Registering a beauty or body art business in the NT

Every business registers

In the Northern Territory, every hairdressing, beauty therapy and body art business must be registered. Environmental Health, part of NT Health, regulates these businesses under the Public and Environmental Health Regulations.

Who must register

You must register if your business is paid for:

• hairdressing: cutting, colouring, treating and shaving
• beauty therapy: face or body treatments, manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, semi-permanent make-up and cosmetic tattooing
• body art: tattooing, ear piercing, body piercing and body modification.

You don't need to register if your business only applies non-permanent make-up, does spray tanning, or provides procedures by a registered health practitioner.

Renewals

• Beauty therapy and body art registrations last one year. Renew at least 30 days before expiry, or start a new application if it lapses.
• Hairdressing-only businesses don't renew, but need a new application if they move.
• Cancel your registration within 14 days of selling or closing the business.

What you need to apply

• Proof of identity, verified online or in person with an environmental health officer.
• Business details, including your ABN or ACN, and proprietors' contact details.
• Floor plans showing treatment rooms, work areas and hand wash basins.

Fees are paid online when you apply, and are listed on the NT Government's registration page.

The guidelines

NT Health publishes Public and Environmental Health Guidelines for Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Body Art. They aim to reduce the risk of infection, injury and other health complaints. In practice that means sterile instruments for anything that penetrates the skin, never re-using needles, clean premises and hand hygiene between clients.

Contact Environmental Health in your region before you open, and follow your workplace procedures.