Hair, beauty and body art businesses

Procedures that involve skin penetration pose a health risk.

Microorganisms (germs) present on dirty instruments can enter the body when the skin barrier is broken.


Registration

All skin penetration, beauty and hairdressing businesses operating within the Cessnock local government area must be registered with Cessnock City Council.

To register a new business or notify us of any changes to a registered businesses, please complete the Skin Penetration Business Registration Form.(PDF, 425KB)


Inspection 

We routinely inspect businesses undertaking the following activities:

  • Body piercing (including ear piercing)
  • Nail treatments, cuticle cutting and foot spas,
  • Colonic lavage
  • Tattooing (including cosmetic tattooing and semi-permanent makeup)
  • Waxing and hair removal (excluding laser hair removal)
  • Blackhead removal using a needle
  • Micro-dermabrasion
  • Razor scraping

What do inspections involve?

We assess:

  • the cleanliness of the premises
  • the fit-out and the construction of the premises
  • the provision of facilities and equipment for cleaning, sterilising, hand washing, and storage
  • the waste storage and disposal including sharps and contaminated waste
  • current procedures
  • hygiene practices including cleaning, disinfecting and sanitising of equipment
  • records for waste disposal and autoclave (if required)

 

Inspection fees apply. Fees are calculated in accordance with Council's Fees and Charges.

We don't regulate acupuncture activities. Acupuncture enquiries must be made to the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.


Legislation

Premises performing skin penetration procedures are regulated under the provisions of the Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2022.