19/07/2026
There’s a reason I ask how old your child is.
Contact dermatitis is just one of the reasons we ask a child's age before face painting. Children under 3 are more susceptible to absorbing paint and other chemicals through their skin, which can increase the risk of reactions.
My insurance specifically states that I cannot paint children under the age of 3. As a member of FACE, I am also committed to following its Code of Practice and maintaining the highest professional standards. These rules are in place to protect children, their families, and my business.
At a free public face painting event today, I asked every parent of children who looked around 5 years old or younger how old they were. Every parent replied that their child was 3 or older. On this occasion, I didn't ask for a date of birth because, a few weeks ago, I received a 1-star review after asking someone to confirm their child's age, and I didn't want to cause offence again.
A little girl sat in my chair, chose her design, and I had already started painting a Stitch design when her older sister casually mentioned that she wasn't actually 3 yet—she was only 2. I stopped and asked Mum again to confirm her age, explaining that if she was under 3, my insurance would not cover me should she have a reaction. Mum again said she was 3, but her sister repeated that she was only 2.
I couldn't take that risk, so I stopped the face paint and explained why I couldn't continue.
I completely understand that little ones want to join in with their older siblings, friends, and family. As a parent, it's hard to see them miss out. But these rules aren't there to spoil anyone's fun—they exist to keep children safe and to ensure face painters are working within their insurance and professional guidelines.
Please don't put your child, or your face painter, in this position. It's never "just paint." Children's safety will always come first, and I will always follow the standards I'm insured and trained to uphold, even when it's a difficult conversation