Opening a hairdressing business
Before opening a hairdressing business, call us on 0800 926 732 to discuss your plans with a Customer Service Planner.
If you are taking over an existing hairdressing business and plan to make changes to the building, you may need a building consent.
Know the hairdressing rules
View the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 for full details.
Wash hand basins and sinks
You need a minimum of:
- a shampoo sink
- a sink for cleaning equipment, and
- a hand basin to wash hands.
Use each sink for their designated purpose only.
The hand basin must be within 6m of all hair cutting chairs. It must have:
- hot and cold running water
- soap (anti-bacterial)
- nail brush
- a towel or paper towels.
Towels
- You must use a clean, machine-washed towel or single use paper towel for each customer.
- Store used towels in a clean covered container (laundry basket).
- Store freshly washed towels in a clean, dust free location.
- Do not wash towels in the service area of the shop.
Equipment
You should not use tools and equipment, such as scissors and combs, on customers unless they have been cleaned in the following way:
- Remove hair.
- Wash in warm water using a suitable detergent.
- Dry with clean cloth or towel.
- Soak for 30 minutes in a suitable disinfectant (ensure that the disinfectant covers the whole comb and is used according to manufacturer's directions).
- Rinse in clean water and dry.
- Store in a way that prevents re-contamination.
Clean razors and clippers or any other instruments with non-detachable parts:
- Brush teeth or blades thoroughly with a clean brush to remove hair (used exclusively for this purpose).
- Wipe the blades with clean cotton wool or cloth saturated with disinfecting fluid.
- Immerse shaving brushes, mugs and sponges in boiling water for five minutes after each use.
- Use disposable blades wherever possible.
Ultra violet cabinets are satisfactory for storage but not effective for disinfection.
Serving refreshments
The Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980, specify that you may not serve any refreshments to customers in the hair cutting area.
Any crockery and cutlery used for serving refreshments should be single use utensils, or washed in a dishwasher to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, hepatitis, and cold or flu, through inadequately cleaned crockery and cutlery.
