Al Ain: Six beauty salons have received warnings for ignoring safety guidelines.
The salons were unable to produce employees’ medical fitness certificates and were committing irregularities in wearing masks, gloves and uniforms while providing services to customers, according to Al Ain Municipality. The civic authorities recently checked some 30 salons and beauty centres across the city via an inspection campaign.
In a similar campaign last year, the municipality discovered expired cosmetics, use of harmful chemicals, and unhygienic practices at 63 beauty salons. Violators were penalised for breaking health and safety rules and women were advised to be vigilant and contact the police if they suffered any ill effects after beauty treatments.
The Al Ain Municipality’s public health department has also been running awareness campaigns as well as taking pledges from salons to use quality cosmetics and stick to health safety regulations. Salons have also been advised to ensure hygienic practices by disinfecting equipment before use.
Fatima Al Gafli, an official from the department’s guidance unit, said the inspection drive took place every half year for a week all over the city. “Salons can only avoid fines and penalties by committing themselves to the regulations prescribed,” she said.
She said the Department of Economic Development was also supporting the campaign that aims to create a risk-free environment for women. They are required to not use black henna mixed with strong or harmful chemicals, creams and lotions.
Salons have also been asked to refuse such service to girls under the age of 12. A higher concentration of chemical used in cosmetics and hair dyes could pose liver and blood and other health problems. Fatima also urged women to ensure the beauty products being used on them are safe.
Al Ain Municipality has also been organising regular workshops for ladies and gents salons and barber shops to raise awareness on the rights and duties of a beauty salon. Experts give detailed lectures at these meetings to the participants.
