Beauty - Expert Panel ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Is a salon the right place for a child? Liz Mckeon
Beauty Business Expert
“Carrying out high-quality beauty services requires 100% focus and attention on the client. This is impossible to achieve if you are also required to supervise the client’s child or children.”
“There are so many hidden dangers for children in a salon – machinery, hot wax, products, etc – a treatment room is simply a ‘no-go’ zone for children. Health & Safety compliance requirements in salon environments are very stringent. Have you considered the insurance implications, if a client’s child was to have an accident on your premises?
“If you ask the child to stay in the reception area then there is a responsibility on the receptionist to ‘babysit’, taking time out of their busy day. Then, other waiting clients think it is your company policy to admit children and before you know where you are, children requiring babysitting services are in your reception on a daily basis.
“An easy way to explain this to the client is to remind her that this is time out for her and it is preferable if she can just relax and switch off. She will enjoy herself more by attending the salon unaccompanied. From a commercial perspective, it is impossible to rebook or upsell as the client is more concerned about the child than listening to the therapist.
“Another element to think about in this debate is your client base. Do other clients want children around when booking time out for themselves? If the answer to this is no, then there is a danger that clients will take their business elsewhere.
“All things considered, it’s not a great idea.”
Suzanne Alcock
Education Director, Asu Nail & Beauty Supplies & Salon Owner, Asu Nail & Beauty Salon
“In a word, No! The whole purpose of going to a salon is to enjoy a relaxing experience ‘sans les enfants!”
“Given the choice I’m sure no parent wants to bring a child but on occasion circumstances
dictate.That said, at Asu Nail & Beauty Salon Swords we have a policy whereby children must be supervised at all times and are not allowed into any treatment rooms – a policy that came about when a little boy proceeded to drink Barbicide mistaking it for a Slush Puppie whilst in the treatment room as his mother was having an eyebrow tint!
“There are exceptions however. Asu Nail & Beauty Salon Swords have won some prestigious awards such as Irish National Nail Technician 2007 and 2008 and was voted Best Nail Salon in all Ireland 2009-2010, and so demand for nails, our speciality, is extremely high.
“As a result, we now offer a Princess Manicure, a basic file, polish and nail art – the perfect bonding opportunity for little ones and their mums. For those special occasions we do Princess parties where a group of girls can come and have their nails done.
“Asu Nail & Beauty Salon Swords also holds mother and baby mornings on the first Tuesday of every month where new mothers can get pampered whilst baby is in a carry cot.”
Anita Murray
Pink Distribution Premium Salon Supplies
“The salon environment is most unsuitable for children for a number of reasons. In the interest of health and safety and insurance, the salon environment is simply not the place for children.”
With strong chemicals present such as acetone, acrylics, formaldehyde, and glues, the chance of liability is greatly increased.
“Salons need to follow established occupational health and safety procedures and ensure the parent understands without offence the risk that exists in the treatment rooms electrical equipment, hot wax, steam and other dangers. Because of these dangers, insurance would never permit children in the treatment rooms.
“Aside from these obvious and immediate dangers another important consideration is the courtesy to other clients who in most cases may have waited for their husbands to come home from work or booked a child minder for their little bit of quiet time.
“The client will naturally feel a little disgruntled and furthermore if their relaxing and massage or facial treatment is disrupted throughout, possibly even resulting in the loss of valuable clients.
“In reality, the priority is the children’s safety and if you have a polite notice displayed, the parent and customer will appreciate your consideration and honour these policies.”
If you have any questions you would like us to put to our expert panel, email us at
melissa@aitireland.com
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