Laser Hair Treatment to be banned in Dubai beauty establishments

by Anna

As stories of laser hair removal burns, scars and other problems continue to mount, Dubai has become the latest jurisdiction to severely restrict the practice of laser hair treatment by "beauty establishments".

Unless these establishment apply to become licensed as a healthcare facility by 31 Aug 2011, they "can face closure or fines of up to Dh10,000 if they violate the regulations." *

They're not fooling around.

But they have good reason too.

According to Dr. Kayali, of the Dubai Health Authority:

"Hair removal by laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) are considered to be medical procedures, based on regional and international benchmarks..."

"The procedure is considered invasive and may lead to complications and side-effects if it is not conducted by trained and qualified healthcare professionals."

Dr Kayali said there might be underlying medical reasons for excessive hair growth, for example a hormonal imbalance that could require medical advice and follow-up." *


So the goal of this legislation is to move the whole practice of laser hair removal to people who have been officially trained and licensed to perform the procedure.

A dermatologist or plastic surgeon must also be available to run the laser machine. Strangely, they don't need to be in the facility at the time of the treatment however.

Not sure of the logic behind that one... :-)

But, at least it is one more jurisdiction that has come to recognize that there are some real risks in laser hair removel.

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* All quotes from a news report from the UAE online news The National, 29 Apr 2011