Consent and aftercare forms for nail and beauty salons

A nail and beauty salon runs on skin and trust. Gel that could lift, a tint that could sting, a wax on an area that turns out to be sensitive. Most of the time it is completely fine. The form is for the times it is not, and for the client who genuinely forgot to mention the medication that thins their skin.

It is also there for you. If a client ever says they were never asked, a signed form with a time on it is a calm end to the conversation.

What goes on a beauty consent form

Keep it to what changes what you do in the room. A long form gets skimmed, so ask for the things that matter and leave the rest.

• Who they are and how to reach them, filled in from their booking.
• A short health and skin checklist: allergies, skin conditions, medication, and pregnancy where it is relevant to the treatment.
• A patch test question for tint and lash work, so you have a record of what was offered and chosen.
• A couple of consent statements they tick, like understanding that mild redness can happen or that results are not guaranteed.
• A photo permission, if you like to post your work, so you ask once and keep the answer.
• A signature at the end, drawn with a finger.

A patch test you can show you offered

For tints and lash treatments the advice is usually to patch test a day or two before a first appointment. Whatever you decide to do, the consent form is where you record it. A tick box and a consent statement capture that the test was offered and what the client chose. If there is ever a reaction, you are not relying on memory.

Attach it only to the services that need it

Not every service needs a form. A repeat gel manicure for a regular probably does not. A first lash lift, a tint, a wax or a facial probably does. You tick the services that require it, so a client booking one of those is asked to complete it before the visit, while a regular booking a familiar treatment is never bothered.

Where the signed forms live

Every signed form sits on the client's profile with the date it was signed. Before their next appointment you open their card and see what they told you last time, including their drawn signature and the exact time it went in. It is the client history you always meant to keep, without the folder of paper.

One honest note. This is about keeping a good record, not legal advice. What you are required to hold, and for how long, depends on where you are and on your insurer, so it is worth a quick check. Bookatu's job is to give you a tidy place to hold it and an easy way for clients to sign.