Hair Salon and Barbershop Health and Safety Templates and Documents.

Take Control of Health and Safety in Your Hair Salon or Barbershop with Easy-to-Use Templates

Simplify health and safety management in your hair salon or barbershop with our industry-specific templates. Whether you’re running a busy high street salon, managing a thriving barbershop, or overseeing a growing hairdressing business, our editable templates help you stay compliant with regulations while protecting staff and clients from everyday risks in fast-paced styling environments.

Many templates come pre-filled with detailed, hair salon and barbershop–specific content — from risk assessments and health and safety policies to COSHH documents, accident reports, electrical safety checks, and staff safety guidance. This makes completion quick, accurate, and stress-free. With our ready-to-use tools, you can focus on styling clients, managing appointments, and growing your business while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.

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Man in a barbershop having his hair cut with some clippers

Why Health and Safety Is Non-Negotiable for Hairdressers and Barbers

When most people think about hairdressing and barbering, the first things that come to mind are style, creativity, and transformation. While these aspects are undoubtedly integral to the profession, health and safety should also be at the forefront. Overlooking these vital considerations can not only lead to serious consequences for staff and clients but can also incur legal ramifications.

The Risks at Hand

Chemical Exposure

From hair dyes to relaxers, a wide array of chemicals are commonly used in salons. Exposure to these substances can lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, and in severe cases, chronic health problems. Therefore, adhering to COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations is crucial.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Standing for long hours, repetitive wrist and hand movements make hairdressers and barbers prone to musculoskeletal problems such as back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. A failure to address these issues can lead to long-term health complications, reduced productivity, wellbeing and even mental health.

Cuts and Injuries

The profession inherently involves the use of sharp tools like scissors and razors, posing the risk of cuts and puncture wounds. Improper handling can cause severe injuries, which can in the worst cases be life-altering.

Legal Implications

There are health and safety regulations that hairdressing and barbering businesses must abide by, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the aforementioned COSHH regulations. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and can even lead to the closure of the business.

Building Trust

Ensuring a safe environment isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it's also about building trust with your clients. Customers are more likely to return to a salon where they feel safe and well-cared for, which in turn helps to build a more successful business.

In Summary...

Health and safety in the hairdressing and barbering industry goes beyond mere regulatory compliance. It is essential for the well-being of both staff and clients. By acknowledging the risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, you not only create a safer workplace but also contribute to a more trusted and successful business.

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  • Barber cutting the hair of a male client

    Musculoskeletal Disorders

    Constant standing, repetitive movements, and awkward postures can lead to back pain, muscle strains, and other musculoskeletal issues. Ergonomic workstations and regular breaks are recommended to address this.

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  • Hair stylist applying bleach to client's hair

    Chemical Exposure

    Frequent use of hair dyes, bleach, and other chemical treatments can expose hairdressers to hazardous substances. Proper ventilation, use of gloves, and correct storage are essential to mitigate this risk.

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  • Various pairs of scissors in a hair salon.

    Cuts and Injuries

    Scissors, razors, and other sharp tools are essential in the trade but can cause injuries if not handled properly. Proper training and keeping the tools in good condition can help in reducing this risk.

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Benefits of managing health and safety yourself...

  • Improve safety

    Health and safety at work is about preventing accidents, incidents and ill-health by assessing the work environment, the activities within it, and taking appropriate action.

  • Ensure compliance

    Our ready to use templates, many of which are pre-filled, will enable you to quickly increase your compliance to health and safety law.

  • Save money

    With health and safety consultants often charging upwards of £400 per day, there is a better way. Take control and save yourself time and money.
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female hairdresser cutting a client's hair

Investing in Safety: A Win-Win for Your Hair Salon and Wallet

We understand that as a business owner in the hairdressing or barbering industry, time and money can often feel like they're in short supply. Juggling client appointments, managing staff, and keeping up with the latest trends already fills your plate, making it tempting to push health and safety compliance down the list of priorities. However, cutting corners on this critical aspect can put you, your team, and your clients at risk, not to mention potentially incurring hefty fines and legal repercussions. The reality is that neglecting health and safety measures can cost you far more in the long run, both in terms of finance and reputation, than they would to set up in the first place. Therefore, it's crucial to make time and allocate resources for thorough risk assessments, staff training, and compliance checks.

At easyhealthandsafety we aim to take the friction out of health and safety for hairdressing and barbering businesses by providing products and guidance so simple to use they're almost enjoyable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hair Salon and Barbershop Health and Safety FAQs

How can I create a risk assessment for my hair salon or barbershop?

The quickest and most effective way to create a risk assessment for a hair salon or barbershop is to use a pre-filled, editable template designed specifically for the hairdressing and barbering industry.

Creating a risk assessment from scratch can be time-consuming, especially if you’re unsure what hazards to include or how to word control measures. In a salon or barbershop, key risks include chemical products (COSHH), hot styling tools, sharp scissors and razors, clippers, electrical equipment, and slips or trips. Assess who could be harmed — such as stylists, apprentices, or clients — record your control measures, and review the assessment regularly, particularly when introducing new products or equipment.

To save valuable time and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, our Hair Salon and Barbershop Risk Assessment Template provides a complete, industry-specific framework. It walks you step by step through the process, helping you manage salon safety efficiently while maintaining a professional, compliant, and trusted business.

For complete coverage, our Hair Salon and Barbershop Health and Safety Template Bundle includes the tools you need to manage compliance with ease. It contains over 60 essential documents — including risk assessments, a health and safety policy, COSHH templates, accident report forms, fire safety documents, and staff safety guidance — giving you all the tools to keep your salon or barbershop safe, organised, and legally compliant.

Does a hair salon or barbershop need a risk assessment?

