Do You Need a Licence to be a Hairdresser?

If you are solely a mobile hairdresser that visits clients in their home to cut hair, it’s unlikely that you will require a licence.

However, if you are operating within a commercial premises, or have clients come to you, it may be necessary to register your hairdressing business with your local council. The specific requirements may vary depending on your local area.

It is therefore worthwhile getting in touch with your local council to find out what needs to be done. You can also find out what is required in your local area on the Gov.UK website.

 

What requirements are there to become a hairdresser?

It is likely at the very least that the council will need to be aware of the business that you are running and check that it complies with health and safety requirements:

1. Cleanliness – Your premises are required to be clean, safe, well-lit and well ventilated.

2. Risk of Infection – You will also need to show that you take all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection or contamination.

3. Training – Your staff should be adequately trained, work hygienically and use equipment efficiently.

4. Insurance – As with most businesses, it is necessary to have a suitable hairdressing insurance or barber insurance policy in place.

Having Public Liability cover will protect you if a third party should make a claim for compensation and legal costs for injury or damage while on your business premises or while you are working on their premises. So, for example if a client has an accident as a result of a spillage of hair products, they can claim against you.

It’s also worth checking that having professional treatment risk cover and products liability in place too. This will protect you if a third party makes a claim against you due to your negligence. So, for example if your client’s hair is permanently damaged due to a mistake you made with the hair products that you used for them, you could face a huge legal bill. With cover in place, the costs are covered.

 

Certification

A representative from your local council will come and inspect your premises and check that you have all the necessary procedures in place. They will then issue a certificate and is a requirement that this is displayed so that it can be clearly seen by your customers.

 

How much does it cost to register my business?

There is no charge for registering a hairdressing business.

 

What hairdressers would not need to register?

If your business provides hairdressing services to people in their own homes or residential accommodation (for example, a care home), then you are not required to register your business in this way as you do not operate from business premises.

So, for example if you are a mobile hairdresser cutting your clients hair in their own homes you would not need to register in this way or hold a hairdresser licence.

In summary, before you set up as a hairdresser, contact your local council and they can advise on the requirements in your area. Then, make sure that you have all the necessary training, certifications and insurance in place to run your business with peace of mind.

Get Hairdressing Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Recent Blogs

How much to charge as a gardener Image

Starting a business

How much to charge as a gardener

Gardening is a rewarding profession, offering the freedom to work outdoors, manage your own schedule, and build a

Making Tax Digital Deadline April 2026 Image

Insurance finance

Making Tax Digital Deadline April 2026

The tax landscape is changing, and if you're a small business owner, sole trader or landlord in the UK, now is th

How to leverage word of mouth marketing for your small business Image

Business

How to leverage word of mouth marketing for your small business

Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM) is one of the most influential tools a small business can use. Unlike traditional

How to start a gardening business Image

Starting a business

How to start a gardening business

Starting your own gardening business can be a rewarding and profitable venture. The gardening industry offers ple

Latest scams affecting small businesses Image

Business

Latest scams affecting small businesses

For small businesses, falling victim to a scam isn’t just an inconvenience – it can lead to serious financial

How to become FENSA registered Image

Trades

How to become FENSA registered

If you are a tradesperson involved in the installation of windows and doors in the UK, becoming FENSA approved ca

How much do tilers make in the UK Image

Trades

How much do tilers make in the UK

Tiling is an essential trade within the construction industry, with demand across residential, commercial, and in

Offering EICRs as an Electrician: What you need to know Image

Trades

Offering EICRs as an Electrician: What you need to know

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a key service electricians provide to assess the safety and

Different types of employment contract Image

Business

Different types of employment contract

Hiring staff is a big step for any small business, and getting the employment contract right is crucial. The type

How the 2025 Spring Statement impacts the UK trades sector Image

Trades

How the 2025 Spring Statement impacts the UK trades sector

The UK’s Spring Statement 2025 is being pitched as a pivotal moment for national growth — and the constructio

Simply find the insurance you need.