Fighting for beauty in Medellín: controls on beauty establishments are intensified to avoid illegal procedures and health risks

Authorities in Medellín have intensified inspections of beauty and aesthetics establishments to ensure compliance with health and legal standards, following reports of unsafe practices and illegal procedures. The city's Health Secretariat announced temporary closures and warnings after evaluating 210 facilities over the past year, revealing widespread deficiencies in sanitation and adherence to regulations. The inspections covered a range of locations including barbershops, hair salons, beauty parlors, cosmetology training schools, and nail salons. Of the 28 inspected cosmetology centers, half received unfavorable evaluations, while 42.9 percent were deemed acceptable but required improvements, and 7.1 percent met all requirements. Among the 182 aesthetic service providers, 74.7 percent were found to meet standards with some conditions, 19.8 percent failed inspection, and 5.5 percent passed without issues. Health Secretary Natalia López Delgado emphasized the importance of verifying procedures performed at these establishments, warning against invasive treatments that breach the skin barrier. She noted that during the period from 2025 to 2026, inspectors identified numerous violations, including the unauthorized use of medical-grade equipment and procedures conducted by unqualified personnel. The Health Secretariat highlighted the need for improved internal processes, particularly in cleanliness, citing findings from the inspections. Over 56 safety measures were implemented, with 75 percent involving temporary closures to protect public health. Key concerns included the misuse of invasive apparatus typically reserved for medical professionals and the performance of procedures by individuals lacking proper technical training. These practices pose serious risks, potentially leading to severe injuries or even death. In addition to health-related consequences, such actions could result in criminal charges in cases of personal harm. Authorities stressed the importance of adhering to established protocols to prevent biological accidents and environmental hazards. Another critical issue identified was the improper management of waste materials. Some establishments lacked contracts with authorized waste collection services, and there were deficiencies in color-coding systems, storage methods, and handling of sharp objects such as needles, blades, and lancets. Contaminated items like cotton swabs, gloves, masks, gauze, nail files, and other blood or bodily fluid-exposed materials were found to be improperly managed, increasing the risk of accidental exposure and community health threats. The Health Secretariat urged owners, administrators, and staff to strengthen their compliance with sanitary norms, emphasizing adherence to Resolution 591 of 2024. This directive outlines specific guidelines for managing waste and ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials within the beauty industry. Officials reiterated the necessity of updating internal processes to align with current regulations and mitigate potential dangers to both workers and clients. The ongoing inspections reflect a broader effort to safeguard public health and enforce legal standards across Medellín’s beauty sector. As authorities continue monitoring compliance, they remain focused on implementing corrective measures and ensuring that all establishments operate under strict sanitary and regulatory frameworks.