FacialAlso: ice facial, cold therapy facial, frotox Why, and the source — Cryo Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	DermaplaningAlso: blade exfoliation, facial shaving, peach fuzz removal Why, and the source — Dermaplaning This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Enzyme PeelAlso: fruit enzyme peel, papain peel, bromelain peel Why, and the source — Enzyme Peel This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Express FacialAlso: mini facial, 30-minute facial, lunchtime facial Why, and the source — Express Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Galvanic FacialAlso: iontophoresis, desincrustation, galvanic current Why, and the source — Galvanic Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	HIFU (Ultherapy)Also: Ultherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, non-surgical lifting, ultrasound lifting Why, and the source — HIFU (Ultherapy) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	High-Frequency FacialAlso: high-frequency wand, violet ray treatment Why, and the source — High-Frequency Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	HydraFacialAlso: hydradermabrasion, hydra facial, aqua facial Why, and the source — HydraFacial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Jessner's PeelAlso: combination peel, modified Jessner Why, and the source — Jessner's Peel This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	LED Light TherapyAlso: red light therapy, blue light therapy, yellow light therapy, LED facial Why, and the source — LED Light Therapy This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Mesotherapy (Facial)Also: meso facial, vitamin injections, skin booster injections (face) Why, and the source — Mesotherapy (Facial) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Microcurrent FacialAlso: NuFace, non-surgical facelift, facial toning Why, and the source — Microcurrent Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	MicrodermabrasionAlso: crystal microdermabrasion, diamond microdermabrasion, MDA Why, and the source — Microdermabrasion This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	MicroneedlingAlso: dermapen, dermaroller, collagen induction therapy, CIT, skin needling Why, and the source — Microneedling This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Oxygen FacialAlso: Intraceuticals, oxygen infusion facial Why, and the source — Oxygen Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Phenol Peel (Deep)Also: deep chemical peel, Baker-Gordon peel Why, and the source — Phenol Peel (Deep) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	PRP Facial (Vampire Facial)Also: platelet-rich plasma facial, vampire facial, blood facial Why, and the source — PRP Facial (Vampire Facial) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Radiofrequency (RF) FacialAlso: Thermage, Venus Freeze (face), skin tightening RF Why, and the source — Radiofrequency (RF) Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	RF MicroneedlingAlso: Morpheus8, Profound, Vivace, Genius RF, radio frequency microneedling Why, and the source — RF Microneedling This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	TCA Peel (Medium)Also: trichloroacetic acid peel, medium depth peel Why, and the source — TCA Peel (Medium) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Ultrasound FacialAlso: ultrasonic facial, cavitation peel Why, and the source — Ultrasound Facial This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA

Injectables

11 treatments · all 11 to avoid

Injectables — Cellulitis
What we found	Treatment
A responsible salon will decline this	Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse)Also: Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse, collagen stimulators, PLLA, calcium hydroxylapatite Why, and the source — Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Botox / NeurotoxinAlso: botulinum toxin, Dysport, Xeomin, Azzalure, Bocouture, anti-wrinkle injections, wrinkle relaxers, tox Why, and the source — Botox / Neurotoxin This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Cheek FillersAlso: midface filler, cheek augmentation, Voluma Why, and the source — Cheek Fillers This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Dermal Fillers (General)Also: hyaluronic acid fillers, HA fillers, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero Why, and the source — Dermal Fillers (General) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Fat-Dissolving InjectionsAlso: Aqualyx, Kybella, deoxycholic acid, lipolysis injections Why, and the source — Fat-Dissolving Injections This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Lip FillersAlso: lip augmentation, lip enhancement, lip injections Why, and the source — Lip Fillers This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Mesotherapy (Body)Also: body meso, fat-loss mesotherapy, cellulite mesotherapy Why, and the source — Mesotherapy (Body) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	PDO Thread LiftAlso: thread lift, PDO threads, PLLA threads, Silhouette Soft, non-surgical thread lift Why, and the source — PDO Thread Lift This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	PolynucleotidesAlso: Plinest, Newest, PN injection, salmon DNA injection Why, and the source — Polynucleotides This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Restylane Skinbooster)Also: Profhilo, Restylane Vital, Restylane Skinbooster, hydration injections Why, and the source — Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Restylane Skinbooster) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Tear Trough FillersAlso: under-eye filler, under-eye treatment Why, and the source — Tear Trough Fillers This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA

