We work in one of the most intimate spaces a person can enter. The treatment room isn’t just where skincare happens — it’s where trust is built, and where clients allow themselves to be cared for. And in a world that feels increasingly divided, our treatment rooms become a space where people can feel seen, respected, and safe.
Inclusivity in our industry is a responsibility.
Every client who walks into your space brings their whole identity with them. Their pronouns, religious beliefs, lived experiences, their sense of self — it all matters. By keeping space for all of these things it communicates:
I see you. I respect you. You belong here.
Inclusivity starts with language. With slowing down enough to give someone the dignity of feeling acknowledged, not assumed.
Our treatment rooms should never require someone to compromise their values or beliefs to receive care.
Some clients may need privacy considerations.
Some may need accommodations for modesty, head coverings, gender preferences, or product ingredients that align with their beliefs.
When we communicate openly about comfort, boundaries, and what feels safe, we create a treatment experience that honors both their skin and their spirit.
It's important to remember touch isn't neutral for everyone. We often talk about touch as healing — and for many, it is. But for others, touch may carry history. A past, and maybe a story they never told.
I want to be clear: I am in no way suggesting that you add questions about trauma history to your intake form. That’s not appropriate, nor is it our place to ask clients to disclose deeply personal experiences. What is important is learning to “read the room” — noticing when a client flinches, tenses up, or pulls away. These small cues can tell you it's time to check-in with your client.
Why does all of this matter now?
We’re living in a time when people feel watched, judged, categorized, and misunderstood more than ever. Many arrive in our treatment rooms carrying invisible weight — emotional, cultural, or personal.
Inclusivity isn’t just a buzz word, and it's not just about kindness.
It’s about professionalism, it's being an esthetician who understands that skincare is deeply connected to a person’s comfort, nervous system, and trust.
Our clients don't just come to us for better skin. It's a space where they come to feel seen, feel human and hopefully find a moment of peace in a world that doesn't always give it freely.
It's also important to remember that inclusivity doesn’t require perfection — it requires presence. A willingness to learn, listen, and adapt.
Here are small, meaningful ways to cultivate that environment:
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Ask pronouns or preferred names on intake forms
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Offer modesty options (gowns, draping, or staying fully clothed when possible)
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Provide a treatment table that is body size inclusive
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Confirm comfort with touch, pressure, temperature, and scents
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Always allow clients to opt out, change their mind, or pause the service
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Normalize boundaries — their preferences aren’t “inconveniences”
These little shifts become the foundation of trust.
At the heart of it all, inclusivity is good business. People just want to feel safe and seen, and we have the opportunity to create an experience that meets both of these things.
