From whitening to drips: Salons cross the line

Mrs Clotida Chimbwanda

Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
THE Health Professions Authority (HPA) Zimbabwe has sounded the alarm over the mushrooming of beauty salons, spas, and small boutiques offering medical cosmetic procedures without proper licences or qualified staff.
In a statement released this week, the authority expressed concern that some operators are carrying out services such as teeth whitening, intravenous vitamin drips, and chemical skin treatments outside registered health facilities.
The HPA stressed that these procedures, often marketed as routine beauty treatments, are in fact medical in nature and must only be performed by trained professionals in approved institutions.
HPA Secretary General, Mrs Clotilda Chimbwanda, warned that the trend is putting lives at risk, as many people are lured by lower prices and convenience without verifying whether providers are authorised.
“We are seeing a worrying increase in unlicenced places offering procedures that should only be done in proper medical settings. These are, not just beauty services, they involve the body in ways that can be dangerous if not handled correctly,” she said.
Mrs Chimbwanda stressed that the law is clear on who is allowed to carry out such procedures and where they should be done.
She said the Health Professions Act [Chapter 27:19] requires that anyone performing medical-related procedures must be registered and operate from a licenced facility.
“No person is allowed to perform any act that belongs to a health profession unless they are registered. This includes injections, chemical treatments and any procedure that breaks the skin,” she said.
She added that it is also illegal to run a health institution without being registered with the authority.
“What some of these operators are doing is against the law. They are offering medical services in places that are not approved, and that puts the public in danger,” said Mrs Chimbwanda.
The warning comes at a time when cosmetic procedures are becoming more popular, especially among young people seeking quick results for skin care, body enhancement and general appearance.
However, HPA said the risks involved are often not explained to clients.
“When these procedures are done in the wrong environment, the chances of infection are very high. Many of these places do not meet basic hygiene standards required for medical work,” said Mrs Chimbwanda.
She pointed out that procedures involving needles or chemicals can expose clients to serious health problems, including infections and diseases.
“There is a real risk of blood-borne infections when equipment is not properly sterilised. People may also suffer severe reactions to the substances being used,” she said.
Mrs Chimbwanda warned that some reactions can be life-threatening if not handled quickly.
“In a proper health facility, there is equipment and trained staff to respond to emergencies such as allergic reactions. In these unlicensed places, there is often no capacity to deal with such situations,” she said.
She added that some clients may not even know what is being put into their bodies.
“People are being given injections and treatments without full information. That is very dangerous. You need a qualified person who understands the procedure and can explain the risks,” she said.
The HPA said its role is to protect the public by making sure that health services meet set standards.
Through the enforcement of the Health Professions Act, the authority ensures that facilities are properly equipped, clean and staffed by trained professionals.
“Our duty is to make sure that people receive safe care. When a facility is registered, it means it has met the required standards and can be held accountable,” said Mrs Chimbwanda.
She said this also gives patients a way to seek help if something goes wrong.
“If you are treated in a registered place, there are systems in place for you to report any harm and get assistance. That protection is not there when you go to unlicensed providers,” she said.
The authority is now urging members of the public to be more careful and to check credentials before undergoing any procedure.
“We want people to take responsibility for their own safety. Before you agree to any treatment, check if the place is registered with the HPA,” said Mrs Chimbwanda.
She said every approved facility must display its registration certificate in a visible area, such as the reception.
“You have a right to ask to see that certificate. It should not be hidden,” she said.
In addition, clients are encouraged to verify the qualifications of the person offering the service.
“Ask the practitioner to show you their current practising certificate. A qualified professional will not have a problem doing that,” she said.
Mrs Chimbwanda also called on the public to report suspicious activities.
“If a place refuses to show its credentials or if something does not seem right, report it to us immediately. The public can help us stop these illegal operations,” she said.
The HPA warned that choosing cheaper, unlicenced services could lead to long-term health problems that are costly to treat.
“It may seem cheaper at first, but the risks are too high. Your health should always come first,” said Mrs Chimbwanda.
She emphasised that safety should never be compromised for convenience or cost.
“There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve your appearance, but it must be done safely and legally. Always go to registered professionals,” she said.
As the authority steps up efforts to clamp down on illegal operators, members of the public are being reminded that not everything advertised as a beauty treatment is safe.
Behind the promises of quick results may lie serious health risks.
The HPA says staying informed, asking questions and checking credentials can help prevent harm and ensure that people receive proper care.|
“We are appealing to everyone to be cautious. Do not take chances with your health,” said Mrs Chimbwanda.