Infection prevention training supports new licensing rules for tattoo parlours and beauty clinics
January 16 2025
NHS experts are delivering new training to tattooists, body piercers and acupuncturists to help ensure high standards of hygiene
Staff from our Health Protection service are now offering infection prevention qualifications to help tattoo parlours and beauty clinics maintain the highest standards for their clients.
All successful participants receive a Level 2 certification in Infection Prevention and Control from the Royal Society for Public Health.
The qualification is needed by anyone who performs tattooing, piercing, electrolysis or acupuncture – including dry-needling, ear piercing, semi-permanent make-up and microblading – as part of a new Welsh Government licencing scheme. Practitioners will only be granted a license by their local council once they have met a series of conditions, including completion of an accredited Level 2 infection prevention course.
About the course
Our team will hold one-day training sessions, including a formal assessment, at venues across North Wales. A modest charge will be made to cover the cost of running the training course.
Hygiene and safety standards
The new licencing rules are designed to help improve hygiene and safety standards in the industry, and protect the health of clients. Members of the public choosing a tattooist, piercer or other special procedures practitioner will soon be able to ask to see their licence or check out their credentials on an online register.
Sam Lauder, Assistant Director of Health Protection in the health board’s public health team, said the courses would help to prevent avoidable illness.
“My colleagues are using their expertise to improve the experience of consumers who are getting a tattoo or a piercing, having acupuncture, or considering other procedures covered by this new law,” he said.
“Our infection prevention and control training will help practitioners deliver the best possible service to their clients, help to give their customers confidence – and help prevent infections in the community.”
Practitioners must apply to their local council, with the first licences being granted throughout 2025.
Wales is the first nation in the UK to introduce mandatory licensing for tattoo artists, body piercers, acupuncturists, electrolysis practitioners and cosmetic clinics.