No — not while it's active. Shingles and chickenpox are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and both are total contraindications until the condition has fully cleared. This isn't a "work around the area" situation like a healed scar or a small patch of eczema.
Why it's a hard no:
- It spreads by contact. Fluid from shingles or chickenpox blisters is infectious. Waxing, massage, facials, and even close work like lashes or brows put your hands and tools directly in the risk zone.
- Your other clients are exposed. Someone who's never had chickenpox — or is immunosuppressed, pregnant, or elderly — can catch chickenpox from contact with shingles blisters. A pregnant client in your next appointment slot is exactly who you're protecting.
- Your team too. If a staff member hasn't had chickenpox or the vaccine, they're at risk. Pregnant therapists especially should never treat a client with active shingles.
- Treatment makes it worse for the client. Heat, steam, friction, and product on shingles lesions can aggravate pain and slow healing.
When can they come back? Once every blister has crusted over and no new ones are forming — typically 5 to 7 days after the rash appears for chickenpox, and around a week or more for shingles. If in doubt, ask for GP confirmation.
Every client, remembered — safely.
SAY-OS keeps each client's contraindications, allergies and history in one place, and flags them at booking — so the right call happens before they're in the chair.
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