Everyone wants to look good. That’s why people go to the salon. By signing a Salon Consent Form, your clients agree to your salon’s policies and procedures. Doing this helps protect both your business and your clients and ensures everyone is familiar with the expectations and guidelines while in the salon. It can also help avoid any misunderstandings or disputes that could arise if a client is unhappy with their service. We recommend using our professionally designed Salon Consent Form Template to quickly and easily create a high-quality legal document you can customize and reuse for your business.
Going to a salon can offer a range of benefits for customers, from feeling pampered and relaxed to looking and feeling your best. Salons can provide a wide selection of services that can leave you feeling refreshed and confident about your appearance. As an owner, manager, or technician, you should enjoy making people feel good about themselves, which is easier when you know you’ve covered your bases legally.
What Is a Salon Consent Form?
A salon consent form is a document that people must sign before receiving certain types of treatments at a salon, such as hair coloring, chemical treatments, waxing, and laser hair removal. The form outlines the risks associated with the treatment, the client’s rights and responsibilities, and other necessary information. The document is written in language any layperson can understand.
In the United States, state law governs salon treatment consent forms. Many states have enacted legislation requiring that salons post their consent forms prominently on their premises in an easily viewable place, or they have other specific requirements. In Oregon, for example, state law mandates that salon owners provide clients with an “Aesthetic Treatment Agreement and Release” form before all kinds of treatments (including facials and waxing).
Did You Know: In other countries, such as Australia, consent forms must follow different legal requirements to be legally binding.
What Is a Salon Consent Form Important?
A salon consent form is important because it serves as a written agreement between a salon and its client, outlining the terms and conditions of the services being performed. It also includes essential information about the customer, such as their name, address, phone number, and any health concerns that should be taken into consideration. Here are other reasons why you need these essential documents.
- It encourages an open dialogue. Before signing, clients must read and understand this form to ensure they know the risks associated with any treatments they receive.
- It respects a client’s right to bodily autonomy.
- It protects the business and technician from litigation.
- Although consent forms aren’t legally required for every treatment a salon can give, they are necessary for many. Moreover, it’s a good idea to use them regardless.
- It is proof of consent.
- It is a vital part of your business recordkeeping process.
These documents provide vital information about the procedure to the client. It allows clients to consent to a particular treatment without any concerns that they may have been overcharged or not provided with complete and accurate information. Moreover, by issuing this important form with your services, you, as a salon, can demonstrate that you have followed your professional code of conduct.
Historical Significance of a Salon Consent Form
Salon consent forms are intrinsically tied to modern health and safety standards. The shared history began with OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established in 1970 as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Act was created to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
The OSHA Act also established the “Right to Know” principle, which requires employers to provide employees with information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The right to know includes providing employees with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) that list the hazardous chemicals used in the workplace, their potential health effects, and safety measures to protect workers. Although it was not a direct intention, the result of these standards included influencing client and customer rights. The employee rights eventually led to the risks and side effects of salon treatments being integral to Salon Consent Forms.
Now, salon consent forms are required by law in some states. These forms document the client’s informed consent to a particular service or procedure. They often include a waiver of liability for the salon or stylist in case of an injury or other adverse outcomes. Sixty years ago, a salon wouldn’t have been required to tell its workers if, for example, the chemicals in a facial could damage their skin, so they didn’t always know in advance whether to wear gloves. Fortunately, to everyone’s benefit, things have come a long way since then. Modern salons not only provide consent forms, but they regularly update them to reflect the changes in procedures, materials, and consent laws.
Essential Elements of Salon Consent Form
The essential elements of a salon consent form typically include information about the salon, the customer, and the service. Additionally, it should outline any risks, side effects, or additional terms and conditions. Below we’ve created an outline that explains each section in more detail. However, our Salon Consent Form Template is highly customizable, so you can add or remove the information and create a personalized document for each customer. We recommend regularly reviewing and updating your consent documents to adhere to your area’s current standards and legal practices.
- Form Title- Your document should say “Salon Consent Form” in large bold print at the top.
- Salon Name and Contact Information- List the name or specific location (store number, etc.) if there is more than one, along with the address, phone number, and email.
- Client Name and Information- In addition to the client’s name, you should collect their contact information, including street address, phone and email, and their date of birth (age).
