Hairdressing

Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 - Summary of Requirements

Hairdressing is an activity that is required to be registered with the Local Authority each year in accordance with the Health (Registration of Premises) Regulations 1966. The Regulations were introduced in 1980 and they set standards for the provision of facilities as well as the hygienic operation of the business.

Hairdressing presents a number of risks of spread of disease. In recent times the appearance of new diseases such as HIV, and the risk of hepatitis have placed increased emphasis on good hygienic practice.

Physical Requirements

Premises used for hairdressing must have the following:

• Floors and walls that are washable and can be easily kept clean.
• Adequate lighting capable of providing even illumination.
• Adequate ventilation, either natural or mechanical.
• Adequate floor space. Seating spacing is normally at least 1.5 m apart.
• Wash-hand basins shall be provided on the minimum basis of one per every 10 customer seats. All basins must have hot and cold water, soap, a nail brush, and clean towels or other suitable hand-drying facilities.
• Hairdressers who wash hair must also provide shampoo basins or troughs supplied with hot and cold running water and these must be used exclusively for shampooing or cleaning hair:
• Hairdressing must at all times be kept in good repair, clean, and free from rubbish, foul odours, vermin, and insects.
• Suitable receptacles for refuse.
• Work benches, or table must be impervious and washable.
• Sufficient sinks must be supplied with hot and cold running water for cleaning hairdressing tools and equipment. These must be installed in a room which is not used by staff as a meal room.

Hygenic Practices

• No dogs, except Guide Dogs, are allowed within a Hairdresser’s shop.
• No-one with septic or weeping wounds may work as a hairdresser until the wound has healed.
• Hairdressers must keep themselves clean [especially their hands], must wear clean clothing and may not smoke while working. Placing scissors, etc. in pockets is also discouraged.
• Disposables may only be used once and must then be safely and hygienically disposed of.
• Creams, powders, etc must be hygienically dispensed so that they are not allowed to become contaminated.
• Cut hair must be removed at frequent intervals.
• Hairdressing equipment must be sterilised in a manner accepted by the regulations. Acceptable methods include boiling water, steam, disinfectant or ultra-violet radiation. Specific cleaning requirements apply to razors, strops and hair clippers.
• Equipment must be hygienically stored when not in use. Used equipment awaiting cleaning must be stored separately in a hygienic container.
• Used towels must be laundered before being used by another customer.
• Head and neck rests must be covered by a single use towel or cover.
• Refreshments may only be served in areas away from hair cutting.

Should you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Council’s Environmental Health Officers by phone 0800 801 350 or email: help.desk@cluthadc.govt.nz