Cairo – Saudi Arabia has implemented a ban on the use of tanning, tattoo, laser, and acupuncture devices in barbershops, according to a media report.
Saudi newspaper Okaz reported that the government has issued draft regulations prohibiting barbershops from using medical devices as classified by the Saudi Drug and Food Authority (SDFA) and the Ministry of Health.
The regulations also ban products of unknown origin or pharmaceutical items. Barbershop operators are required to adhere to safety instructions issued by the SDFA.
For barbershops that cater to children, the regulations mandate the provision of special seats for them. Only male workers are allowed in these shops.
Women can work in barbershops exclusively cutting children’s hair, provided the entire staff is female and men are not permitted to enter.
Additionally, barbershops are prohibited from offering home services without a special permit from the authorities.
While customers can use their personal kits, these kits cannot be stored at the shop. Hair removal services are restricted to the face or head only. Tools used for hair cutting must be made from non-rusting materials like stainless steel and must be stored in clean, special drawers.
The regulations also stipulate that the shop cannot serve as housing for employees, as per the draft by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing.