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Hair Salon Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
A hair salon risk assessment covers chemical treatments, electrical equipment, manual handling, slip hazards and client safety. Describe your salon setup — independent, chair rental, mobile hairdressing — and Anyrisks generates a complete, UK-compliant risk assessment covering all relevant legislation in minutes.
Used by independent stylists, salon owners, mobile hairdressers and barbers across the UK
💇 Using chemical treatments? Mention bleach, tint, Brazilian straightening or perming solutions and we'll include COSHH assessments, ventilation requirements, PPE standards, patch testing protocols and safe storage under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
Legal requirements for hair salons
Under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer and self-employed person must carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. For hair salons, this means identifying hazards from chemical products, electrical equipment, manual handling, slips and trips, and client safety.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require assessment of all chemical products used in the salon — including bleach, permanent colour, hydrogen peroxide, keratin treatments, and aerosols. You must document exposure limits, ventilation standards, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures. HSE guidance note INDG216 specifically addresses hairdressing chemicals and skin sensitisation.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all salons open to the public. As the responsible person, you must assess fire risk from electrical equipment (hairdryers, straighteners, hood dryers), flammable aerosols and treatments, and ensure clear escape routes. Fire extinguishers, signage and evacuation procedures must be in place.
If you employ staff or rent chairs to freelance stylists, Regulation 3 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires annual PAT testing of all portable electrical equipment. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 apply to lifting and moving styling chairs, wash units, product stock, and equipment — particularly relevant for mobile hairdressers.
A written risk assessment is expected by insurers, local authority environmental health officers, and the HSE. It must be reviewed regularly and updated when you introduce new treatments, equipment or working methods.
How it works
1. Describe your salon
Tell us about your salon setup — independent, chair rental, mobile hairdressing, barber shop. List the services you offer: cutting, colouring, bleaching, Brazilian straightening, perming. Mention equipment used and whether you work alone or employ staff. If you operate from home or visit clients, describe your working arrangement.
2. We write it for you
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant hair salon risk assessment covering chemical safety (COSHH), electrical equipment, fire safety, manual handling, client welfare and all relevant regulations. Every hazard is documented with control measures specific to your salon.
3. Download and use immediately
Download as PDF and editable Word document. Use it for insurance purposes, display it in your salon, give copies to chair renters, or file it for environmental health inspections. £29, no subscription, money-back guarantee within 24 hours.
What it covers
Every hair salon risk assessment is written in full — covering all chemical, equipment and premises hazards relevant to your business.
COSHH assessment — bleach, tint, hydrogen peroxide, keratin treatments
Chemical storage, handling and disposal procedures
Ventilation requirements and exposure limits
PPE for chemical treatments — gloves, aprons, eye protection
Patch testing protocols and client allergy procedures
Electrical safety — hairdryers, straighteners, hood dryers, clippers
PAT testing requirements under Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Fire risk from flammable aerosols, electrical equipment and exits
Slip and trip hazards — wet floors, trailing cables, product spillage
Manual handling — styling chairs, wash basins, stock delivery
Lone working for mobile hairdressers and home-based salons
Client safety — burns from equipment, chemical reactions, accessibility
Sharps disposal for razors and scissors
Hygiene and infection control — towels, combs, brushes, sterilisation
Works for
From independent stylists to multi-chair salons, Anyrisks covers every type of hairdressing business.
What customers say
"My insurer asked for a risk assessment when I renewed my public liability policy. Anyrisks covered everything — chemical storage, electrical equipment, fire exits — exactly what they needed. Saved me hours."
Kelly R.
Independent stylist, Bristol
"I rent out three chairs and the environmental health officer wanted to see risk assessments during an inspection. Anyrisks produced exactly what was needed — COSHH, fire safety, the lot. Professional and compliant."
James M.
Salon owner, Manchester
"As a mobile hairdresser I work alone in clients' homes. Anyrisks included lone working procedures, manual handling for my portable kit, and public liability requirements. Really thorough."
Sophie L.
Mobile hairdresser, Surrey
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| COSHH assessment for all chemical treatments | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fire safety and Regulatory Reform Order 2005 compliance | ✓ | ✗ |
| Electrical equipment and PAT testing requirements | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers chair rental and mobile hairdressing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Client safety and allergy protocols included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a risk assessment for my hair salon?
Yes — under Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer or self-employed person must carry out a risk assessment. If you employ staff, rent a chair to freelance stylists, or operate as a sole trader with public liability, a written risk assessment is mandatory.
Does it cover chemical treatments like bleach and tint?
Yes — mention the chemical services you offer (bleach, permanent colour, straightening treatments, perming) and the assessment will include COSHH requirements, ventilation standards, PPE (gloves, aprons), patch testing, and storage of hazardous substances under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
What about fire safety in a salon?
The assessment covers fire risk from electrical equipment (hairdryers, straighteners, hood dryers), flammable aerosols and treatments, and exit routes. It references the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and includes requirements for fire extinguishers, signage, and emergency procedures.
Does it include manual handling for mobile hairdressers?
Yes — if you work mobile or carry equipment between salons, describe your setup and the assessment will cover manual handling of styling chairs, portable wash units, product cases, and safe lifting techniques under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
Can I use it for chair rental agreements?
Yes — salon owners renting chairs to freelancers remain responsible for premises safety. The assessment covers shared responsibilities, access to emergency exits, electrical testing requirements, and client safety — meeting your duty of care as the person in control of the premises.
Is it accepted by salon insurers?
Anyrisks produces a fully written, regulation-referenced risk assessment in the standard format expected by UK insurers, local authorities, and HSE inspectors. Public and employer's liability insurers routinely request evidence of risk assessment, and this document satisfies that requirement.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Risk Assessment · Do I Need a Risk Assessment? · Risk Assessment Legal Requirements · Risk Assessment Generator