Providing Solarium Services in Iran Has Become a 'Crime'

An official from the Food and Drug Administration in Iran declared the import, consumption, and use of solarium devices as a 'crime' and expressed regret that 'tanning has become one of the criteria of beauty' for women in the country. On Friday, June 5, Tasnim News Agency reported, citing Jamal Toli, that according to the directive of the Medical Equipment and Supplies Department of the Food and Drug Administration, 'the use of solarium devices is prohibited.' He added that solarium devices 'lack any license for production, import, and clearance, and maintaining the supply, consumption, and use of these items is a crime and can be pursued legally.' This official also stated that 'unfortunately, in many cases, the first verb of the colloquial phrase 'make me beautiful' has found an external counterpart.' Mr. Toli criticized that tanning has become one of the 'criteria of beauty among members of society, especially women,' referring to some side effects of tanning, including 'premature aging, eye damage, skin irritation and blistering, reduced collagen levels, and increased pigmentation of the skin.' Recently, with the onset of the summer season, the use of solarium devices for tanning skin in Iran has increased. Simultaneously, warnings from officials to salons and other places providing such services have also increased, and in some cases, these places have been shut down. On May 16, the head of the Union of Male Hairdressers declared the provision of solarium services, tattoos, and eyebrow plucking in male salons as 'violations.' He stated that 'in case of these violations, the relevant unit will be shut down.' In this context, the Iranian judiciary claims to have 'dismantled a tattoo gang' and shut down 15 women's salons in Karaj 'due to providing tattoos.' 'Satanic hairstyles' in male salons in Iran have been banned, and the focus has now shifted to men's eyebrows.