What do I need to know and what are the risks?
Hairdressers need to be registered to ensure the cleanliness of premises and the equipment used by a hairdresser or barber and to minimise the risk of transmission of infection during such activities. Hairdressers are particularly at risk of developing dermatitis and it is important that precautions are in place to prevent it.
When is registration required for hairdressing? Any person wishing to carry on the business as a hairdresser/barber in East Staffordshire must register the business with the East Staffordshire Borough Council.
The registration covers the business at that address, although a registered person may occasionally operate at another premises. There is a requirement for re-registration if a business moves or changes hands. The registration can either be in the name of the business so that all operators are covered or in the name of an individual so only that person is covered.
Regulation summary
The Staffordshire Act 1983 requires anyone carrying on the business of a hairdresser or barber in the Borough of East Staffordshire - whether at a salon or mobile, to register both the people and premises involved. A copy of the byelaws can be found on the documents list on the health and safety homepage.
Further guidance can be found on the documents list on the health and safety homepage.
How much does registration cost?
Registration for hairdressing is free.
How long does registration last?
Registration lasts for the lifetime of the business, providing there are no changes to the names or addresses of the registered person.
Where the business changes hands, any new proprietor must register the premises in his or her name.
Conditions of registration
Once registered you will be required to have a copy of the certificate of registration on display in your premises.
How can I apply?
Click here to apply to register as a hairdresser.
Should you experience any difficulty in applying on-line, please notify us by using the ‘contact us’ link at the top of the page.
Do I need to provide further information or evidence?
No further information or evidence needs to be supplied after your application.
How long will it take you to process my registration?
We will process your registration within 7 working days. If acknowledgement of receipt or your application has not been processed against the times above, please contact us.
Application process
When you have applied for registration a health and safety officer will visit to check that the salon (including the furniture and fittings) is kept clean, that all equipment is in good repair and is regularly sterilised and that toilets and hot water for hand washing are provided.
Following the officers visit you will be sent a written report. If standards in the salon are found to be satisfactory the officer will issue a Registration Certificate which must be displayed on the premises.
Will tacit consent apply? Yes, tacit consent will apply. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us by the end of the target completion period.
How do i tell you about a change that may affect my registration? You must re-register if the business moves or changes hands. Where the business changes hands, any new proprietor must register the premises in his or her name.
Consumer complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Where can I get more information?
More information on hairdressing is available from:
Contact us:
Health and Safety Team
East Staffordshire Borough Council
Town Hall
Burton Upon Trent
Staffordshire
DE14 2EB
Tel: 01283 508578
Fax: 01283 535412
email: health.safety@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk