Hairdressers Information

Public Health Law requires that hairdressers and barbers operate hygienically. The hygiene standards required are listed in the bye-laws made under the local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982. These standards are enforced by Environmental Health Officers.

What Hairdressers and Barbers Have To Do 

Hairdressers and barbers are required to register premises with the local authority both when opening new premises and when a new occupier takes over an existing salon. In the case of mobile hairdressers, the premises would be the home address of that hairdresser.

For the current licensing fee please contact the licensing section on 342 3021 or view them online here:
 

What to do After You’re Registered

No. You have only informed the council where you are. After registration you will be inspected by an Officer from the Environmental Health Department. The inspection will probably be combined with a Health and Safety inspection under the Health and Safety at Work, etc.,Act 1974
 

What will the Officer be looking for

There are 3 sections under the byelaws that the Officer will be looking at, each concerning cleanliness.

1. Cleanliness of premises

   This means that :

   • All internal walls, partitions and ceilings should be kept clean and in good repair.
   • The floor should be kept clean and in good repair and should be capable of being easily cleaned.
   • All hair clippings and other materials should be swept from the floor and placed in a covered bin which should be emptied at least on a daily basis.
   • The chairs or seats and any tables, shelves, cabinets and washbasins should be kept clean and in good repair.
      
2. Cleanliness of equipment

   This means that:

   • Every hairbrush, comb or similar instrument or any metal instrument which is likely to come into contact with a customer and which is used on the premises should be sterilized or otherwise thoroughly cleansed at least once a day.
   • In addition these instruments should be cleaned before use on each customer.
   • A fresh supply of water is required for shampooing purposes
   • Where shaving is carried on, a fresh supply of water should be provided and any razors, brushes, soap and styptic material thoroughly rinsed and/or cleaned immediately before and after use.
   • Any overall or gown provided for customers should be kept clean.
   • Any covering placed on the back of chairs, or any towel or cloth, or any article which comes into contact with or is applied to the face, head or neck should be kept in a clean condition and should not have been used for another customer unless it has been thoroughly cleaned or is of a disposable type.
   • Adequate facilities for cleaning or laundering should be available.
      
3. Cleanliness of the operative

   This means that:

   • Every person engaged in hairdressing must keep their hands and clothes in a clean condition.
   • Sufficient washing facilities must be provided for staff.
   • Overalls (if worn) should be kept clean.
   • Any open sores, boils, etc on an exposed part of the body must be kept covered by an impermeable dressing whilst dealing with customers.

What happens if You don't comply

You will be given time to put things right but failure to comply could result in legal action being taken.
 

Other Useful Information

There are lots of areas of Health and Safety which apply to Hairdressing businesses, in particular those relating to the control of hazardous substances and the use of electrical appliances in wet conditions. Guidance is available which cover these areas specifically.

If you require more specific advice on hygiene and safety matters please contact us.