Medellín cracks down on beauty salons for illegal procedures

Medellín's health authorities have intensified inspections of beauty and aesthetic establishments, issuing warnings and temporary closures to ensure compliance with sanitary and legal standards.

Officials from the Mayor's Office conducted unannounced checks on various businesses, including barbershops, hair salons, beauty parlors, cosmetology schools, and manicure/pedicure services. The aim was to verify adherence to sanitary conditions and legal permits. Of the 28 cosmetology establishments inspected, 50% received unfavorable ratings, while 42.9% were deemed favorable with requirements, and only 7.1% achieved a fully favorable rating.

In the broader category of 182 establishments providing aesthetic services, 74.7% were found to be favorable with requirements, 19.8% were unfavorable, and 5.5% received a completely favorable assessment. Natalia López Delgado, the Secretary of Health, stated that between 2025 and 2026, 210 establishments have been visited. She reiterated the importance for citizens to verify the procedures performed at these locations, emphasizing that invasive procedures that breach the skin barrier are prohibited in aesthetic and cosmetology centers.

The inspections revealed a need for these establishments to strengthen their internal processes, particularly concerning cleanliness. During the evaluation period, 56 sanitary security measures were applied, with 75% of these being temporary total closures to protect public health. Key findings included the use of invasive equipment in cosmetology, activities that should be performed by medical professionals, and procedures carried out by individuals lacking the required technical training.

The Health Secretariat warned that such practices can result in severe injuries, potentially even death. Beyond sanitary measures, these actions can also lead to criminal consequences in cases of personal injury. The inspections covered a wide range of businesses, from barber shops to advanced aesthetic centers, highlighting the district's commitment to public safety in the beauty industry.

“

The Health Secretariat reiterates to the citizenry the importance of verifying the procedures that are carried out in these establishments and reminds that in aesthetic and cosmetology centers, invasive procedures that cross the skin barrier cannot be performed.