Beauty, hair and skin penetration

If you operate a business (including mobile operators) that undertakes beauty treatments, barber/hairdressing or skin penetration procedures, you must register your business with Woollahra Municipal Council.

Skin penetration activities include: 

• hair removal (wax or electrolysis)
• acupuncture
• tattooing
• nose, ear and body piercing
• colonic lavage
• cuticle cutting
• microdermabrasion
• cosmetic enhancements
• beauty treatments
• blood cholesterol and glucose measurement
• any other procedure that involves penetration of the skin.

It does not include procedures performed by registered medical practitioners, dentists, chiropractors, osteopaths, dental technicians, nurses, optical dispensers, optometrists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists.

If you require further information on specific procedures, NSW Health provides fact sheets. Register by filling out the Health Premises Registration Form.  You also need to register with us if you are planning an event involving skin penetration procedures. Please contact us if you need more information about registering your business or event.

Before starting any skin penetration, check the premises’ development consent or speak to a Woollahra Municipal Council planner. The premises needs to be built and designed appropriately. For skin penetration design and construction guidance go to NSW Health's Skin penetration business design and construction fact sheet.

An authorised officer may inspect your skin penetration premises or event at any time unannounced to ensure compliance with relevant legislation. For more information, go to Health NSW's Roles and powers of authorised officers.

NSW Health provide fact sheets and resources to help business.

For skin penetration, go to Skin penetration resources.

For beauty treatments, go to Beauty treatment businesses fact sheet.