Is the Beauty Industry Doing Enough to Support the Transgender Community?

 

Imagery curtsey of Injectual

As the UK’s leading membership organisation for the beauty, holistic and sports therapy industries, the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) is always looking to raise professional standards. As transgender awareness and acceptance grows, it’s calling on beauty therapists, salon owners and therapists to better understand the needs of their trans customers. 

The Gender Identify Research & Education Society (GIRES) estimates that around 1 per cent of the UK population are now gender non-conforming, while the number of people seeking treatment for gender dysphoria is increasing year on year - so it’s more important than ever that therapists are up to date. Demand for beauty services as part of a transformation process is increasing too, and it’s essential staff are compassionate and sensitive to ensure the client is as comfortable as possible. 

Highlighting the issues that might arise when treating someone who is transitioning, BABTAC is educating its members on what to consider, and how best to support customers who could be going through a full transformation with medical treatment and services. 

These include:

  • Making sure to use the correct name and pronouns

  • Being realistic about timescales and results 

  • Being aware of pain management; hormone treatments could cause additional sensitivity

  • Being discrete, from the waiting room to the treatment room

  • Considering specialist training on top of existing qualifications 

  • Considering applying to be on the NHS funding list of practitioners

  • Advising on tanning, makeup and skincare skills and treatments

Lesley Blair, Chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC, says “Beauty plays a key part in many transgender people’s lives, and it’s essential that industry professionals are sensitive not only to their feelings but to the physical changes they’re going through, too. The treatment room is an intimate space where everyone should feel comfortable and at ease, and we need to take that responsibility seriously, even more so when treating those who need respect and acceptance as they transition.”

Brands like INJECTUAL are proud to create an environment that is truly diverse and inclusive. Offering safe and standardized treatments for all, the studio also offers a variety of injectable fillers for those looking for facial feminization, masculinization or a more gender-neutral look.

As an LGBTQIA+-owned business, INJECTUAL ensures that each member of staff is sensitive to the needs and requirements of every patient and that treatment and aftercare is delivered in a professional, non-judgmental way that allows everyone to feel safe and welcome.

“Often clinics focus on one target group, we want to create a place where everyone feels welcome and we’re also keeping everyone’s ethnicity in mind when it comes to techniques. We also want to create a safe space for trans people, as there aren’t a lot of clinics that focus on non-surgical facial treatments for transitioning people.” share Dr Veerle and Joëlle Rotsaert, co-founders.

 
Business and EducationNatalia Kulak