Beauty treatments for teens and tweens: age rules and parental consent around the world

Quick answer: Rules for young people and beauty treatments vary from country to country. Some treatments have firm legal age limits: under 18s cannot use commercial sunbeds across the UK, Ireland, Germany and Australia, and anti wrinkle injections and fillers are banned for under 18s in England even with a parent's permission. Tattoos usually have a legal minimum age too. Most other treatments, such as lashes, nails, brows, waxing and facials, are set by each salon's own policy, which often asks for parental consent for younger clients. Always check the local rules where you live, and choose a qualified, insured professional who is happy to talk you through their policy.

Your 12 year old wants their nails done for a friend's party. Your 15 year old has a prom coming up and has their heart set on lashes. Or your tween has started asking for serums and creams they've seen online.

Wanting to look and feel good is a lovely part of growing up, and beauty treatments can be a fun way to mark a special occasion. As a parent or carer, you simply want to know what is safe, what is allowed and what is right for your child's age.

This guide brings together the main age rules around the world, what to expect from a good salon, and how to make choices together that feel positive.

Why age matters for beauty treatments

Young skin is still developing and can be more sensitive to products and chemicals. Teens and tweens may also find it harder to sit still, describe how a treatment feels or follow aftercare at home. And in many countries, someone under 18 cannot give full legal consent on their own.

That is why a thoughtful salon will look at three things before booking a young client: what the law says, what their insurance allows, and whether the treatment suits the young person in front of them.

Sunbeds: a clear no for under 18s in many countries

Sunbeds are the treatment with the strongest rules for young people, because UV exposure raises the risk of skin cancer later in life.

• United Kingdom: It is an offence for a business to let anyone under 18 use a sunbed. This is covered by the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 in England and Wales, the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 and the Sunbeds Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
• Ireland: Under 18s have been banned from using sunbeds since July 2014.
• Australia: Commercial solariums were banned in every state and territory by 2016, for people of all ages. Research reported by Australia's radiation safety agency, ARPANSA, estimated the ban will prevent more than 31,000 melanomas over the lifetime of Australians who were aged 12 to 35 in 2007.
• Germany: Minors have been banned from public sunbeds since 2009.
• Canada: Rules are set by each province. British Columbia, for example, has banned under 18s from tanning beds since 2012 unless a doctor prescribes it.
• United States: Rules vary by state. Using National Conference of State Legislatures data, Healio reported in 2026 that 25 states and Washington DC ban indoor tanning for all minors, while others ban it at certain ages or require parental consent.

If your teen wants a glow for a special event, a professional spray tan is a lovely UV free option. Many salons set their own minimum age for spray tanning, so ask when you book.

Anti wrinkle injections, fillers and cosmetic procedures

Injectable treatments are medical procedures, and several countries now protect young people with specific laws.

In England, the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 came into force on 1 October 2021. It is an offence to give botulinum toxin (such as Botox) or dermal fillers for cosmetic reasons to anyone under 18, or to book an appointment for them. A parent or guardian cannot give permission to get around this. The only exception is when a registered doctor approves treatment for a medical reason.

In Australia, new national guidelines for non surgical cosmetic procedures took effect on 2 September 2025. Advertising cosmetic injectables to under 18s is banned, and young people must have a seven day cooling off period between their first consultation and any procedure. For cosmetic surgery, the Medical Board of Australia requires under 18s to wait at least three months after giving consent and to be assessed by an independent GP, psychologist or psychiatrist first.

Elsewhere, rules can be less clear, so if your teen is curious about injectables, a chat with your family doctor is a good place to start.

Tattoos and piercings

Tattoos are permanent, so most countries set a firm minimum age.

• England, Wales and Scotland: The Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 makes it an offence to tattoo anyone under 18, even with parental consent, unless it is done for medical reasons by a doctor.
• Scotland: Licensed piercers must not pierce a child under 16 unless a parent or guardian is with them and gives written consent.
• Wales: Intimate piercing has been banned for under 18s since February 2018.
• United States: Each state sets its own rules. A state legislature research report found that some states ban tattooing minors outright while many others allow it with parental consent. In California, for example, under 18s can only have a body piercing with a parent or guardian present.

