Professional requirements for treating those under the age of 16 years

These days, thanks to social media, it's easier than ever for clients to discover new treatments, especially those promoted and recommended by celebrities. This goes for younger people too, and it's natural they will want the same look as their favourite TikTok, YouTube or reality TV star. 

This is all great – generating interest in treatments that you offer is never a bad thing – however, are you aware of which treatments you can offer to children aged under 16 years in your salon or through your mobile business?

In all circumstances, you should carry out every treatment in line with the manufacturer's guidelines and what you were taught during training in this treatment. If you are unsure, refer to the product manufacturer and gain clarification from your educator. 

Ensuring your insurance requirements are met

For your AIT insurance policy to cover you when treating clients under the age of 16 years, as well as operating within the manufacturer's guidelines you must have obtained the written permission of the child's parent/guardian, who must also be present during the treatment. 

You should not proceed with a treatment on anyone under the age of 16 years without this. You should keep this written permission with your clients' record card / digital record for a period of at least seven years after the last occasion that a treatment was given.

Whilst many younger clients may be the daughters or sons of your regular clients, do make sure you gain written permission as a pre-requisite of carrying out the treatment, and that the parent/guardian is always present. 

Please note that your AIT insurance requires clients to be over the age of 18 years for some advanced treatments – see below.

Is there a minimum age for carrying out treatments?

There is no legal minimum age that a child must be to experience a treatment carried out by a professional. It is up to you as a professional to decide which age of child you are comfortable carrying out treatments. However, you must operate within AIT's policy requirements and product manufacturer's guidelines and training for your AIT insurance to remain valid. 

In addition to treatments in your salon, it may be that you are booked to carry out treatments such as nail painting or hair braiding at a ‘pamper party' for children. Your AIT insurance covers you to work at any location in the Republic of Ireland or temporarily abroad (excluding the USA and Canada).

In line with your AIT policy requirements, you would need written permission from each parent/guardian for each child aged under 16 years who is undergoing a treatment, and each parent/guardian must be present. 

Treatments for over 18 years only

Some manufacturers require clients to be over the age of 18 years. It is imperative that you follow this for your AIT insurance to remain valid. If you are unsure whether you can perform a treatment on someone under the age of 18 years, you should check with the product manufacturer and the company that trained you in this treatment. 

A number of advanced treatments are only insurable by AIT when performed on clients aged 18 years and over. These include: 

What if I carry out treatments on children without following AIT policy?

Your AIT Professional Indemnity insurance ensures that you have protection should any client experience injury during treatment. If you carry out a treatment on a child without following AIT policy requirements (i.e., not following manufacturer's guidance, obtaining written parent/guardian consent and that parent/guardian being present during treatment), and a complaint or claim is later made against you, your AIT insurance may be invalidated, and you would be without support in defending yourself/business or meeting any financial claim awarded. 

Is there a minimum age for someone joining AIT?

The minimum age for obtaining AIT insurance is 16 years (a Student Package is available for those in education). For some treatments members must be a minimum of 18 years to obtain insurance, including laser treatments. For more information on this, see the AIT website. 

www.aitireland.com