23rd November 2022
Is the beauty industry doing enough to support the transgender community?
The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) has distributed guidance to its 30,000 subscribers on how its members can better care for transgender clients. As the UK’s leading membership organisation for the beauty, holistic and sports therapy industries, BABTAC is always looking to raise professional standards. 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 BABTAC is calling on beauty therapists, salon owners and therapists to better understand the needs of their trans customers.
What’s the guidance?
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.
- 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
When it comes to making positive progress, new injectables studio, INJECTUAL has created an environment that is truly diverse and inclusive. Launched by dynamic sister duo, UK leading plastic surgeon Dr. Veerle Rotsaert, and experienced marketeer Joëlle Rotsaert, who herself grew up with gender dysphoria, INJECTUAL provides safe and standardised treatments for all and takes a de-gendered approach to aesthetics. The innovative treatment menu includes bespoke dermal filler procedures to help clients enhance their facial features to reflect their gender identity, from full feminisation and masculinisation to gender neutral facial enhancement.
We have access to the following experts for bespoke quotes:
- Founders of INJECTUAL, Joelle and Dr Veerle Rotsaert
- Lesley Blair MBE, Chair of BABTAC
- Jennie Lawson, owner of Mimosa Beauty in Chelmsford and qualified electrolysis therapist for transgender clients