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Dubai gets tough with laser treatment at salons

People requiring laser treatment for removal of unwanted hair will have to undergo complete physical and clinical exams prior to the treatment, including hormonal tests for some

People requiring laser treatment for removal of unwanted hair will have to undergo complete physical and clinical exams prior to the treatment, including hormonal tests for some, according to new regulations laid out by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Beauty salons in the emirate have also been given four months to either stop providing laser hair removal treatments or upgrade their licences to that of specialty centres. The authority has said that by introducing non-invasive and minimally invasive beauty treatments such as the laser and Intense Pulse Light (IPL), the salons start to treat ‘patients’ instead of ‘clients’, according to a recently issued circular.

Dr Ramadan Ibrahim, Director of Health Regulation Department at the authority said the regulation was much needed since the number of facilities offering such treatments was growing in the emirate.

Earlier this year, local media highlighted the plight of a bride-to-be who suffered second degree burns after being treated at a beauty salon in Dubai.

“The persons, establishment, public or private facility shall cease laser hair removal services with effect from July 27, 2011 if the facility did not meet the laser hair removal regulation requirements,” he said.

Under the new regulations, beauty salons must change their status to either that of a specialty/polyclinic, med spa clinic or cosmetic and laser centre or stop the service altogether.

The facility will also be required to appoint a full time licensed physician while a trained and licensed technician shall work under the physician.

It will also have to take complete safety measures in the laser room and should also ensure that the gender of service provider be similar to that of the client.

The circular also states that all medical activities (cupping, piercing, using or selling medicine and herbal items and botox treatments) taking place in the salons will be regulated by the DHA while all non-medical activities such as ear wax removal, tattoos, skin treatment among others will be under the Dubai Municipality.

The municipality will also be the authority responsible for licensing the beauty centres starting August 31, says the circular. Currently, the Dubai Economic Department licenses any businesses being run in the emirate.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com