Hairdressers & Barbershops
If you operate a hairdressing salon or barbershop, whether from a commercial premises or your home, you must register with Council and be issued a certificate of registration, which must be renewed annually. Additionally, your premises will be inspected annually by the Council's Environmental Health Officer to ensure compliance with health and hygiene standards.
If you are building new premises or making alternations to an existing structure, you may require a building consent. In some cases a resource consent may also be required before work can begin. It is recommended that you contact the Council’s Environmental Health Officer early in the process to ensure you have the necessary approvals in place.
Application Process
Applications for registration should be submitted at least 14 days before you intend to commence operations. To apply to open a new hairdressing business, you must:
- Complete and submit the application form (PDF file, 267.4 KB).
- Provide a floor plan of the premises showing the location and designation of all spaces/rooms, the layout of appliances, and fittings, and the number of service chairs.
- Pay the prescribed fee.
A pre-opening inspection will be scheduled and conducted before the hairdressing premises registration certificate is issued.
If you take over an existing hairdressing business, you must notify Council and transfer the registration into your name by completing and submitting an application form.
Regulations and Standards
There are specific requirements to be aware of when planning the design and makeup of your salon to meet the requirements of the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980. Some important requirements are:
You must provide:
- A minimum of one wash-hand basin for every 10 hair-cutting chairs, with at least one basin within six metres of these chairs. Each basin must have hot and cold running water, soap, a nail brush, and a towel or paper towels.
- A sink with hot and cold water for cleaning equipment.
- Shampoo basins with hot and cold running water, used exclusively for shampooing and cleansing hair.
- Tools and equipment, such as scissors and combs, must be cleaned and disinfected using a suitable disinfectant, ensuring full coverage and following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Instruments with non-detachable parts, such as clippers, should be brushed to remove hair and wiped with cotton wool saturated with disinfecting fluid.
- Where tea, coffee, or other beverages are served to customers, all utensils must be effectively cleaned and sanitised using a commercial dishwasher or another approved method. Alternatively, single-use utensils may be provided.
- Refreshments should not be served in the hair-cutting area.
Further Information
The Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 provides detailed requirements regarding the structural design and operational practices of hairdressing businesses.