For nearly a decade, Singaporean part-timer Ms Leo Rui Yan has been receiving monthly facials from the same beautician. But unlike most spa-goers, she’s the only customer in the space each time—because her beauty treatments take place in a private home.

Her beautician runs a home-based salon, offering personalised care in a quiet and familiar environment. Ms Leo was introduced to this concept 10 years ago by her mother, and since then, she has witnessed an increase in similar home-run services across Singapore.

“When I first started, I rarely heard of beauty services being provided at home,” shared the 27-year-old. “Now, it’s become common to find home-based nail, lash, and skincare services.”

Is It Safe to Visit a Home-Based Salon?

One of the first concerns potential customers often have is safety. Media reports have occasionally highlighted incidents involving unlicensed individuals carrying out medical-grade aesthetic procedures in home settings—some resulting in complications for clients and legal consequences for the beauticians.

In one case, a beautician was jailed for offering unlicensed treatments like thread lifts and filler injections at various locations, including her home. In another, a woman who provided a double eyelid procedure from home was sentenced to jail after her customer suffered worsened eyelid drooping.

Despite these incidents, many legitimate home-based beauticians stress that they maintain high safety and hygiene standards—often exceeding customer expectations.

Clean, Professional, and Personal

Ms Vivian Thang, owner of Essential Home Beauty in Choa Chu Kang, ensures that every tool she uses is thoroughly sterilised before each appointment. “I always do a consultation before any treatment—checking for allergies or if the client is pregnant,” she said. Ms Thang has over 20 years of experience, having started her career in a traditional salon setting.

Lash technician Ms Cahaya Kasih Muhammad Amin, who runs Lash Hausss from her Ang Mo Kio flat, is equally meticulous. She uses disposable tools like eye pads and lash applicators, and thoroughly sanitises her workspace.

“I also explain all potential risks to my first-time customers,” said the 31-year-old. “From glue sensitivity to eye infections, they need to know what to do if something happens. I take full responsibility for their safety.”

She even avoids working on clients with pre-existing eye conditions to prevent complications. “If someone has an eye issue, I simply advise against getting lash extensions.”

Do These Businesses Require a Licence?

According to Singapore’s GoBusiness portal, residents in HDB flats can operate certain types of home-based businesses—like beauty salons—without seeking formal approval from the Housing & Development Board. However, these businesses must not disrupt neighbours and should remain secondary to the flat’s residential use. Additionally, no non-residents are allowed to be hired to work in these home businesses.

That said, not all beauty services are treated equally under the law. The Healthcare Services Act prohibits individuals from conducting medical-grade aesthetic procedures without the appropriate healthcare licence. These include anything that involves injecting substances under the skin, deep skin exfoliation, or drawing bodily fluids.

Procedures like tattoos, ear piercings, and lash lifts, however, are not classified as clinical procedures and can be legally performed by trained beauticians in non-medical settings.

Extra Measures to Earn Client Trust

Ms Cleo Chang, who offers eyebrow embroidery at her home studio, goes above and beyond to ensure cleanliness. “I use a fresh needle for every client and prepare the tools in front of them so they can see everything is hygienic,” she explained. “My bed cover is disposable, and the entire area is disinfected before each session.”

She also understands that some customers may feel uneasy about visiting a stranger’s home. To ease concerns, she allows female clients to bring a companion. “That said, I’m quite active on social media, and many customers feel like they already know me before showing up. That helps build trust.”

A Growing Choice for Personalised Care

With privacy, affordability, and one-on-one attention, home-based beauty salons are quickly becoming a preferred choice for many in Singapore. While regulations are in place to prevent misuse, a growing number of trained professionals are choosing the home setting to offer safer, more comfortable beauty experiences.

As with any service, the key for customers is to do their research—check credentials, ask questions, and read reviews—to ensure a safe and satisfying experience.