Running a hairdressing business in the UK can involve a variety of risks, whether working from a salon, renting a chair, or providing mobile hairdressing services. The right hairdressing insurance can offer essential protection against common challenges such as public liability claims, accidental damage to equipment, or theft of valuable tools.
We explore the key areas of hairdressing insurance in the UK, including public liability cover, tools protection, and salon insurance, to help hairdressers understand what options may be available to safeguard their business.
What is Hairdressing Insurance?
Hairdressing insurance is typically a combined package designed to help cover the specific risks faced by hair professionals. It can support mobile hairdressers, self-employed stylists, salon owners, and those renting a chair within another premises.
Policies can be tailored to include:
- Public liability insurance for hairdressers
- Tools and equipment cover
- Salon contents and premises insurance
- Treatment risk cover
- Employers’ liability insurance if staff are employed
We can help hairdressers explore insurance options from trusted providers to find cover suited to their working environment.
Public Liability Insurance for Hairdressers
Public liability insurance is one of the most commonly arranged covers for hairdressers. It can provide protection if a client or a member of the public alleges that they suffered injury or property damage due to the hairdresser’s activities.
Why Public Liability Cover Matters
Hairdressers often work in close contact with clients, using sharp tools, heated equipment, and chemical treatments. Accidents can happen, and without suitable cover, hairdressers may face legal costs and compensation claims.
Public liability insurance for hairdressers can typically help cover:
- Accidental injury to clients
- Damage to clients’ personal property
- Legal defence costs
Some salons or venues may require hairdressers to have a minimum level of public liability insurance in place before they are allowed to work on the premises.
Tools and Equipment Cover for Hairdressers
Hairdressers rely on specialist tools and equipment to deliver their services. Replacing these items if they are stolen, lost, or damaged can be expensive and disruptive.
What Can Be Covered?
Tools and equipment insurance can support hairdressers by providing protection for:
- Scissors, clippers, and hairdryers
- Curling tongs, straighteners, and styling tools
- Mobile equipment for freelance or home-based hairdressers
- Hair care products and stock
Some policies can extend to cover tools in transit or while working at different locations, which can be particularly valuable for mobile hairdressers.
Theft and Accidental Damage
Hairdressing equipment is often portable and can be vulnerable to theft from vehicles or workspaces. Accidental damage protection can help cover costs if essential tools are dropped or broken during appointments.
Salon Contents and Premises Cover
Salon owners may wish to explore salon contents insurance to help protect furniture, fixtures, stock, and decorations within the premises. This cover can be tailored to include:
- Chairs, mirrors, and reception furniture
- Specialist salon equipment
- Product stock
- Fixtures and fittings
In addition, buildings insurance may be required if the salon premises is owned by the hairdresser. For those who rent, contents cover can still help protect the business’s assets.
Additional Considerations
Salon cover can often be extended to include risks such as:
- Fire, flood, and storm damage
- Theft and vandalism
- Business interruption following insured damage
These protections can support the continuity of a salon’s operations if unexpected incidents occur.
Treatment Risk Cover for Hairdressers
Hair treatments carry a degree of risk, particularly when using chemicals such as hair dye, bleach, or relaxers. Even with experience and care, adverse reactions can happen.
Treatment risk insurance can help protect against claims arising from:
- Allergic reactions to hair products
- Burns or injuries from heated styling tools
- Chemical spills causing skin irritation or hair damage
Hairdressers may need to follow patch test procedures and manufacturer guidelines to ensure their cover remains valid.
Employers’ Liability Insurance for Salon Owners
If a hairdresser employs staff, employers’ liability insurance is often a legal requirement in the UK. This cover can protect against claims made by employees for work-related illness or injury.
Salon owners who employ apprentices, junior stylists, or reception staff may need to ensure suitable employers’ liability cover is arranged.
Helping Hairdressers Protect Their Business
The right hairdressing insurance can offer valuable support in protecting the people, equipment, and premises that are essential to running a successful business. Whether operating from a salon, working on a mobile basis, or renting a chair, hairdressers can benefit from insurance that matches their working style and level of risk. Brokers can help hairdressers explore comprehensive cover options from specialist providers to support the long-term security of their business.