Hairdressers and barbers

Great news! If you're a hairdresser or barber, you don't need to renew your registration certificate this year.

A recent Ministry for Regulation review found the 1980 Health (Hairdressers) Regulations outdated. Effective 31 July 2025, this will provide greater flexibility around chair spacing, lighting levels, serving food or drink, and pets in salons.

New public health guidelines will replace the old regulations. We'll keep you updated as new guidance is released. In the meantime, you can find more information about the changes on the Ministry for Regulation website

Setting up a new salon?

If you're setting up a new salon, call our Planning Services team to ensure a salon is allowed in the area you're planning to work in. Before any building work can happen you will need building consent.