Kuwait rolls out strict new health rules: Bans tattoo devices, razor reuse, and tanning for minors

Kuwait has implemented sweeping new health guidelines for salons, personal care facilities, fitness centres, and health institutes to bolster public safety and curb infectious risks. The regulations, issued jointly by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, introduce more than 130 directives targeting hygiene, infection control, and consumer protection across a rapidly growing sector.

TL;DR:

• Kuwait’s Ministry of Health and Commerce have issued new regulations banning tattoo devices, razor reuse, and tanning services for minors to improve infection control in salons and gyms.
  
  
  
• Workers must have health certificates, remove jewellery during services, and facilities must use only licensed cosmetic products and follow strict sterilization protocols.
  
  
• A joint government committee will oversee compliance, with heavy penalties for violations to protect public health and ensure service quality.
  

Key new rules and measures
The new rules prohibit the reuse of razors or sharp tools with multiple clients; every customer must have new, sterilized equipment, minimizing infection risk. Permanent tattoo devices are banned from all salons, while hair dyeing and intensive cosmetic treatments are disallowed for children. Tanning services for individuals under 18 are outright forbidden. Every salon worker must have a health fitness certificate, undergo medical checks and vaccinations, and avoid working if suffering from a skin or contagious disease. Accessories and jewellery are to be removed before service.
Facilities must display official price lists, use only licensed, approved cosmetic products with clear expiry labels, and follow strict cleaning and sterilization practices for all equipment. Pools and wellness areas within gyms and spas must have certified lifeguards and maintain chlorine-level safety protocols. Instructors are required to have training in CPR and lifesaving techniques.
These measures represent a qualitative leap forward, aiming to improve the quality of services while safeguarding health. A dedicated government committee will oversee supervision and compliance.

Children’s safety and salon operations
Children’s salons and gyms face stringent new controls: Only mild, fragrance-free cosmetic products are permitted, with chemical-laden items such as parabens and phthalates banned. Procedures like hair dyeing, fake tanning, or use of weightlifting gym equipment are not allowed for minors. Parental consent is now required for any activities involving children, and professional trainers and supervisors must oversee gym and swimming activities for anyone under 18. Salons must also obtain explicit permission before capturing client photographs, and homemade treatments are limited to those that are ministry-approved with labelled ingredients and expiry dates.

Enforcement and oversight
A joint committee from the Ministries of Health and Commerce will supervise facilities, ensuring compliance through inspections and enforcement. Any violations may incur business sanctions, license suspension, or closure.
With these rigorous new standards, Kuwait aims to raise health and safety benchmarks throughout personal care and wellness industries, prioritizing infection control, product safety, and child protection in line with international best practices.

FAQ

• 1. What are the major bans introduced in the new health guidelines?
  Permanent tattoo devices, reuse of razors on multiple clients, and tanning services for individuals under 18 are banned.
  
• 2. Are children allowed to use tanning or hair dye services now?
  No, cosmetic tanning and hair dyeing are prohibited for anyone under 18 under the new regulations.
  
• 3. What health and safety requirements must salon workers meet?
  Workers must have health fitness certificates, be free of contagious diseases, and remove accessories while servicing clients.
  
• 4. Who enforces these new salon and wellness service regulations?
  A joint committee from the Ministries of Health and Commerce will monitor, inspect, and enforce compliance with the rules.