Somerset council issues warning about dodgy beauty salons

Bath and North East Somerset council is urging residents to use reputable beauty salons after successfully prosecuting a business that did not have adequate infection control procedures in place.

The authority’s Public Protection Health and Safety Team prosecuted American Nails in Westgate Street, Bath, after an incident occurred where a member of the public suffered an injury to her toe when it was cut during a pedicure treatment, which was carried out by an unqualified member of staff.  

The salon was also offering semi-permanent make-up treatments without the proper registration.

Councillor Martin Veal said: "Businesses that offer these services should be safe, clean and legitimate. We take the issue of public health very seriously and we know people like to use beauty salons for a range of treatments. We want to ensure they can do so in premises which are clean and carrying out procedures safely and correctly.

"We are keen to work with local businesses and recommend they contact us for advice and information about good practice.”

Veal added that if members of the public have concerns about a particular beauty salon or nail bar they have visited, they should contact the council's public protection health and safety team on 01225 47700.

Semi-permanent make-up, electrolysis and nail treatments have the potential to cause damage of infection if not carried out correctly by a suitably trained beautician.