Laser & Light

7 treatments · all 7 to avoid

Laser & Light — Cellulitis
What we found	Treatment
A responsible salon will decline this	Fractional Ablative LaserAlso: CO2 laser, Erbium laser, ablative resurfacing Why, and the source — Fractional Ablative Laser This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Fractional Non-Ablative LaserAlso: Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, non-ablative resurfacing Why, and the source — Fractional Non-Ablative Laser This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)Also: intense pulsed light, photofacial, fotofacial, IPL photorejuvenation Why, and the source — IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Laser Hair RemovalAlso: LHR, diode laser, Alexandrite laser, Nd:YAG laser, permanent hair reduction Why, and the source — Laser Hair Removal This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)Also: PDT, blue light + ALA therapy, Levulan therapy Why, and the source — Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Pigment Laser (Q-Switched / Pico)Also: Q-switched laser, Pico laser, PicoSure, PicoWay, tattoo removal laser Why, and the source — Pigment Laser (Q-Switched / Pico) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Vascular LaserAlso: V-Beam, KTP laser, pulsed dye laser, broken capillaries laser Why, and the source — Vascular Laser This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA

Body Treatments

15 treatments · all 15 to avoid

Body Treatments — Cellulitis
What we found	Treatment
A responsible salon will decline this	Aromatherapy MassageAlso: essential oil massage Why, and the source — Aromatherapy Massage This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Body PeelAlso: chemical body peel, back peel, body acid treatment Why, and the source — Body Peel This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Body ScrubAlso: body exfoliation, salt scrub, sugar scrub, body polish Why, and the source — Body Scrub This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Body WrapsAlso: algae wrap, mud wrap, paraffin wrap, seaweed wrap, detox wrap Why, and the source — Body Wraps This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)Also: CoolSculpting, fat freezing, cool sculpting, Zeltiq Why, and the source — Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Deep Tissue MassageAlso: sports massage, remedial massage, firm pressure massage Why, and the source — Deep Tissue Massage This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	EMSculpt / EMS Body TreatmentsAlso: EMSculpt, Emsella, electromagnetic muscle stimulation, HIFEM Why, and the source — EMSculpt / EMS Body Treatments This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	EndermologieAlso: LPG, mechanical roller massage, endermology, cellulite massage Why, and the source — Endermologie This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Hot Stone MassageAlso: stone therapy, geothermal massage Why, and the source — Hot Stone Massage This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Lymphatic Drainage MassageAlso: MLD, manual lymphatic drainage, Vodder technique Why, and the source — Lymphatic Drainage Massage This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Prenatal / Pregnancy MassageAlso: pregnancy massage, maternity massage Why, and the source — Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	PressotherapyAlso: compression boots, Ballancer, lymphatic pressotherapy Why, and the source — Pressotherapy This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Radiofrequency Body TreatmentsAlso: Venus Legacy, Exilis, body RF, skin tightening RF (body) Why, and the source — Radiofrequency Body Treatments This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Swedish MassageAlso: classic massage, relaxation massage, full-body massage Why, and the source — Swedish Massage This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Ultrasonic CavitationAlso: body cavitation, ultrasonic fat reduction, cavi-lipo Why, and the source — Ultrasonic Cavitation This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA

Hair Removal

6 treatments · all 6 to avoid

Hair Removal — Cellulitis
What we found	Treatment
A responsible salon will decline this	Depilatory CreamAlso: chemical hair removal, hair removal cream, Veet, Nair Why, and the source — Depilatory Cream This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	ElectrolysisAlso: needle electrolysis, permanent hair removal, galvanic electrolysis Why, and the source — Electrolysis This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Hot WaxAlso: hard wax, Brazilian wax, hot wax depilation Why, and the source — Hot Wax This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Strip Wax (Soft Wax)Also: soft wax, strip waxing, honey wax Why, and the source — Strip Wax (Soft Wax) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	SugaringAlso: sugar paste depilation, Egyptian sugaring, Persian sugaring Why, and the source — Sugaring This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	ThreadingAlso: eyebrow threading, facial threading, khite Why, and the source — Threading This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA

