Myrtle Beach Residents Raise Concerns Over Local Wax Spa
In scenic Myrtle Beach, where self-care should always feel like a pleasure, a few red flags are making waves at a local wax spa that’s caught the attention of several former employees and clients. We’re talking about concerns about unsanitary and unethical practices happening at Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia, located right along Highway 501 in Carolina Forest. It seems like “what happens at the spa” might not be staying there!
Hearing the Whispers
It all started when licensed esthetician Carmen Ramos decided to share her story. After working at the spa for just a few months, she noticed some things that didn’t sit right with her. “I saw other workers double dip in wax pots and use the same wax stick on multiple clients,” she revealed. That was enough to make her think twice and ultimately leave. “You can’t play with people’s skin like that. That’s nasty,” she exclaimed, emphasizing just how serious she believes this is. Many in our charming coastal town count on these services, so issues like this raise our eyebrows.
Inspectors Get Involved
Through an open records request, it came to light that the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology sent an inspector to the spa back in February. The findings were a bit troubling. The inspector found that the licenses displayed in the spa didn’t match the current employees. Plus, the spa needed to post sanitary rules and make the latest inspection report visible for all clients. It’s especially concerning since Ramos believes this poses a public safety issue. But she’s not alone in her feelings.
Another Voice Joins the Chorus
Another former employee, Kenya Page, also known as ‘KP’, had a similar experience. She quit just two days into her training! Feeling uneasy about the double dipping she witnessed, she decided to take her talents elsewhere. “We had this wax stick meant for one person only, and it was being used on multiple clients!” she explained. That’s like using the same makeup sponge on everyone—that totally shouldn’t be happening!
Adding to the issue, Page claims that after she left, the spa was still using her name to book clients online, which really rubbed her the wrong way. “I just wanted them to take it off honestly because I was already through with them,” she stated. It’s disheartening to think a former employee’s name could be misused in such a way.
Staying Safe and Clean
The importance of cleanliness in a spa setting cannot be stressed enough. Former head of the South Carolina Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals, Tami Fogleman, highlighted just that: “When you’re doing waxing, you cannot double dip. If it’s contaminated, you’re to get rid of the wax completely and start over.” Fogleman emphasized that the top priority for everyone in this industry should be safety and sanitation to ensure clients are well cared for.
The Spa’s Response
In response to these allegations, a representative for Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia, Amy Gaffney, stated that none of their corporate-owned stores have ever failed a sanitation inspection. She claimed the only noted concerns from the February inspection were improvements related to the posting of safety signs and licenses outside treatment rooms—as well as being up-to-date.
What’s Next?
For residents of Myrtle Beach, this matter raises important questions about the safety and hygiene we expect from local businesses. While Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia insists everything’s up to code, those in the know are encouraging everyone to stay informed and aware. If you’ve experienced anything similar or have questions about the services you’re receiving, it might be worth looking into.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
