Operations of Dubai beauty salons and special rehabilitation centres streamlined

Beauty will always be big business as people are forever conscious of how they look - which explains why beauty salons are springing up with increasing regularity.

Not only has the number of practitioners grown, but so has the range of services they offer: everything from slimming advice and spot removal to laser hair treatment, and body shaping.

More and more facets of the beauty industry have health implications and, as such, Dubai Muncipality has stepped in to streamline operations.

The civic body, in a bid to increase supervision, has insisted that businesses which offer 'body shaping' treatments should no longer be called 'beauty salons'. They will instead be known as 'Special rehabilitation centres'.

Zohoor Al Sabagh, Head of Dubai Municipality Clinic and Medical Services, told Gulf News that the term 'salon' should be used only for those who offer waxing, hair dressing, colouring and related services.

The municipality's top priority is licensing and all the staff in the newly registered 'health centres' must acquire licences from the Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms). In addition, every bit of equipment used in treatment must be approved by the health department.

The health rehabilitation centres should have special facilities such as separate rooms for each treatment, while they should also ensure clean and healthy practices. All dieticians should also get a licence from Dohms and the related advertisement material should be approved by the health department.

"Very soon all the clinics related to dentistry and beauty will be put under Dohms's supervision. The government wants only specialists to operate such sophisticated techniques and machines," Zohoor said.

In September 2002, the municipality asked beauty salons offering body shaping treatments to conform to the rules laid down. On expiry of that period, an additional three months were given to rectify the situation.

Some centres have already taken the corrective measures, others are being inspected by the Health Control and Infectious Disease Unit at the clinic.

There are 1,200 beauty salons for men and women of which 288 are in Deira and 353 in Bur Dubai. But of these, 24 offer laser treatments and only six have adhered to the ministry's directives. Laser machines that failed the Dohm should not be used.

Farhan Al Marzoqi of the Dubai Municipality, said people want to look more appealing and neat now so they go to these clinics.

"Men are getting their facial hair removed more than women and I think it is good. I think I'll also get some removed from my face through laser from a specialist centre. It will save me a lot of time shaving every morning." But, he said, this should be done in a good clinic. It is good that the government is imposing restrictions to ensure quality service.

Beauty salon owners said they are offering the best services and no complaints have been filed against them. They regularly send their staff and equipment for tests and have even changed their names to obtain trade licences.

However, doctors think such treatments should be carried out under the supervision of specialist doctors.