- Procedures- List all the services you offer in a checklist format so the client can select what they plan to have done today in a single, convenient location.
- Assent Statements- The assent statements cover many vital topics like confirming that they have disclosed allergies, medical information, and other relevant health conditions, authorizing before and after photos, payment terms, and other essential agreements and understandings. Have the client read and initial each one as you review the sheet. Doing this allows you to answer any questions they have and address their concerns before proceeding.
- Consent Statement- The consent statement affirms that they’ve read and understood everything, consent to the treatments specified above (on the services checklist), and waive liability.
- Client Signature and Date- By signing the form, your client creates a binding legal contract. Although they can withdraw before services are performed, this is still a record of the initial arrangement.
- Parent or Guardian Signature and Date– This section only applies when the client is underage or otherwise incapable of consenting for themselves.
- Salon Staff (Technician) Signature and Date- Having the technician sign helps clarify who performed the services.
Pro Tip: Use your business name or a professionally designed logo at the top of all your consent documents to help create a professional look and promote brand continuity.
Legal Requirements for a Valid Salon Consent Form
The legal requirements for a Salon Consent Form vary from state to state. It is essential to familiarize yourself with local laws before creating one of these vital documents to use in your business. Otherwise, you could miss something important and be liable for damages or be subject to other penalties. Below is a general list of requirements that apply to most consent forms.
- The salon consent form must be in writing and signed by the customer.
- It must include the name of the customer and the services to be provided.
- The form must clearly state the procedure’s risks, such as potential side effects and any associated medical risks.
- The form must clearly state that the customer has read and understood all the information provided and consented to proceed with the services.
- The form should also specify a reasonable period of time during which the customer may exercise their right to cancel.
- The salon must also provide the customer with a copy of the consent form and proof of service date (e.g., invoice)
- The consent form must be legible and use language customers will understand. Any necessary industry-specific terms or complex terminology should be explained to the client before they sign.
FAQs
Below we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about this topic to help you make the most of your pet information sheet template. Here you’ll learn more about treatments or services that typically require a Salon Consent Form, how long a Salon Consent Form is valid for, and more.
Treatments or services that typically require a Salon Consent Form often include chemical treatments, waxing, laser treatments, and permanent makeup. Below is a quick list of other services that may require documented consent.
ᐅ Haircut or styling
ᐅ Coloring
ᐅ Perming
ᐅ Keratin treatments
ᐅ Chemical straightening or relaxing
ᐅ Scalp and face treatments such as deep conditioning and exfoliation
Everyone has the right to refuse services if they don’t agree with the terms of a consent form. It can be difficult for clients to know their rights when signing a salon consent form, but understanding these rights is essential for clients to make informed decisions about what services they will or will not accept. As a client, you should always be aware of your rights regarding bodily autonomy and the ability to decline services.
Refusing to sign a consent form is a smart way for clients to protect themselves and ensure their rights are respected. However, salon employees should also be aware that they have the right to refuse services if the client does not sign their consent. Doing this helps prevent future liability.
Signing a new Salon Consent Form for each visit or treatment you receive at a salon is necessary. This form serves as an agreement between you and the salon, outlining the terms and conditions of your visit and any treatments you may receive. It also provides essential information about the salon’s health and safety policies and services. By signing this form, you are ensuring that your experience at the salon is both safe and enjoyable.
Generally, Salon Consent Forms are valid for a single treatment, though there may be exceptions depending on the particular salon or state regulations. It is vital to read over the form carefully before signing it in order to ensure you understand all of its contents and that it is valid for your particular situation. These vital documents provide a legal agreement between the client and the salon outlining the terms and conditions for the service. Knowing how long these forms are valid is essential to ensure that all parties are protected and avoid issues associated with a lack of informed consent.
Key Points
A Salon Consent Form is a document used to document a customer’s consent to receive certain services from a salon. The form will usually include details of the services provided, the risks, side effects, and benefits, the cost and duration of those services, and other essential information. It may also include the customer’s contact details and any additional relevant information about the customer, such as answers to pertinent health-related questions. The purpose of the Salon Consent Form is to ensure that both parties are aware of and agree to the services being provided. By choosing a professionally created template, you can save time, minimize errors and ensure all the correct information is included.