Skin treatment registration

Making an application

You can make an application for personal registration and premises registration on the same form.

You must complete the full application process online and upload your completed form and supporting documentation to the GOV UK website online system.

Further guidance on the online application procedure can be found on our Online licensing applications page.

Apply for a treatment registration on the GOV.UK website

What happens after I make an application

Once an application has been made and the fee(s) paid, arrangements will be made for an officer to visit you to ensure you comply with the strict byelaws and health and safety legislation. The operator and premises registration forms and a copy of the byelaws must be displayed in the premises.

If you practice the treatments without operator or premises registration you are committing an offence and could be fined up to £200.

Byelaws

The practice of the above treatments are controlled through compliance with byelaws. If you practice the treatments without operator or premises registration you are committing an offence and could be fined up to £200. You could be fined a further £200 for failure to comply with the byelaws.

Visit Bylaws page to view Acupuncture, tattooing, semi-permanent skin-colouring, cosmetic piercing and electrolysis document.

Tattooing - the law and advice on safe practice

It is an offence to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 unless the tattoo is for medical reasons and carried out by a medical practitioner. This legislation is enforced by the police. If prosecuted, a fine of up to £50 may be issued for a first offence, increasing to up to £100 for repeat offences.

You must keep records for every person you tattoo, including the type of ID checked at the time. This information should be recorded on the consent form. We recommend only accepting a valid passport or photo driving licence as proof of age.

If you are found guilty of tattooing a minor, we may suspend or revoke your personal registration and/or the premises registration for tattooing.

For further advice on legislative requirements and best practice visit Chartered Institute of Environmental Health webpage for guidance on tattooing, piercing and semi-permanent skin colouring.

Semi permanent make up - microblading treatments

What is microblading

It is a form of tattooing, conducted using a blade, which is made up of a row of fine needles. The blade is dipped into a coloured pigment (ink) and then placed into the upper layer of the skin with a slicing motion to create fine hair like strokes. The results are natural looking fuller eyebrows.

What are the risks

The microblading procedure involves puncturing the skin and inserting a pigment (ink). If the microblading equipment is re-used between clients, it will become contaminated and can result in causing localised infection at the site of the puncture or the transmission of blood-borne viruses, for example, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV. Allergic reactions to the pigment, numbing cream and ointments used as well as scarring from repeated procedures are also associated risks of microblading.

Common symptoms of infection to look out for

• fever
• swelling
• tenderness
• discharge, yellow, green or brown colour
• off-putting smell

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please seek medical advice and report your concerns to your Local Environmental Health Department.

What training is required

There is no mandatory, legally required training for people offering microblading treatments. However, since microblading is an invasive procedure, technicians offering microblading treatments should have some level of knowledge and experience in infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures associated with the treatment.

How do I find a salon using safe microblading practices

• Choose a business that is licensed and/or registered with the local authority. Businesses are required by law to display their Licence or Certificate of Registration along with the local byelaws if these apply in your area.
• Research the business. Visit their website or look at their social media page, for example, look at their Facebook, Instagram and X accounts to see if anyone has mentioned anything about poor hygiene or infection following the procedure.
• They must arrange a patch test with you, preferably 48 hours prior to treatment. This will assess whether you have an allergy to any of the pigments or inks.
• You should always expect to complete a health questionnaire or consultation before the treatment to minimise any adverse health effects.
• When you visit for your consultation have a look to see that the room where the procedure is being carried out is in an enclosed, dedicated space away from the public and other beauty treatments.
• Look at the cleanliness of the salon or room where the procedure is being carried out and the condition of the equipment including the treatment bed. It should be in good repair, clean, orderly and free from clutter. Ideally there should be a wash hand basin in the room. If not, there should be one easily accessible to the room.
• On the day of your treatment pay attention to how the technician sets up their workstation. It should be on a clean, clutter free trolley or work surface and al-ready laid out prior to the procedure.
• Check the microblading blade and hand tool is pre-packaged, single use, sterile and discarded after the treatment into a yellow sharps bin. Reusable equipment such as scissors, tweezers and callipers should be cleaned and disinfected between clients to protect against infections and be stored in a suitable clean container. Pencils used for marking the skin are single use only.
• Check that the technician washes their hands and changes their gloves regularly during the procedure. This should be done before they start the procedure and put on their gloves and if they leave the room or take a break. Proper hand washing and appropriate use of gloves helps to protect the technician and yourself from infection.

See NHS choices website for more information