Salon Owners Slam Proposed IPL Laws

Many salon owners fear the government’s proposed changes to IPL and laser regulations will have a negative impact on their industry. Nadia Stennett reports. 

With salon crackdowns now in full swing in response to the discovery of several illegal laser devices in commercial use earlier this month, as well as a rise in shocking client reports of laser burns and scarring, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has issued an evaluation of IPL and laser regulations, making a range of amendment suggestions including an industry-wide accreditation scheme.

But while the government intervention is planned to reduce the number of laser related incidents, not every industry professional agrees with its feasibility.

“I strongly believe regulation is necessary but it should be manageable, appropriate and meet commercial needs,” says Australian Skin Clinics managing director, Deb Farnworth-Wood.

Farnworth-Wood is among a large group of salon owners who have banded together with petitions to prevent the recommended amendments from coming into play.

“These proposed changes could ruin some operators in our industry which would be devastating for business in Australia. We believe this consultation is a poor attempt by officials to ensure laser and IPL treatment administration can only be performed by a doctor,” emphasises Farnworth-Wood.

the economic impact this will have on operators in the beauty industry, in both regulated and non-regulated states, is enormous.

Among the ARPANSA’s recommendations include extensive training requirements for use of laser and IPL devices, a proposal that will see beauty businesses required to cough up a large investment.

“Not only will this increase the cost to the consumer, the economic impact this will have on operators in the beauty industry, in both regulated and non-regulated states, is enormous. All associated businesses, particularly small and medium businesses, would suffer financially,” says Farnworth-Wood.

But many small business owners feel the outlay will be a worthwhile one, including Temple Skincare & Spa owner Rene Thorpe, who says while she empathises with her peers’ concerns, is in wholehearted support of the proposal for greater training investment.

“While I can understand how small businesses would be fearful of something like this, especially when it involves a substantial financial outlay, investing in education and technology is ultimately going to see our businesses boom over competitors who aren’t offering the same high standard.”

As to whether the new regulations will result in a similar backlash to the boom of black market tanning beds that came about earlier this year in response to regulation changes to solariums is yet to be seen, but Thorpe for one, isn’t concerned.

“Lifting the bar for everyone will wipe the cowboys out, leaving business to the professionals – those of us who are really invested in our industry and clients – the way it should b e.”

Salon owners and industry professionals have until this Friday, July 31, to voice their concerns and put forth submissions at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s public consultation page.

Have your say: Do you agree or disagree with the ARPANSA’s proposed changes to laser and IPL regulation?