Hairdressers and barbers

Hair salons and barber services are no longer registered with or inspected by Council, following the revocation of the Health (Hairdressing) Regulations 1980 on 31 July 2025.

The New Zealand Government has changed the rules for hairdressing businesses. From 31 July 2025, hairdressers and barbers no longer need to register with their local council to operate.

This change was made as part of a national review of outdated regulations. The previous requirements under the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 have been removed, meaning councils are no longer responsible for issuing hairdressing premises certificates or conducting inspections.

What this means for hairdressing businesses

You do not need to apply for a new registration
You do not need to renew an existing registration
Councils will no longer issue hairdressing certificates
There are no council fees associated with operating a hairdressing business

Health and hygiene expectations still apply

Although formal registration is no longer required, hairdressers and barbers are still expected to:

Maintain a clean and hygienic workplace
Follow good infection‑prevention practices
Ensure equipment is cleaned and sanitised appropriately
Protect the health and safety of clients and staff

Who to contact

If you have questions about these changes or need guidance on safe and hygienic practices, you are welcome to contact dutyhealth@icc.govt.nz or call (03) 211 1777 and ask to speak with someone in the Health Team.

Infection Prevention and Control

It is the responsibility of the business owner, operators or managers to ensure all employees who works in a health premises have an understanding of how infections are spread, and how they can prevent the spread of infection by adopting and using the recommended standards. Staff and supervisors must be able to do their work in ways that ensure a business performs safe and hygienic procedures. Staff and supervisors must know about issues associated with infection control, cleaning and disinfection relevant to the business activities and the jobs they do.

General Standards for Premises

Health premises is recommended to:

have enough space for the equipment and the work that they do
have steps to prevent pests and other contaminants
have surfaces that are easily cleanable and impervious to water
have potable water system available
have appropriate waste management system for rubbish and waste water
have appropriate lighting and ventilation
ensure food preparation are appropriate
have a system for sharps waste (if applicable)
have adequate equipment which are appropriate to undertake the procedures carried out by the business

Business fixtures, fittings and equipment are recommended to be:

made of suitable material appropriate for the work of the business
suitable for the jobs they are used for
easy to clean and, if necessary, disinfect.