Katie Barnes
Katie Barnes

Katie Barnes on…young people & nail treatments

By Katie Barnes | 18 September 2018 | Feature, Tech Talk

Piggy Paint Girls 18

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, discusses the appropriate age for a nail treatment…

As the number of teenagers and children seeking nail and beauty treatments continues to rise, techs need to ask themselves whether it is safe or appropriate to treat a client under the age of 16.

Any person under the age of 16 is classed as a minor, and there will be times when techs have been unsure on how to approach treatments for younger persons, with each tech having their own view on this controversial topic.

Insurance matters

Insurance companies consider nail services such as extensions and gel polish as ‘basic’ beauty treatments. There is no age restriction on these treatments as long as parental consent has been obtained.

Insurance providers stipulate that as well as having the minor complete a standard consultation form (which ensures they are giving their own consent), techs must also have additional written parental permission.

Remember, verbal agreements will never legally stand, so written consent is paramount. This additional consent must state:

  • who the treatment is being carried out on
  • who by
  • what the treatment is
  • that consent is given
  • a parental signature.

“While there is no rule on treatment age with an insurance company, this is where a techs common sense and professional discretion comes into play. There will be some services that are purely not suitable or safe under a certain age.”

Some techs and salons will not perform any treatments on those under the age of 16 and/or limit the type of services that can be performed. It can be good practice to have a pre-written policy set out and displayed on your various platforms.

With this in mind, many minors will follow every little piece of your professional advice and care for their nails more than an adult. I believe it is important to assess each client, regardless of age as an individual to assess their suitability for the treatment.

While we may refuse a minor a service because we assume they may pick them off, we should also treat an adult who we will know will abuse their nails the same.

When treating younger children, there are a few additional things to consider such as:

  • Will they be able to keep still for the service?
  • Will they put their fingers in their mouth with uncured product?

If offering a gel polish service and they cannot keep still, then you are at risk of touching the skin and causing overexposure. The nail desk is full of dangerous chemicals and isn’t a suitable environment for a child. Although it is not law to have an adult present, it is requested by insurance companies.

“For your own protection, you need an adult to witness your actions at all times. Never be alone with someone under the age of 16, irrespective of whether you are providing a consultation or a treatment.”

It is imperative that you outline to the minor and parent what the treatment will involve, the possible benefits and contra-actions and any alternatives, if there are any.

Often, a minor will request a treatment because they have seen it on social media, a celebrity endorsement or their friends have recommended it, but it may not be suited to them.

A concern with offering nail enhancements services to minors is the aftercare and treatment upkeep.

While many techs have experienced adult clients not following aftercare, a minor will often not understand how to and why to care for their nails following their treatment along with the upkeep of maintaining these including the regular cost involved.

In law, a minor lacks the legal capacity to make certain decisions concerning their own health or welfare whether they appear capable or not.

“Remember you are not obliged to treat any client, irrespective of who have given consent. If you believe that a treatment is inappropriate or potentially unsafe for somebody under the age of 16, or you are just unsure, do not carry out the treatment.”

Some techs are concerned that if they do not offer a service to a minor, they may then go to someone else who is less professional, or even attempt to carry out the treatment themselves. Whilst many may not be open to it, it is important to share your professional knowledge and educate the client on your reasonings and offer them an alternative treatment or suggestion where possible.

Love Katie B x

www.katiebarnesacademy.com

Images courtesy of Piggy Paint UK, a natural, eco-friendly nail polish for kids. Its non-toxic, hypoallergenic formula makes it safe to use on all child fingernails.