If you’re a trained hairdresser who is looking to set up your own salon, it is important that you are aware that there are a set of processes and hygienic standards you must legally adhere to in order to open a hair salon, beauty salon, or barbershop. The HealthRegulations of 1966 stipulate that all hair salons must be registered with the local government. Furthermore,the Certificate of Registration must be displayed in a visible location on the property. In some areas, you will be required to demonstrate that you have adequate beauty salon insurance in place.
Before signing a formal contract on a hair salon or barber shop, make sure you consult a planning officer to ensure that the property is suitable for the purpose for which you intend it.Some cities or regions may have zones in some places to limit certain business activities. Planners can also provide you with information on local operational requirements, such as parking and lighting.
Building approval:
Regardless of whether you are renovating an old structure or building a new one, you’ll need building approval. All plumbing and drainage work will also need approval. Before making any changes to the plumbing or building, adding partitions, installing new appliances, or any other major changes, you should always call the council help desk to double-check what approvals you will need.
Consulting the council will help you to ensure that you do not violate the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations of 1980 or building codes and lessen the likelihood that you will eventually need to perform corrective work.
If you are setting up a salon, you are advised to familiarize yourself with the “Health (Hairdressers) Regulations” (1980). This act outlines the structural requirements for a hair salon or barbershop, as well as the behaviour and procedures expected of hairdressers.
Registration:
Download the Registration of Hairdressers Shop – Application Form (PDF 273KB), fill it out, and return it together with the required fee to your neighbourhood council. While costs may differ from region to region, Auckland City Council has standardized all registration costs for hairdressers to a single $230 yearly registration fee.
Taking over a current location:
Even if the building you intend to use is already a salon, you must fill out the Registration of Hairdressers Shop – Application form(PDF 273KB) and notify the council. If there is an active registration in place for the property,you can apply to transfer it into your name. Applicants must submit their applications within 14 days ofassuming ownership of the company. If you fail to do so within 24 hours, the registration will expire and will no longer be transferable. If the premises you take over does not have a registration in place, you will need to apply for a new certificate of registration.
Hygiene standards:
The regulations require you to have a bare minimum set of appliances and procedures in place. These are as follows:
- A sink for shampooing and conditioning clients’ hair
- A wash basin for cleaning supplies
- Adedicated sink for hand washing.
You should use sinks solely for the intended purpose.
All hair-cutting chairs must be within 6 meters of the wash basin. You are also required to offer running hot and cold water, a nail brush, antibacterial soap, and a towel or paper towels.
Cleaning:
Each customer should be served with a freshly laundered, unused towel or single-use paper towel.
Once used, towels should be kept in a covered storage container until thoroughly cleaned.
Freshly laundered towels should also be stored in a clean, dust-free environment.
Hair salons are not permitted to launder their towels within the salon’s service area.
Equipment:
All tools and equipment should be fully cleaned before use with clients.
- Hair clippings should be swept and removed.
- All tools and equipment should be washed in detergent and hot water before reuse.
- Washed equipment should be fully dried with a clean cloth.
- Combs and hairbrushes should be soaked for a minimum of 30 minutes in disinfectant per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Limiting cross-contamination:
- Cleaning tools with non-detachable pieces, such as razors and clippers, involves thoroughly scrubbing the teeth or blades with a clean brush to get rid of hair (used exclusively for this purpose) using fresh cotton wool or a cloth that has been dampened with disinfectant to wipe the blades.
- After each usage, place sponges, mugs, and shaving brushes in a pot of hot water for five minutes.
- Storing tools in ultra violet cabinets is adequate; however, they are ineffective for cleaning.When possible, switch to disposable blades.