Painting Children Under 3
‘Am I allowed to paint under 3s?’
This question is discussed in face painting groups at least twice a week.
There are quite a few considerations to take into account before you make your decision.
How did the under-3 ‘rule’ come about?
Many years ago Snazaroo registered their face paint as a toy. Therefore they applied the rule ‘Not for use by under-3s due to choking hazard’. This was meant to prevent young children playing with the paint unattended and possibly ingesting the paint which could cause choking – not because it was toxic or harmful in any way.
It has now become the default position and the industry standard – but is it warranted?
Is face paint harmful?
Professionally-produced face paint is made from ingredients which are benign and harmless. The only ingredients in the paint which could possibly cause a reaction are a few of the pigments.
However, any person of any age could develop a reaction to anything at any time in their lives and that includes face paint.
There are many lotions and potions produced for the under-3 market which are applied to children on a daily basis (such as bubble bath, shampoo, creams and sunscreen) which contain ingredients possibly more harmful than face paint.
Façade Academy hosted a webinar in June 2024 in which industry expert Helen Eyre addressed this subject in great detail. You can watch a recording of the webinar here.
You’ll also find useful information here and here.
Always advise how to remove face paint. Make it very clear that they should use soap and water on a washcloth and then say clearly – NOT baby wipes (as they assume that’s the same or good enough).
When does a child’s skin become fully formed.
An argument frequently put forward is that the child’s skin is only fully formed after the age of three. In fact, a child’s skin barrier is still developing until around the age of 5 or 6. A young child’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s, so we should be careful.
It is good practice to ask if the child has been painted before – if they haven’t, ask if they have any allergies or sensitivities. You could also offer a patch test – this is a check for irritant contact dermatitis which will generally show a quick response and only at the contact area.
Patch test
- Clean the skin behind the ear or inner elbow with a clean sponge and water. Dry thoroughly. This removes any other potential irritants so don’t use a wet wipe.
- Apply the colours of the design your client has chosen, or if none have been selected, a red and black. Leave space between the colour applications.
- Leave on the skin for at least 20 minutes (ideally as long as possible up to 24 hours).
- Remove product with a clean damp sponge.
- Check skin for reaction: Positive – red, itchy, irritated, swelling, sore. Negative – no change to skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis is where a person of any age can build increased sensitivity to a particular substance; there is generally no reaction on first contact with the substance.
Insurance
Make sure you check the wording on your own insurance, as policies vary widely. Many insurance policies state that you should abide by the manufacturer’s recommendations, as they do not generally have specialised knowledge. Therefore in the unlikely event of a reaction with a child under 3, you may not be covered.
Labelling
Check the back of the product to see if there is a minimum recommended age.
How to deal with the situation on the job
If a child is presented to you who appears, in your opinion, to be too young, then you are within your rights to refuse to paint. However, how you convey your decision is incredibly important.
- Requests are common, especially if the face paint is free
- Pre-empt by having a clear sign saying over-3s only if you wish
- As they approach you, assess if you think the child might be too young or small or unwilling or they may not understand what a face paint is – what it involves.
- Smile widely, greet them and say gently and kindly something like “I think she/he might be a bit young”. They may answer “oh – she’s been painted before!” Again smile – be disarming whenever possible. Stay kind and friendly – never hostile or disapproving as this may make the parent feel shamed or blamed and therefore defensive.
- Then, ask when their birthday is – (rather than how old they are) – if they explain that the birthday is several or 6 months away, respond kindly and with empathy, then make a judgement as to whether the child is able to handle a paint on the arm. Possibly you may need to paint a small flower on the parent’s arm/hand. All this time chatting to the child, reassuring them.
- Remember that all this time, the people in the queue will be watching how you handle the situation – and that may make the difference between them booking you for a party or rejecting you for your impatient attitude.
- Take your time whilst pursuing a closure to the episode. I frequently encourage the parent to keep the child in their arms – therefore saving the time getting in and out of the chair. Offer a tiny flower – and if the child is reluctant, then paint the parent and then quickly offer them a card and a chance to book you for their third birthday party (or the parent’s 21st ! )
- It’s so important to keep the interaction friendly and kind without embarrassment – make them laugh – leave on a good note.
- If they say she is three, (and remember you can’t prove anything – she may be three!) then you have to make a judgement as to whether the child can handle the situation or wants to be painted (more than the parent wants her to be painted!) Perhaps you can offer to paint something delicate and with minimal paint, yet effective – perhaps a dab of sponging on each cheek and the forehead, with a few double dipped flowers or some little tiger stripes with a gentle colour (rather than black)
- If you feel the child doesn’t want to be painted, don’t feel forced to by the parent. Simply offer to paint the parent – particularly the Dad – and watch him run away! Laugh with them and hand them a card – changing the subject to take the pressure off the situation.
- Allow them to save face – they may book you – and so may the people watching!
Ultimately – it is your decision as to whether you paint children or not.
Face paint is very safe, and you are using it in a professional way, so you are highly unlikely to come across a problem
You are in charge of the situation and it is your decision as to whether you will bend the rules and paint a small something on the arm/hand of a young child.
