If you work in beauty, whether you’re lifting lashes, sculpting brows, running laser, microneedling, or injecting foreheads smoother than a fresh jar of moisturiser, you already know this:
- Clients want results.
- Regulators want compliance.
- You want protection.
But here’s what most beauty pros don’t realise:
Your consent forms are one of the most important legal documents in your entire business.
They’re not just “paperwork”.
They’re your evidence.
Your boundaries.
Your risk management.
Your compliance armour.
And if your consent forms are generic, outdated, incomplete… or something you copied from Google (no judgement, but also… pls no), you might be exposing your business to disputes, regulatory issues, or expensive mistakes.
In this guide, we’re unpacking exactly what a legally legit beauty consent form needs in 2025, especially for AHPRA-registered injectors, dermal clinicians, and advanced skin clinics.
Let’s make your paperwork just as polished as your client results.
What Is a Beauty Consent Form, Really?
A consent form is a document that confirms:
- The client understands the treatment
- The risks have been explained
- Contraindications have been checked
- Aftercare instructions are provided
- Realistic expectations have been set
- They agree to proceed, knowing all of the above
When done well, it protects both you and your clients.
When done poorly? It creates legal, ethical and regulatory headaches, especially for high-risk services like injectables, peels, laser and microneedling.
Why Strong Consent Forms Matter (Real Examples)
1. A filler client experiences swelling + bruising.
With proper consent, you can clearly show that these risks were explained in advance.
2. A lash client has an allergic reaction.
If contraindications weren’t asked, recorded and acknowledged? That’s a problem.
3. A cosmetic injector advertises incorrectly.
AHPRA and TGA have strict rules around how you describe procedures, and your consent forms need to reflect those guidelines.
4. A skin clinic performs microneedling without documenting medical history.
If the client later complains or lodges a claim, your documentation becomes your protection.
Consent isn’t just a signature.
It’s a safety net.
What AHPRA & TGA Expect from Consent Forms in 2025
If you offer cosmetic injectables or treatments involving regulated medical devices (like certain lasers or microneedling devices), you must follow strict guidelines.
AHPRA expects:
✔ Clear explanation of the procedure
✔ Risks + complications explained in plain English
✔ Informed consent obtained before treatment
✔ No testimonials used anywhere in the process
✔ No misleading claims about “guaranteed” results
✔ Proper patient records and clinical notes
TGA expects:
✔ Accurate, non-promotional terminology
✔ No direct advertising of prescription-only medicines
✔ Clear distinction between medical and cosmetic outcomes
✔ Use of compliant disclaimers
This isn’t optional.
It’s regulatory compliance, and your consent forms are a big part of it.
The Key Clauses Every Beauty Consent Form MUST Include
Whether you’re a lash tech or a cosmetic nurse, these elements are non-negotiable:
1. Client Medical History + Contraindications
You must ask about:
- Allergies
- Medications
- Health conditions
- Previous treatments
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Skin conditions
- Viral/bacterial infections
If something goes wrong, this section becomes crucial evidence.
2. Explanation of Risks + Side Effects
This must be specific to the treatment, not vague.
Examples:
- Brow stain sensitivity
- Lash lift over-processing
- Hyperpigmentation post-laser
- Bruising, swelling, infection post-injectables
- PIH post-peels or microneedling
Clients cannot claim they “weren’t told” when it’s clearly outlined.
3. Expected Results (and the Limits of Treatment)
No false promises.
No “perfect results guaranteed”.
No unrealistic before/after comparisons.
Your consent form should clearly cover:
✔ What the treatment can achieve
✔ What it cannot achieve
✔ How long results last
✔ That individual results vary
This is one of the most common sources of disputes - and it is preventable.
4. Pre- and Post-Treatment Care Instructions
You need to show that:
- You gave the client correct information
- They understood how to care for the area
- They acknowledged their responsibility
Many adverse reactions come from incorrect aftercare…
so this section protects you.
5. Practitioner Responsibilities + Client Responsibilities
Both parties have obligations.
Both should be stated clearly.
This helps avoid “he said/she said” situations that escalate into conflict.
6. Photography + Marketing Consent (Optional but important)
You must obtain separate consent for:
- Before/after photos
- Use on social media
- Use in advertising
Especially important for injectors (AHPRA has very strict rules here).
7. A Clear Statement of Informed Consent
The client must confirm:
✔ They understand the procedure
✔ They’ve had a chance to ask questions
✔ They’re choosing to proceed voluntarily
✔ They’ve been informed of risks and alternatives
This signature is your legal shield.
When Do You Need a Separate Consent Form?
Generic forms do not cut it for advanced procedures.
You likely need customised consents for:
- Laser (hair removal + skin)
- Microneedling
- Chemical peels (light, medium, deep)
- LED
- Skin needling pens (TGA-regulated)
- Dermaplaning
- Anti-wrinkle injections
- Dermal fillers
- Fat dissolving
- Threads
- Plasma fibroblast
If it carries risk, it needs its own consent.
And no, one all-purpose waiver will not protect you.
Common Mistakes Beauty Pros Make With Consent Forms
✘ Relying on templates from overseas
Different laws. Different regulators. Different risks.
✘ Using the same consent for every treatment
Nope. Too risky.
✘ Rushing the consultation
Consent must be informed, not hurried.
✘ Not storing consent forms correctly
AHPRA requires proper record-keeping.
✘ Not updating consent forms annually
Regulations change. Your documents must too.
Where to Get AHPRA & TGA-Aware Consent Forms
Good news:
You don't need to DIY this.
Our Beauty Business Collection includes:
- Lash, brow, skin and tanning consent forms
- Cosmetic injector medical consent packs
- Laser + advanced skin treatment consents
- AHPRA + TGA-aware website and clinic policies
- Treatment disclaimers and contraindication checklists
All lawyer-drafted.
All Australianised.
All written in clear, simple language (no legal spaghetti).
Perfect for salons, cosmetic injectors, skin clinics, and mobile beauty pros.
Final Thoughts
Your consent forms are more than paperwork, they’re protection.
They prevent misunderstandings.
They reduce complaints.
They minimise legal risk.
They help you stay compliant.
They make your business LOOK and FEEL more professional.
Strong documentation = a stronger business.
You deserve that.
Need help choosing the right consents for your clinic?
Explore the Beauty Collections or take our Template Matchmaker Quiz.
Need help? Don't hesitate to reach out for additional support.
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Disclaimer. Please read!!
This article is for general information purposes only and should be used solely as general guidance. It does not and is not intended to represent legal advice or other professional advice.
© Foundd Legal Pty Ltd