Nails

10 treatments · all 10 to avoid

Nails — Cellulitis
What we found	Treatment
A responsible salon will decline this	Acrylic NailsAlso: liquid and powder nails, L&P nails, sculpted acrylics Why, and the source — Acrylic Nails This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Builder Gel / BIABAlso: BIAB, builder in a bottle, hard gel, structure gel Why, and the source — Builder Gel / BIAB This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Classic ManicureAlso: regular manicure, traditional manicure, polish manicure Why, and the source — Classic Manicure This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Classic PedicureAlso: regular pedicure, spa pedicure Why, and the source — Classic Pedicure This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Gel ManicureAlso: Shellac, gel polish, soak-off gel, CND Shellac Why, and the source — Gel Manicure This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Gel PedicureAlso: Shellac pedicure, gel polish pedicure Why, and the source — Gel Pedicure This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Medical PedicureAlso: med pedi, podiatry pedicure, Margaret Dabbs pedicure Why, and the source — Medical Pedicure This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Nail Strengthening TreatmentsAlso: IBX, nail repair treatment, nail bond treatment Why, and the source — Nail Strengthening Treatments This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Polygel NailsAlso: poly gel, gel-acrylic hybrid Why, and the source — Polygel Nails This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Press-On NailsAlso: adhesive nails, stick-on nails, nail tips Why, and the source — Press-On Nails This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA

Lashes & Brows

8 treatments · all 8 to avoid

Lashes & Brows — Cellulitis
What we found	Treatment
A responsible salon will decline this	Brow LaminationAlso: brow perm, brow sculpting Why, and the source — Brow Lamination This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Brow TintAlso: eyebrow tinting, brow dye Why, and the source — Brow Tint This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Classic Lash ExtensionsAlso: individual lashes, 1:1 lash extensions Why, and the source — Classic Lash Extensions This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Henna BrowsAlso: henna brow tinting Why, and the source — Henna Brows This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Hybrid Lash ExtensionsAlso: mixed lash extensions Why, and the source — Hybrid Lash Extensions This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Lash LiftAlso: lash perm, keratin lash lift Why, and the source — Lash Lift This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Lash TintAlso: eyelash tinting, lash dye Why, and the source — Lash Tint This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Volume Lash ExtensionsAlso: Russian volume, fan lashes, 2D-6D lashes Why, and the source — Volume Lash Extensions This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA

Permanent Makeup (PMU)

6 treatments · all 6 to avoid

Permanent Makeup (PMU) — Cellulitis
What we found	Treatment
A responsible salon will decline this	Areola TattooAlso: 3D nipple tattoo, post-mastectomy tattoo Why, and the source — Areola Tattoo This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Eyeliner TattooAlso: permanent eyeliner, lash line enhancement, lash line tattoo Why, and the source — Eyeliner Tattoo This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Lip Blush / Lip TattooAlso: lip tint tattoo, permanent lip colour, aquarelle lips Why, and the source — Lip Blush / Lip Tattoo This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Microblading (Eyebrows)Also: eyebrow embroidery, feather brows, hair-stroke brows Why, and the source — Microblading (Eyebrows) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Powder Brows / Ombré BrowsAlso: machine brows, ombre brows, shading brows Why, and the source — Powder Brows / Ombré Brows This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA
A responsible salon will decline this	Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)Also: SMP, hair tattoo, scalp tattoo Why, and the source — Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) This is a bacterial infection, and it needs antibiotics from a GP rather than anything a salon can do. Treating over or around it spreads the bacteria across your own skin and onto towels and tools, makes the infection worse, and — with anything that breaks the skin, such as microneedling or electrolysis — risks pushing the infection deeper, which is how a skin infection turns into a serious one. That is why the answer covers the rest of you too, not just the infected patch. Book back in once you have finished the course and the skin has healed. Nobody will think anything of it. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNHSNHSNHSNICEUKHSA

Sources

British Association of DermatologistsBacterial skin infection management
NHSCellulitis and erysipelas
NHSImpetigo
NHSMRSA
NHSBoils and carbuncles
NICEClinical Knowledge Summary: impetigo
UKHSAUK Standards for Microbiology Investigations

Written by Anna · London-trained cosmetologist

Last updated 3 September 2026

Every treatment, checked