Patch tests
Hair dye and lash or brow tint can cause allergic reactions, some of them serious. Manufacturers usually say a skin allergy test should be done 48 hours before each colour or tint. A careful salon will ask you to come in for one, even if you have had colour before.
Tattoos, piercing and semi-permanent make-up
Businesses and practitioners offering tattooing, piercing, semi-permanent make-up, acupuncture or electrolysis usually need to be registered with the district council. Ask to see the registration certificate. It is illegal to tattoo anyone under 18.
Botox and fillers
Botulinum toxin, often called Botox, is a prescription-only medicine. It should only be prescribed after a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber, such as a doctor, nurse or dentist. In England it is illegal to give Botox or dermal fillers for cosmetic reasons to anyone under 18.
Check who treats you
- Doctors: General Medical Council register (gmc-uk.org).
- Nurses: Nursing and Midwifery Council register (nmc.org.uk).
- Dentists: General Dental Council register (gdc-uk.org).
- Pharmacists: General Pharmaceutical Council register (pharmacyregulation.org).
- Other practitioners may be on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
New rules for cosmetic procedures
The government plans to bring in a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England. Check gov.uk for the current rules before you book.
Sunbeds
It is illegal for a business to let anyone under 18 use a sunbed.
Before any treatment
- Ask for a consultation first, and take time to think before you agree.
- Ask what could go wrong and what aftercare they offer.
- Check they have insurance for the treatment.
- If you have a reaction or complication, contact the practitioner, and for anything serious contact your GP or NHS 111.