How to choose a beauty salon or aesthetics clinic
Most beauty treatments are low risk in clean, careful hands. Injectables such as Botox and fillers are medical procedures, and that is where the real risk lies. Here is how to choose safely.
Botox and fillers are medical
Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a Schedule 4 medicine in South Africa: it must be prescribed by an authorised prescriber, such as a doctor, after a proper consultation. Ask who will assess you and who will inject, and check their registration: doctors with the HPCSA, nurses with the SANC.
"Botox parties" and injections from someone who cannot tell you who prescribed the product are serious warning signs.
Hygiene you can see
- Tools that are sterilised or single-use, opened in front of you.
- Clean surfaces, fresh towels and gloves where appropriate.
- A patch test before hair dye, lash glue and similar products, to catch allergies.
Ask before you book
What exactly is included, what products are used, what aftercare is needed, and what happens if you have a reaction. Read independent reviews, not just the salon's own posts, and check the business on the CIPC register.
Common questions
Who can give Botox in South Africa?
Botulinum toxin is a Schedule 4 medicine, so it must be prescribed by an authorised prescriber such as a doctor after a consultation. Check the registration of whoever assesses and injects you: HPCSA for doctors, SANC for nurses.
Why do salons do a patch test?
To check for an allergic reaction before applying products like hair dye or lash glue to a larger area. A careful salon will insist on it.
How do I know a salon is hygienic?
Tools should be sterilised or single-use and opened in front of you, with clean surfaces, fresh towels and gloves where appropriate.