UAE Businesses Directory

How to Choose a Beauty Salon or Spa in the UAE

Updated By the UAE Businesses Directory editorial team4 min read

Short answer: to choose a beauty salon or spa in the UAE, check that it is licensed, look at hygiene and sterilisation in person, ask for a price list and the products used, and use a health-authority-licensed clinic rather than a salon for medical or injectable treatments.

Key takeaways

  • Salons and spas need a trade licence and must meet health and hygiene requirements set by the local authority.
  • Treatments that are medical, such as injectables or laser, should be done in a facility licensed by the health authority.
  • Ask for the price list, product brands and any patch test before the service.
  • Visit first: clean tools, fresh towels and single-use items tell you a lot.

What should a licensed salon or spa have?

  • A valid trade licence for the activity, displayed or available on request.
  • Clean, well-ventilated premises with tools stored hygienically.
  • Single-use items such as files and wax strips, or proper sterilisation for reusable tools.
  • Trained staff who can explain the treatment and any risks.
  • A price list and clear booking and cancellation terms.

Salon or medical clinic: which one for which treatment?

Treatment Where it belongs
Haircuts, colour, manicures, pedicures, facials, massage Licensed beauty salon or spa
Injectables, fillers, laser, skin procedures that affect living tissue Clinic licensed by the health authority, with a licensed doctor or practitioner
Waxing, threading, eyelash and brow services Licensed salon; ask about hygiene and patch tests

What should you ask before a treatment?

  • Which products and brands do you use, and can I see the packaging?
  • Is a patch test needed if I have sensitive skin or allergies?
  • Who will perform the treatment, and how long have they done it?
  • What is the total price, including products and any add-ons?
  • What is the cancellation or refund policy?

How do you compare prices?

Compare like with like: treatment time, products used and the experience of the person doing the service. Very cheap offers can mean shortcuts on products or hygiene. Ask whether prices include 5% VAT and whether packages expire.

What are the red flags?

  • No licence shown, or an unclean workspace and reused disposable items.
  • Medical or injectable treatments offered outside a licensed clinic.
  • Pressure to buy expensive packages in advance.
  • Promises of guaranteed or instant results.
  • Staff who cannot tell you which products they use.

How do you find a salon or spa in the directory?

Browse beauty salons and spas in the UAE, compare locations and contact two or three to ask about services and prices.

Related guides: How to Choose a Clinic or Medical Centre in the UAE

Frequently asked questions

Do beauty salons in the UAE need a licence?

Yes. Salons and spas operate under a trade licence and must follow the health and hygiene requirements of the local authority.

Can a salon do injectables or laser treatments?

Medical procedures should be performed in a facility licensed by the health authority. Ask to see the licence.

Should I do a patch test?

If you have sensitive skin or allergies, ask for a patch test before colour, peels or similar treatments.

Do salon prices include VAT?

They should state it. Ask whether the 5% VAT is included in the price you are quoted.

Sources

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Licensing and health requirements vary by emirate and change over time, so confirm them with the relevant authority.

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