Client told me my extractions were too aggressive, changed my whole approach

Had this lady in her 60s come in about 6 months ago, she was really polite about it but said my technique left her skin red for like 3 days. At first I was defensive, I thought she just had sensitive skin. But I watched some videos from a trainer in Portland who showed a gentler rolling method instead of direct pressure. Now I use less force and more patience, and honestly my results look better and my clients don't complain about downtime. Has anyone else had a client give feedback that totally shifted how you work?

3 comments

3 Comments

sanchez.ivan13d ago

Yeah but the whole "rolling method" thing isn't exactly new. I've seen estheticians in Europe doing that for years, it's just getting popular here now. The real trick isn't the angle though, it's knowing when someone's skin is too thin for any kind of pulling. I had a similar wake up call about five years ago when a client told me my pressure was leaving marks. I spent a weekend watching old technique videos from a school in London and realized I was basically overworking the surface instead of getting the follicle right. Now I do way less extractions overall but spend more time on prep and aftercare, and my retention went up a lot. The gentle approach works better for most people, but I still think there's a time and place for more direct pressure on really stubborn comedones on thick skin.

garcia.wren13d ago

Really feel you on that wake up call moment, it's humbling but makes you way better.

charlieh7413d ago

Drop ALL your pressure for a week and see what happens. I switched to a lighter touch after bruising a client's chin area and it was like night and day. Less redness after too. The prep makes all the difference, I use a warm compress for a solid 10 to 12 minutes before touching anything. Aftercare is where I really messed up before, now I just use a basic niacinamide serum and ice if needed.