In the build-up to the Eid Al Fitr holidays, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City (ADM) is ramping up inspections of women’s beauty salons to ensure their compliance with ADM’s public health and safety standards.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ADM urged beauty centres and their patrons to exercise caution during the busy period leading up to Eid celebrations.

“Intensifying the inspection during these days from the evening up to midnight is intended to educate those in charge of beauty salons and centres as well as their staff about the health standards that ought to be observed in these outlets,” stated Khalifa Al Rumaithi, ADM’s Director of Public Health.

The municipality made a special note of the increased use of henna, reminding salons to be on the lookout for unsafe henna blends. The natural henna product is often mixed with petroleum or other harmful additives to enhance its dying effect, causing damaging health effects to some users.

Ruby from the Beautiful Henna Centre in Abu Dhabi said she offered only natural henna blends, although her salon received an average of 10 to 12 calls everyday requesting “black henna”, which is commonly made up of unsafe chemicals to obtain its dark hue.

“Black henna is not henna actually,” she said, explaining that the henna plant can only naturally produce orange, red and brown colours. “Since it is not meant to be used on the skin, you can imagine how strong the side effects can be, like causing long-lasting skin allergies,” she added.

Even though clients are informed of the ban and the health risks associated with black henna, Ruby said demand is still strong.

Inspectors are confiscating any harmful beauty products found in salons and the municipality may fine, prosecute and even shut down salons if found violating its health and safety standards.