Regulatory review into the hairdressing and barbering industry announced

Hairdressers and barbers are a vital part of every community. They make up a billion-dollar industry of more than 5,000 mostly small businesses employing around 13,000 people. 

The industry currently works with regulations dating back to 1980. They have rules that prevent you having coffee with your haircut, not being able to bring your pooch while you get a perm, around the intensity of lighting in the salon, the number and location of handwashing basins, and the products that need to be available for use at those basins.   

The regulatory review will look at whether those rules are suited to an industry of its scale, made up of mostly small businesses, while ensuring public health is protected.   

The Ministry for Regulation is leading the review, working closely with the Ministry of Health.  

It is the Ministry for Regulation’s third review – the others were into early childhood education and agricultural and horticultural products regulations. These reviews are currently being finalised.  

The Ministry will begin to engage with the hairdressing and barbering industry in early 2025. We’ll use a range of engagement methods to gather information for the review and ensure that those who wish to contribute will have an opportunity to do so.   

The review is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2025. 

Hairdressing and barbering industry regulatory review: Terms of Reference (280 KB, Pdf)

Hairdressing and barbering industry regulatory review 

Minister's press release: Hairdressers and barbers to receive a regulatory clean shaveopen_in_new