New Guidance for Hairdressers

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The Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 was revoked on 31 July 2025. Here's what hairdressing and barber businesses need to know.

This change follows a national sector review led by the Ministry for Regulation, which found that the regulations were no longer fit-for-purpose for the hairdressing and barbering industry.

What this means for businesses

Key points to know:

  • The Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 no longer exists and can no longer be enforced.
  • New businesses are no longer required to register with the Council as a hairdresser or barber under these regulations.
  • Council has stopped processing registrations and renewals and will no longer undertake routine inspections to those regulations.
  • The Health (Registration of Premises) Regulations 1966 no longer applies to hairdressers and barbers, although it will remain in effect for other sectors.

The Ministry for Regulation has developed new guidance for businesses to manage public health risks.

You can view the Ministry of Health’s Public Health Guidance for Hairdressers and Barbers.

What still applies?

Businesses will still need to comply with:

Approved backflow prevention

An approved backflow prevention system may be required for hairdressing businesses. Please ring the Council and speak to the Water Services Team for clarification or further information.

Building and/or resource consenting requirements

There may be a need for a Building Consent for building works and back flow prevention and/or a Resource Consent if retail sales are part of your business model. Please contact the Council and ask to speak to the Building Unit and/or the Planning Unit to clarify if there are any consenting requirements required for your business.

Council Rates

Setting up a business at home is likely to increase the Rates Assessment for your property. Please contact Council’s Rates staff who will provide you with more details so you can be well-informed.

More information

If you would like to talk to one of the Water Services, Building, Planning, or Rates Teams about these changes and what they might mean for your business, please call the Council on 0800 956 468 (0800 WMK GOV) or email office@wmk.govt.nz.