by Amra Lear, L.E., LMT., spa consultant for Amra Lear

2020 launched a new era of wellness. Those seeking self-care flocked to spas – the age of wellness booming once and for all. Where distance amongst others became an unusual norm, the yearning for human interaction became available at spas. Massages, facials, and body treatments started becoming instrumental to societal function. Amongst the avid seekers were adults, but then, children started trickling in to receive some form of self-care with their parents.

More and more parents are understanding the importance of human touch for their kids and the spa industry is seeing an incremental rise of this young clientele. What are the ages and services a spa should offer this growing type of clientele? 

AGE & SERVICES

When it comes to a child, all services need to have a parent or guardian’s written consent signed and documented on file. Depending on the service, the parent may need to be present while it is performed. For example, when it comes to massage services, a child under the age of 14 would need to receive a couple’s massage where the parent is receiving a massage in the same room at the same time as the child. For ages 14 to 17, it is suggested that a child receive a massage with a provider of the same gender.  However, if the child prefers a massage therapist of a different gender than their own for whatever reason, the best practice is to receive a couple’s massage with a parent or guardian present.  

Facials have more leeway when it comes to client age. The child would still need to have a parent or guardian present in the room if they are under 13 years of age. Over the age of 13, a child client may receive a facial without a parent or guardian present.