Yes — every hair salon and barbershop must complete a health and safety risk assessment to identify and control potential hazards in the workplace.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are legally required to assess risks to staff, clients, contractors, and anyone else affected by their work. In a salon or barbershop setting, this means evaluating hazards such as chemical products (COSHH), hot styling tools, sharp scissors and razors, clippers and electrical equipment, slips or trips, and fire safety risks. Suitable control measures should then be put in place to prevent harm and maintain a safe working environment.

Many owners simplify this process with our Hair Salon and Barbershop Risk Assessment Template. It’s pre-filled with the most common industry hazards and controls, providing a professional, ready-to-edit framework that saves time and ensures nothing important is missed. You can easily tailor it to suit your salon layout, services, and team.

For those who want an all-in-one solution, our Hair Salon and Barbershop Health and Safety Template Bundle includes over 60 essential documents — such as policies, COSHH forms, accident report templates, fire safety documents, and staff safety guidance — giving you everything you need to manage compliance confidently and professionally.

If you employ five or more people, a written risk assessment is a legal requirement. However, it’s strongly recommended for all hair salons and barbershops as a best practice measure. Having one in place not only demonstrates compliance and professionalism but also helps protect your business from legal or financial repercussions if an incident occurs.

How often should I conduct a risk assessment for my hair salon or barbershop?

You should review and update your hair salon or barbershop risk assessment at least once a year — or sooner if there are any significant changes to your workplace.

Regular reviews help ensure your assessment remains accurate and up to date with your current equipment, treatments, and staffing. You should also carry out a new risk assessment whenever you introduce new products, tools, or services, refurbish the premises, or if an accident or near miss occurs. These reviews ensure that emerging risks are properly managed and that your health and safety measures remain effective.

Using a professional, pre-filled template like our Hair Salon and Barbershop Risk Assessment Template makes it quick and straightforward to review and update your documentation — saving you time and ensuring your salon stays fully compliant with health and safety regulations.

What are the key health and safety regulations that apply to my hairdressing or barbering business?

The primary regulations you need to be aware of include the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. These laws mandate general workplace safety, control of hazardous substances, and safe manual handling, respectively.

Increase your business's health and safety compliance across the board with our Hair Salon and Barbershop Health and Safety Template Bundle, which includes a suite of over 60 essential health and safety documents.

Do I need to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to my staff?

You will need to provide PPE for all members of staff if you have identified this requirement in your risk assessments.

To make the process quick and stress-free, our Hair Salon and Barbershop Risk Assessment Template comes pre-filled with salon-specific content, ready for you to edit and tailor to your business.

How do I comply with COSHH regulations in my hairdressing or barbering business?

To comply with COSHH regulations in your hair salon or barbershop, you must complete a COSHH risk assessment to identify, assess, and control exposure to any hazardous substances used in your business.

Hairdressing and barbering environments use a wide range of chemical products — including hair dyes, bleaches, disinfectants, and cleaning agents — all of which can pose health risks if handled incorrectly. Start by listing all substances that carry warning symbols, then review their Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to understand the hazards and recommended precautions. Make sure staff wear appropriate PPE, use good ventilation, and store products safely away from heat or ignition sources.

It’s also important to train your team on COSHH awareness and safe handling procedures, ensure all chemical containers are clearly labelled, and keep written COSHH assessments for every product you use. Regular reviews and updates will help maintain compliance and create a safer working environment for your staff and clients.

Our COSHH Risk Assessment Templates come pre-filled for a range of common hazardous substances, making compliance easier and helping you protect staff from harm. We also offer a Blank COSHH Risk Assessment Template for any products specific to your salon that may not already be covered.

Do I need to have fire safety measures in place in my barbershop or hair salon?

Yes — all hair salons and barbershops must have suitable fire safety measures in place, including a written fire risk assessment, to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

As the business owner or manager, you’re classed as the ‘responsible person’ and must carry out a fire risk assessment to identify potential fire hazards, such as electrical equipment, hairdryers, straighteners, and flammable products like hairsprays and cleaning chemicals. You must also ensure clear escape routes, working smoke alarms, accessible fire extinguishers, and regular staff fire safety training.

Good housekeeping, proper storage of flammable materials, and switching off equipment at the end of each day all play a vital role in preventing fires. Your fire safety arrangements should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective, especially if you’ve changed your salon layout, added new equipment, or hired additional staff.

To make this process quicker and easier, our Fire Risk Assessment Template provides a professional, ready-to-use framework suitable for salons and barbershops. It guides you step by step through the fire risk assessment process, helping you identify hazards, record control measures, and demonstrate compliance with fire safety regulations confidently and efficiently.

What should I do in case of a health and safety accident or incident?

If an accident or incident occurs in your hair salon or barbershop, you should record all the details using an accident report form as soon as possible.

This helps ensure accurate records, supports investigations, and demonstrates compliance with health and safety regulations. First, make sure the injured person receives any necessary first aid or medical attention. Once it’s safe to do so, record what happened — including the date, time, location, names of those involved, and a clear description of the incident. Note any witnesses, injuries sustained, and the actions taken. This documentation helps identify the cause and prevents similar accidents in the future.

Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), certain serious incidents — such as major injuries, hospitalisations, or dangerous occurrences — must also be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

To make accurate record-keeping simple, our Accident Report Form Template provides a professional, easy-to-use format for documenting incidents and improving safety standards across your salon or barbershop.

Is it mandatory to display a health and safety law poster in my salon or barbershop?

You are required to either display a HSE-approved health and safety poster in your workplace or provide each worker with the equivalent leaflet. This serves to inform your staff about health and safety procedures and their rights and responsibilities.

Our Hair Salon and Barbershop Health and Safety Template Bundle includes a FREE digital version of the HSE safety leaflet that can be distributed to all staff members.