Beauty salon rules and regulations in the UK

The UK’s beauty industry has had a glow-up in recent years, with demand for professional services like salons witnessing an annual uplift of 15% in 2024. Yet, as the sector continues to grow, so do the regulations around its treatments, specifically concerning up-and-coming aesthetic procedures like fillers and baby botox.

It’s not just injectable practitioners that need to navigate red tape; every new salon owner will be required to follow comprehensive guidelines, whether they’re starting a business in hair care, nail care, or broader beauty services. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in hefty penalties and even business closures, making brushing up on the rule book a non-negotiable for business owners. 

This article outlines what beauty salons need to know in order to operate legally, covering health and safety, insurance, qualifications, and more. We’ll also explain what steps you need to take to get compliant, to help your salon flourish in an increasingly regulated market.

 What are beauty salon regulations – and why do they matter?

The hairdressing and barbering industries are currently unregulated in the UK. Despite the Hair Council previously campaigning to make registration for the Hairdressers Act 1964 mandatory to ensure hairdressers and barbers hold specialised qualifications, only 10% of professionals are enrolled in the register. 

However, while registration remains voluntary, hairdressers and all beauty salons in the UK do still need to comply with normal business regulations, including health and safety law, employment laws and consumer protection laws like the Consumer Rights Act. 

As of April 2025, professionals in the beauty industry also have to adhere to the Digital Markets and Competition and Consumer Act (DMCCA). These new regulations have been designed to make it easier for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to take decisive action against salons that engage in unfair competitive practices. 

This established set of rules applies to all UK beauty salons, whether they offer hair care, nail, beauty, or aesthetic treatments, or operate in a brick-and-mortar, home-based, or mobile location. They were designed to ensure that all beauty salons practice stringent hygiene measures to safeguard the health and safety of staff and clients, remain legally compliant, and maintain a professional working environment. 

Not only is compliance a moral obligation but failing to follow established and emerging regulations can also result in hefty fines, making it a critical factor for a salon’s bottom line. Adherence starts with awareness, though, so read on to learn about specific regulations and the steps you can take to stay polished and proper.

What licences do I need to open a beauty salon in the UK?

Salons are required to obtain a range of licences to operate legally and safely. These permits will vary based on the treatments your salon offers and the guidelines of your local council, but here are three key requirements to be aware of. 

Registering your business with HMRC

Before you think about welcoming clients, you’ll need to register your business with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This will ensure you’re able to operate legally, pay the correct taxes, and access HMRC services if necessary. You can manage this process directly through the HMRC website, but the type of registration will depend on whether you’re operating as a sole trader or a limited company. 

Unsure whether to register as a sole trader or a limited company? Learn more about choosing the right business structure in our comprehensive guide. 

Premises licence (if needed)

It’s likely your local council will require a “Special Treatments Licence”, especially if you offer treatments that involve higher risks of infection or health and safety concerns. Examples of these services include massaging, tattooing, piercing, acupuncture, laser treatments, and various types of hot and cold therapy. 

To obtain this licence, you’ll need to apply to your local authority and prove that your practitioners are qualified and that your premises adhere to safety and hygiene standards. 

TV and music licence

No one likes a silent salon. But if you plan on playing background music or television in your premises, you’ll likely need to obtain a music or television licence first. 

The MusicLicence from PPL PRS Ltd covers businesses that play copyrighted music in public locations. It’s a legal requirement if you want to play any type of recorded music, including audio content from streaming services, TV channels and the radio. Learn more about the PPL PRS MusicLicence, and how to get one here. 

You’ll also have to get a business TV Licence if you plan on playing content from the BBC. This applies for live television, and for content streaming on iPlayer. If your business has multiple locations, you’ll need a Company Group TV Licence by contacting 0300 790 6165. Learn more about different TV Licences, and how to get one here.

Health and safety regulations for salons

Risk of personal injury is particularly rife when it comes to beauty and spa treatments, due to the products, equipment and tools used on clients’ bodies. 

To ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and customers, salon owners have a legal duty to adhere to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This translates into several critical areas:

• Keeping clients safe: reusable tools must be thoroughly sterilised after each client, while disposable tools must be thrown out after one use. Surfaces and workstations should be regularly sanitised throughout the day, and if salons use potential allergens, they should perform patch tests for new clients.
• Ensuring equipment is safe: salons should ensure all equipment is well-maintained and that staff members have been trained in how to use the tools safely and correctly. Also, to prevent hazards, all electrical equipment must undergo Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
• Storing chemicals safely: to adhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002, salons must store all hazardous substances securely in cool, well-ventilated storage. You should also have clear procedures in place for dealing with chemical spills and disposing of hazardous waste.
• Reducing COVID-19 transmission: while pandemic measures have relaxed, salon professionals should still wash their hands and disinfect surfaces frequently. Salon premises also need to have solid ventilation systems to reduce the transmission of airborne pathogens. 
• Following fire safety assessments: under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, salons are required to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment to identify potential fire hazards, implement control measures to mitigate risks and develop a clear evacuation plan in the event of a fire.
• Disposing of waste correctly: if your salon has over 10 employees, you must separate food, paper, and dry recycling. You should also partner with licensed waste collection and disposal teams to ensure you dispose of general and hazardous waste correctly. 
• Nominating a ‘competent’ employee: in order to be compliant with the Health and Safety Act 1974, there must be a nominated person who ensures that your company is fully and consistently compliant with all health and safety rules.

To streamline your health and safety compliance, we recommend leaning on useful digital tools. Lots of appointment management software lets you log key details like allergy information and medical history, helping you avoid any potential mishaps. 

Keeping a digital record of hygiene and cleaning checklists, equipment maintenance schedules, and electronic accident reports is also a useful way to keep your salon safe and accountable.

Insurance requirements for salon businesses 

When it comes to running a beauty salon, being covered by the right insurance policies is crucial in case you, your staff or your salon are subject to a claim for compensation, whether over an incomplete or unsatisfactory treatment or an accident a customer has had on your premises.

What’s more, even though UK hairdressers don’t require an official licence, insurance, like public and treatment liability, covers claims from accidents or allergic reactions and ensures clients are legally protected.

As standard, your self-employed beauty therapist insurance needs will include:

• Public liability insurance: this protects the salon from financial consequences if members of the public suffer injury, illness, or property damage as a result of the business.
• Products liability insurance: this covers claims arising from injury or damage caused by a product your salon sells, supplies, or manufactures. Obtaining this insurance will be a non-negotiable if your salon retails beauty products.
• Employers’ liability insurance: this is a legal requirement in the UK if you employ any staff, including part-time, temporary, or volunteers. It covers claims from employees who suffer injury or illness as a result of their work for your salon.
• Treatment liability insurance: this covers claims for injury or illness sustained by a client directly resulting from a professional treatment you or your staff have provided.

Getting insured is relatively straightforward. After you’ve identified which insurance you require, you’ll need to contact insurance providers to compare quotes. We recommend looking into specialist salon, spa or beauty insurance providers, like Salon Gold, which can set you up with all of these, plus plenty more in one package.

Staff qualifications, training, and legal obligations

For most beauty services in the UK, employees will need some type of qualification to practice their skills on customers. In the UK, this will typically involve obtaining either National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) or Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), as these work-based qualifications are the recognised industry standard.

• Level 2 NVQ/SVQ: this is entry-level qualification, which lets professionals practice a wide range of basic beauty services like: manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, and basic make-up.
• Level 3 NVQ/SVQ: this qualification builds on the Level 2 NVQ/SVQ, and covers more specialised services, including: advanced nail techniques, electrotherapy, body massage, indian head massage, stone therapy treatments.
• Level 4 NVQ/SVQ: this is the most advanced type of qualification. It’s intended for professionals seeking deeper understanding of anatomy and client care – specifically those looking to pursue a career in the following areas: salon management, salon supervision, laser and light treatment, and microdermabrasion.

A common way to obtain these qualifications is by taking apprenticeships, as they combine formal studying with on-the-job training, offering valuable opportunities for trainees to gain professional experience. Employers can also facilitate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to help their workforce develop their skills, and keep their knowledge up-to-date.

Aside from professional qualifications, salon staff will also have to have appropriate first aid training, given the potential risks involved with handling chemicals or specialised equipment. Salon owners, on the other hand, will be responsible for fulfilling numerous legal obligations, such as providing clear employment contracts, and adhering to National Minimum or National Living Wage rates.

Start your salon on the right foot

Navigating salon regulations might seem overwhelming, but this is a vital step for anyone looking to start a business in the beauty industry. From licensing and health and safety to qualifications and insurance, adherence ensures that you avoid costly penalties while creating a safe, picture perfect environment for clients and staff. 

Beauty industry regulations are designed to elevate standards, not hinder growth. So, by using this guide to stay informed about the regulatory landscape, you can ensure that your salon remains a cut above the rest. 

Ready to build your dream salon? Learn how to start a beauty salon in our comprehensive, step-by-step guide.