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Hairdressing, Beauty and Skin Penetration Businesses

Potential operators of a new or existing business should ensure that they have an understanding of the relevant health, safety, planning and environmental issues associated with the business.

Prospective business operators in the hairdressing and skin penetration industry (which includes beauticians, nail technicians and waxing) are strongly advised to consult with Council before commencing or operating a business.

These type of businesses are legally required to lodge notification before commencement of business or changing ownership or premises name.

Council Environmental Health Officers have identified a number of cases where new business proprietors have entered leases for premises that do not comply with current standards, necessitating substantial unexpected costs to the new proprietor.

This can jeopardise the viability of the new business. It is often the case that the cost of works could have been negotiated with the building owner/landlord/agent before entering the lease.

There is also a potential liability on operators in the case of infection of a customer that is then identified to have originated from a business operating without approval and not meeting health requirements.

The message being clear that a new business is legally required to notify Council. Notifying and communicating with Council could save an expense for new operators.

Guidelines for the Construction and Operation of Hairdressing, Beauty and Skin Penetration Premises, produced by the Hunter Regional Health Education Committee, are available on the website or from Council by request.

Skin Penetration premises (tattooists, body piercer’s and acupuncturists) are regulated under the Public Health Act 1991 and Public Health (Skin Penetration) Regulation 2000. Hairdressing and other body decorating and grooming practices that do not deliberately pierce the skin must comply with the requirements of Council as issued under the Local Government Act 1993.

For more information contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer.

Contact details
Environmental Health Officer
0249 800 303 (ph)
council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

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