Skin penetration, beauty therapy and hairdressing
Skin penetration is defined as a procedure where the skin is cut, punctured, torn or shaved or the mucous membrane is cut, punctured or torn.
The following Department of Health fact sheets provide more information on skin penetration:
The age limit for getting a tattoo is 18 years of age. There is no minimum age for body or ear piercing; however it is recommended that the minimum age is 16 years with parent or guardian permission.
Acrylic nails – MMA use
The Department of Health Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) use of MMA in nail products fact sheet has more information.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of skin penetration and premises must comply with the Health (Skin Penetration) Regulations 1998. To apply to conduct acupuncture clinic you must have planning approval, and approval from the environmental health team. Contact our planning services team on 08 9432 9940.
To apply complete the application to register a skin penetration premises and submit it to the City of Fremantle.
Beauty therapy
The beauty therapy industry is not regulated by any laws, however it is still the responsibility of owners to ensure the premises is maintained in a hygienic condition. This includes proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment in between clients and using of single-use items to prevent infection.
Wax can be reused only if the temperature of the wax is reheated to above 130°C for a minimum of 20 minutes. Beauty therapy premises should have a thermometer available to ensure this.
Body and ear piercing
Body and ear piercing is a form of skin penetration and premises must comply with the Health (Skin Penetration) Regulations 1998.
If you want to conduct body or ear piercing you must have planning approval. Contact our planning services team on 08 9432 9940 or email planning@fremantle.wa.gov.au
You must complete the application to register a skin penetration premises and submit it to the City of Fremantle. Contact our environmental health services team on 08 9432 9856 or email health@fremantle.wa.gov.au
The Department of Health the use of ear piercing/nose piercing guns fact sheet has more information.
Hairdressing
Hairdressing premises are governed by the Hairdressing Establishments Regulations 1972.
If you want to have a hairdressing business, you must have planning approval. Contact our planning services team on 08 9432 9940 or email planning@fremantle.wa.gov.au
You must complete the application to register a hairdressing establishment premises and submit it to the City of Fremantle. Contact our environmental health services team on 9432 9856 or email health@fremantle.wa.gov.au
Cut throat razors are permitted to be used only with an interchangeable single-use blade. The Department of Health use of cut throat razors in the hairdressing industry fact sheet has more information.
Tattooing
Tattooing is a form of skin penetration and premises must comply with the Health (Skin Penetration) Regulations 1998. If you want to conduct tattooing, you must have planning approval. Contact our planning services team on 08 9432 9940 or email planning@fremantle.wa.gov.au.
You must complete the skin penetration premises application form and submit it to the City of Fremantle. Contact our environmental health services team on 9432 9856 or email health@fremantle.wa.gov.au
The Department of Health's henna tattooing fact sheet has more informattion.