Salon Hygiene in Dubai: What Dubai Municipality Requires

Dubai Municipality's technical guidelines for salons, barbershops and beauty centres (version 5, issued 26 March 2026) say wooden waxing sticks must not be re-dipped in the wax container, and that metal nail tools must go through a thermal steriliser with temperature and time controls. These are the rules inspectors check against. Here is what they cover, in plain terms.

Tools: clean, disinfect, sterilise

The guidelines set a three-stage process for reusable tools: wash with soap and water, disinfect in an approved solution for the stated time, then sterilise. Specifically:

• Metal nail tools need a thermal steriliser, dry heat or steam, with temperature and time controls.
• Hair, eyebrow and eyelash tools can go in a UV device, used to the manufacturer's manual, with lamps replaced periodically and the device not overcrowded.
• Sterile tools must be stored in a clean, closed place, separate from used ones.

Single-use means single-use

Salons must use single-use tools for each service, dispose of them immediately and keep enough in stock for every service type. In 2022, Dubai Municipality inspectors told Gulf News they check whether disposable tools are being reused.

Waxing and paraffin

RuleWhat it means for you No re-dipping wooden sticks in waxA fresh stick each time it goes into the pot No re-dipping hands or feet in shared paraffin between customersParaffin treatments should not reuse another client's bath

The municipality explained in 2022 that the same spatula should not be reused even on the same client, unless the salon uses a separate wax container for each customer.

Staff

Every service provider needs a valid professional health certificate meeting Dubai's health requirements; specialised services need professional certification. Workers must wash and sanitise hands before and after each service, wear clean uniforms and closed shoes, and stay off work with an infection that could affect others. In 2018, Khaleej Times reported that salon staff had to complete basic health and safety training each year, with each salon's health supervisor doing advanced training every five years.

Products

Salons may only use and sell cosmetics and personal care products approved by the competent authorities, with compliant labels, and must not stock unauthorised or prohibited products or any medicines. See our guide on checking a product is registered on Montaji.

Consultation and the premises

Specialised services (hair care, skincare, eyelash extensions and Oriental bath) require a consultation form before the service. Masks must be worn for services that produce smoke or vapour. Animals, living on the premises and smoking are not allowed, and salons must not store customers' own tools or products.

Inspections and grades

Dubai Municipality grades salons after inspection from A (highest) to F (lowest), Gulf News reported in 2022. Its Health and Safety Department carried out 1,917 salon inspections between January and March 2022, with penalties ranging from warnings and fines to instant closure. Salons with an A grade and no violations can apply for voluntary "Ideal Salon" certification (guidelines updated July 2025).

What to check

• Single-use files, buffers and waxing sticks opened in front of you.
• A steriliser in use for metal tools, and clean tools kept apart from used ones.
• A consultation form before skincare, lash or hair-colour services.
• If something is wrong, report it to Dubai Municipality: 800900 (24/7), 04.gov.ae or ehcinspection@dm.gov.ae.
• Also see how to check a salon is licensed.

For general information. Details can change; check with Dubai Municipality before relying on them.