Why the Beauty Industry Needs to do More for Trans and Non-Binary Clients

Everyone has a right to enjoy a trip to the salon or the spa. Be it a massage after a long day, or a manicure to give you that extra confidence boost, we all love the feeling of feeling pampered and refreshed. Experiences like these are not merely about beauty, they also positively contribute to our sense of empowerment, self-expression, and well-being. 

Wellness spaces themselves offer more than just aesthetic transformations, they provide a sanctuary where individuals can escape the pressures of everyday life and experience a sense of relaxation and renewal. Access to these spaces is therefore not just about aesthetics but about a fundamental right to self-care. We all know how feeling confident in our own skin plays a crucial role in enhancing our overall well-being, and no one should feel that they are not able to access spaces that facilitate that right. Yet, many who identify as trans and non-binary can face challenges accessing basic salon and spa services.

As we celebrate the rich diversity of the transgender and non-binary communities this Trans Awareness Week, we reached out to members these communities to share their experiences in the hopes of educating ourselves on how these spaces can promote inclusivity for all. 

Pedro Paiva (he/them), is a hairdresser, wig maker, and non-binary person. They talked to us about what they love most about the salon experience:

“Salons have historically been a place of gathering for the upper class. As the economy develops we’re seeing less of this, we’re seeing salons as a place where the working class can also go and enjoy - specially for the trans community. [...] I’ve only had good experiences myself. Sitting down and letting yourself be taken care of in someone’s hands (specially the ones you trust) can be a truly heartfelt act of love. That person will emphasise the person you are - what an incredible power.”

On the other hand, Xeon explains that she has never felt safe enough go to a spa:

“I am very conscious of my body, the way my body works, and the way I can be perceived. So I think that that always brings me to a point based on fear of how I’m going to be treated. [...] Changing rooms, massages and other treatments that require you to be essentially naked is something very vulnerable, something that I don’t want to put myself into not knowing if I’m going to feel safe or not.”

This is disheartening, especially because trans and non-binary individuals can experience significant mental and physical benefits by having access to salons and spas. Getting the right haircut, hair removal treatments, or make-up look can be extremely gender affirming for those suffering from body dysmorphia. Further, massage treatments can relieve muscle aches caused by binding, and can also aid the lymphatic system in processing supplementary hormones. Facials can also aid in fighting breakouts caused by hormonal changes, which trans individuals can also experience. 

In light of this, and just in time for Trans Awareness Week, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) is urging beauty professionals to create gender-inclusive salon spaces. Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chairperson of BABTAC, explains:

“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.”

BABTAC’s initiative aims to provide education on transgender issues and promote inclusivity within the beauty industry, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in all aspects of life, including the salon and spa experience. With insights from Sam Marshall, Gender Inclusivity Expert and founder of Be Trans Aware, BABTAC has developed a Diversity & Inclusivity Best Practice guide for its 10,000 members. The guide offers tangible steps for beauty professionals to ensure their businesses are welcoming and safe spaces for clients of all genders. 

BABTAC’s guide instructs professionals on how to continually educate themselves, audit their company's presentation, make treatments gender-neutral, and ensure gender-neutral options in client forms and consultation cards. The wider report covers essential topics such as understanding gender identity terms, avoiding certain phrases, and respecting pronouns. In addition, Xeon and Pedro talked to us about their own suggestions for how to promote inclusivity in wellness spaces:

“In terms of things that could improve… I think staff training, bias training, and making sure that professionals that are working are used to and aware of the bodies that a trans person can have, would be great. I think offering singular changing rooms is also nice, as that is not always in place.” Xeon

“If I could make a suggestion as a hairdresser myself, it would be that salons should have people educated in all haircuts for all gender expressions. It’s a lot of knowledge and skill and it’s not for the faint of heart. But it’s important that we have these people in control in a salon and that are able to give that special person something that they’re craving and emotionally/spiritually and physically needing for themselves.” Pedro

Finally, the importance of clearly signposting what changes and safeguards have been put in place to make salon and spas more inclusive is also crucial for the peace of mind of trans individuals, Xeon tells us: “[...] with the experience of being too fearful to go, I often don’t know what has been implemented already”. 

All in all, making salons and spas more inclusive is pivotal in dismantling restrictive beauty standards, and offering spaces where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and empowered. The evolving landscape of beauty is a testament to the fact that self-expression knows no gender, and the more inclusive our beauty spaces become, the more they reflect the richness of the human experience. In embracing diversity, we affirm that beauty, at its core, is inherently inclusive. It transcends societal norms and embraces diversity, allowing individuals to express their unique identities. As we celebrate Transgender Awareness Week, it's essential to recognize that inclusivity within the beauty industry is not just a trend, it's a reflection of the evolving understanding that beauty knows no bounds.

To make the experience of a spa or salon available to all, wellness spaces must work towards a more inclusive environment. All of this starts with understanding the experiences of trans and non-binary individuals in these spaces, and listening to their concerns and suggestions. BABTAC’s guide marks the start of this important project to make for truly inclusive salon and spa experiences, where the benefits of wellness are available for all and beauty is openly celebrated. 

BABTAC membership, which starts at £45.00, offers access to educational tools like the Diversity & Inclusivity Best Practice Guide. For more information, visit www.babtac.com or contact the membership team at 01452 623 110.