New restrictions could be imposed on Bahrain’s beauty sector, amid claims that some salons are offering sex services and providing treatments with unqualified staff.
Such businesses could be required to obtain new licences, after the Southern Municipal Council approved the move yesterday and referred its decision to the Cabinet.
It is based on concerns that both male and female salons are offering waxing, massages, spa treatments, Moroccan and Turkish baths, skin cleansing or bleaching without any specialist training.
The council wants such services to be provided by qualified staff whose certificates are clearly displayed for customers – and it wants to ban Brazilian waxing altogether.
“There are cases of homosexuality, male and female, in which staff took advantage of customers,” said council technical committee chairman Abdulla Abdullatif.
“Police complaints have been filed and cases are being heard in court.
“It all occurs because several outlets are offering services that are not part of their portfolio – and this needs to stop.
“A clampdown has to occur and violating outlets have to be closed down.”
Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi, who is spearheading the campaign, claimed unqualified staff were routinely massaging customers – putting their health at risk.
“A normal practice of men’s hairdressers is to massage customers by tapping on their head, shoulders and upper back with two hands,” said Mr Al Tamimi.
“That could cause injury if not done properly.
“The same goes for stretching the neck of customers, which could cause paralysis or even lead to death.
“Physiotherapy is a professional science, conducted by specialists following extensive training and study.
“It should only be done in a regulated manner after obtaining a licence.
“A hairdresser is not licensed for such practices. The services they should offer are clear – threading, haircutting, beard shaving, colouring and chemical straightening, besides normal facial services – nothing more.”
He also criticised the practice of offering Brazilian waxing.
“Taking customers, men and women, to closed rooms – wash rooms or on the mezzanine – where they get naked for body waxing or oriental hair removal is unacceptable and has to be stopped,” said Mr Al Tamimi.
“I understand in women’s cases, in which they get their arms and legs waxed, but not private parts – which is nowadays an additional service on offer for both sexes.
“There have been several cases after waxing, or when a massage is conducted, in which male or female staff got on top of customers or rubbed their private parts.”
Meanwhile, he said various government agencies had expressed concerns about the sector during a council fact-finding exercise.
“We were told by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry that they are concerned about locations; the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry with commercial activities; the Health Ministry said it was concerned about hygiene and health standards; while the Interior Ministry said it only acts when sexual favours are provided outside the shutter,” said Mr Al Tamimi.
Bahrain Businesswomen Society president Ahlam Janahi welcomed the council’s proposal to improve regulation of the sector and agreed that too many salons were providing services with untrained staff.
“We want hairdressers and salons to succeed, but not at the expense of professionalism, people’s well-being, health and moral values,” she said.
“This needs proper licensing for outlets and staff.
“The council’s initiative will hopefully put things on the right track.
“People with no proper experience or credentials – housemaids, unlicensed Bahrainis and even some expats on flexi permits – are providing services.
“The Health Ministry needs to do thorough inspections and take action. That’s the only way to control it, but because of a shortage of inspectors visits are conducted once a year, or when someone complains.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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