Personal Service Settings

A personal service setting includes any business offering:

• Hairdressing and barbering
• Tattooing
• Body and ear piercing
• Nail services
• Microblading and micropigmentation
• Waxing and laser hair removal
• Facials and other facial treatments (for example, dermaroller)

Our Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) play a vital role in supporting safe practices at personal service settings. They conduct:

• Routine inspections
• Complaint investigations
• Re‑inspections (as required)

During these inspections, PHIs:

• Ensure the business complies with Ontario Regulation 136/18
• Monitor that staff follow infection prevention and control (IPAC) best practices
• Educate owners and workers on proper sanitation and hygiene
• Respond to consumer complaints
• Provide written reports and follow up on any violations

If serious or repeat violations are found, legal actions such as tickets or closure orders may be issued to protect public safety.

Before booking a service, take steps to protect yourself:

• Choose a licensed and regularly inspected business.
• Ask to see the latest inspection report or check it online.
• Observe cleanliness of the workspace and tools.
• Ask how equipment is disinfected or sterilized.
• Make sure staff wash their hands or wear gloves.
• Ensure single‑use items (like needles, razors, and ink caps) are disposed of properly.
• Look for sealed, sterile packaging that is opened in front of you.
• Ask for written after‑care instructions.

Inspection reports are publicly available so you can make informed choices about where you go for personal services. Look for inspection certificates posted in the facility, or access inspection reports online.

Our Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) regularly inspect tattoo studios across the region to ensure safe practices are being followed — protecting both clients and staff from the risk of infection and disease.

We inspect tattoo studios in line with Ontario Regulation 136/18 and the Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings (3rd Edition). Our goal is to ensure each studio maintains a clean, safe, and sanitary environment.

View inspection reports for tattoo studios in your area.

What to ask before getting a tattoo

To help protect your health, ask your tattoo artist:

• Do you use new, sterilized needles for every client?
• Are ink caps, razors, and other tools disposable and single‑use?
• Is all equipment properly cleaned and disinfected between clients?
• Do you wash your hands and wear new disposable gloves for each session?
• Will you cover the tattoo with a protective bandage after it is done?
• Do you provide clear written after‑care instructions?

If your tattoo becomes red, swollen, painful, or hot, seek medical attention.

Licensing

Brantford-Brant

Tattoo studios in the City of Brantford must also be licensed through the city. For more information:

• Call: 519‑759‑4150
• Visit: 100 Wellington Square, Brantford

For tattoo safety concerns or questions, contact us at 519‑753‑4937 ext. 6470.

Haldimand County

All event organizers must obtain a Special Event Permit, which must be displayed at the event. For more information, contact Haldimand County at 905-318-5932 or visit their website.

Norfolk County

All events on municipal property or those needing municipal services require a Special Event Permit. For more information, contact Norfolk County at 519-426-5870 or visit their website.

Review Public Health Ontario’s guide:

• Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings (3rd Edition)

This guide outlines best practices for:

• Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization
• Waste disposal
• Safe service delivery
• Record‑keeping
• Staff education and hygiene

We also offer guidance and support to help your business stay compliant and safe.