Hairdressers
Do I need to register my hairdressing business?
If you would like to open a hairdressing business, you will need to apply for a certificate of registration from Council.
You will also need to contact Council's planning team and building services team. This is because you might need resource consent or building consent to operate at a particular property, sort out customer parking issues or to add basins and counters to your premises.
Council's Environmental Health Officer will also be able to give you information and guidance. For more information, contact Council on (03) 307 7700.
Getting registered
Once you have resource and building consent, you can apply for registration. You will need to do this at least 14 days before you wish to open. Complete a hairdresser's registration application and attach a to-scale floor plan showing all appliances and fittings. You can reuse the plans submitted as part of a building consent application if you have one.
Download a hairdresser premise licence form
After your registration is approved, Council's Environmental Health Officer will do an inspection to confirm that all work has been completed in accordance to the approved plans.
Please ensure you have any Code of Compliance certificates available for the Environmental Health Officer to inspect. Our Environmental Health Officer will make regular inspections after you open the business to ensure you comply with health standards.
Learn more about the Health (Hairdressing) Regulations 1980
Change of ownership
If you are taking over an existing hairdressing salon, you must notify Council and complete a transfer of registration form.
You can apply to transfer an existing registration into your name, but we must receive your application within 14 days of you taking over the business.
After 14 days, the existing registration will lapse and you will have to apply for a new licence.
Renewing your registration
Licences need to be renewed every year. If you are currently registered, you will automatically receive a renewal invoice.