Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health
Public Health Guidance for Hairdressers and Barbers outlines practical actions that hairdressers and barbers can take to reduce the spread of infection.
It covers hygiene, equipment handling, and cleaning and is designed to help hairdressers and barbers across New Zealand keep their clients safe.
The guidance is voluntary and can be used in all types of hairdressing and barber services, including salons, mobile and home-based setups, and temporary setups like those at fairs or rest homes.
The guidance was developed following the Ministry for Regulation’s Hairdressing and Barbering Regulatory Review. The review recommended revoking the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 and developing new guidance to manage public health risks. In response to the review, Cabinet agreed to remove the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 made under the Health Act 1956, effective from 31 July 2025.