Even where the law allows a treatment with consent, a studio can still say no. That is a sign of a responsible business, not an unhelpful one.

Lashes, nails, brows, waxing and facials

For most everyday beauty treatments, there is no single law setting an age limit. Instead, each salon follows its own policy, its insurance conditions and the product manufacturer's guidance. It is common for salons to ask for a parent or carer to sign the consent form, and sometimes to stay for the appointment, for younger clients.

Here is what to expect from a caring professional:

• Lashes and brows: Lash extensions, a lash lift and brow tinting all use adhesives or solutions near the eyes, so a patch test before the first appointment is standard practice. Many salons set a minimum age for these treatments, and some suggest waiting until the late teens.
• Nails: A simple manicure with nail polish is a gentle first treatment. For gel polish, a well trained technician keeps products off the skin, because repeated skin contact can lead to allergies. You can read more in our guide to nail allergies and safe nail services.
• Waxing: Young skin can be more sensitive, so a good therapist will check the skin first, explain how it will feel and go gently. Your teen should always feel free to stop.
• Facials: A gentle, age appropriate facial can be a brilliant way to learn about cleansing and sun protection. Strong peels and advanced treatments are usually kept for adults.

The skincare trend for young people

Many parents have noticed tweens asking for serums, acids and multi step routines they've seen online, a trend sometimes called "Sephora kids". Dermatologists have started to look at what is actually in these routines.

A Northwestern Medicine study published in 2025 looked at 100 TikTok skincare videos made by young people aged 7 to 18. Routines used an average of six products, the products in an average routine cost around $168 (usually lasting about a month), and the most viewed videos contained an average of 11 potentially irritating active ingredients. Only 26% of daytime routines included sunscreen.

Young skin generally needs very little. A gentle cleanser, a simple moisturiser and a daily sunscreen cover the basics. If your child has acne or sensitive skin, your doctor or a dermatologist can help, and a qualified skin therapist can teach them a simple routine that feels fun without being harsh.

A quick guide for parents

Before booking, it can help to ask the salon:

1. What is your minimum age for this treatment, and do you need parental consent?
2. Are you qualified in this treatment and insured to treat young clients?
3. Will you do a patch test or skin check first?
4. Can I stay with my child during the appointment?
5. What aftercare will they need, and is it easy to follow at home?
6. Is there a gentler option that would suit their age?

Then talk it through with your young person. Explain what the treatment involves, how long it lasts and how to look after it. Letting them ask questions builds confidence and helps them understand their own skin, hair and nails.

FAQs

What age can you get lash extensions?

In most countries there is no legal minimum age. Each salon sets its own policy, and many ask for parental consent for under 18s or prefer to wait until the late teens. A patch test should always come first.

Can under 18s use a sunbed with parental consent?

Not in the UK, Ireland or Germany, where under 18s cannot use commercial sunbeds at all, and commercial sunbeds are banned for everyone in Australia. In the US and Canada it depends on the state or province. A spray tan is a UV free alternative.

Can a 16 year old get Botox or fillers?

Not for cosmetic reasons in England, even with a parent's permission. In Australia, strict guidelines apply to under 18s, including a cooling off period. Elsewhere, speak to your family doctor first.

Can a 12 year old get gel nails?

There is usually no law against it, but each salon decides. Many offer a simple manicure or nail polish for younger clients and may ask a parent to sign the consent form.

What skincare does a tween actually need?

Usually just a gentle cleanser, a light moisturiser and daily sunscreen. Strong acids and anti ageing products are not needed for young skin.

Book with confidence

The best salons are happy to explain their age policy, talk you through each step and suggest an option that suits your young person. That conversation is a great sign that you are in safe hands.

Take a look at our guides to lash lifts, gel polish and facials, then find a verified professional near you. Every verified profile on The Hair and Beauty Directory has had its qualifications and insurance checked.