Hairdressing insurance for your shop and scissors
Hairdressing insurance from a panel of trusted UK insurers
Insure your hairdressing business for liability with zero hassle
As a hairdresser, you are responsible for working closely with clients, using scissors, razors, and electrical styling tools, managing your salon or workspace, and handling potential liabilities related to the public and possibly employees, all of which require hairdressing insurance.
In partnership with some of the leading UK insurers, we’ll not only get you a better hairdressing insurance deal with the best cover available, we work hard to keep you as a customer year after year.
Whatever you do for business, whether you’re a sole trader or limited business owner, we understand that you need to protect your livelihood.
24/7 claims service
We’re here for you round the clock when you need us most.
Fairer prices for all
As a specialist insurance broker, we search our panel of leading UK insurers to find the right policy for your hairdressing business.
World-class support
You’ll get your own UK-based human to look after you for the duration of your policy.
We use a combination of technology and a wealth of experience to give you unrivalled cover and more affordable public liability insurance prices. Get a hairdressing liability insurance quote today.
With over 50 years of experience providing top-quality insurance for public liability, you can be sure we’ve got you covered.
What is hairdressing insurance?
Hairdressing insurance is a public liability policy that protects hairdressers and grooming professionals against claims for injuries or property damage that occur in their shops or during their services. It ensures financial protection for hairdressers working with sharp tools and specialised equipment.
It covers a range of scenarios where your hairdressing business could be held legally responsible for causing harm or damage.
Some key areas it typically includes are injury to third parties, damage to third-party property, legal expenses, and compensation claims.
Public liability insurance is crucial to hairdressers for several reasons:
- Business reputation: Insurance reflects professionalism, enhancing trust with clients.
- Financial protection: Accidents, such as burns from styling tools or damaged client property, can be costly, and insurance provides protection.
- Client Requirements: Insured salons are more appealing to clients.
The benefits of a hairdressing insurance policy
Personal injury claims
Hairdressing insurance provides cover if a customer is injured during your services, such as a burn from a heated styling tool.
Damage to property
Accidental damage, like spilling products on a customer’s belongings or damaging their property, is covered under this policy.
Legal protection
Should you face a claim, hairdressing insurance covers legal expenses, offering peace of mind while you focus on your business.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
How much does hairdressing insurance cost?
This depends on the nature and size of your hairdressing business, the level of risk involved and any claims history you might have.
The cost of public liability insurance varies based on several factors:
Type of cover
Cover levels, typically starting at £1 million, affect premiums. Higher limits may be needed for larger shops or franchised operations.
Nature of business
Premiums may be higher for offering services like chemical treatments or extensions may raise costs due to increased risk.
Location
Where you or your salon operates can also influence premiums, with urban and high-crime areas often incurring higher costs.
Business size and turnover
A hairdressing salon with significant annual revenue might pay higher premiums, as a busy salon presents more opportunities for accidents.
Number of employees
The more staff members you employ, the higher your premiums could be, as each worker adds to the potential risk of claims.
Claims history
A claims history can influence pricing; hairdressers with a clean record often secure lower premiums as they’re seen as a lower risk.
Hairdressing insurance frequently asked questions
When do I need to get hairdressing public liability insurance?
As soon as you start carrying out treatments for clients — whether in a salon, from a home setup, or as a mobile hairdresser. Chemical treatments, sharp tools, and close client contact create specific risks, and cover should be in place before you take on your first client.
Is hairdressing public liability insurance a legal requirement?
No — it isn't a legal requirement in the UK. However, salon owners will usually require proof of your own cover if you rent a chair, and many professional hairdressing associations require it as a condition of membership. It's also essential protection in an environment where chemical treatments and close physical contact carry real risk.
What does hairdressing public liability insurance actually cover?
It covers compensation claims and legal fees if a client or member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your hairdressing activities. Common examples include a client suffering a chemical burn or allergic reaction from a colour or bleaching treatment, a client being injured by scissors or styling tools, a client's clothing being damaged by a product, or a client slipping in your workspace. It covers both the compensation payment and your legal costs, even if a claim turns out to be unfounded.
What isn't covered by hairdressing public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance covers claims from members of the public — it doesn't cover claims from your own employees (that's employers' liability), losses caused by professional advice (you'd need professional indemnity for broader protection), or damage to your own tools and equipment. Always check your policy wording carefully to understand exactly what's included.
Does hairdressing insurance cover chemical treatments such as colouring and perming?
Yes — public liability insurance covers claims arising from chemical treatments, including reactions to colour, bleach, or perm solutions. This is one of the most common risk areas in hairdressing. Conducting a thorough consultation and patch test where appropriate is the best way to minimise the risk of a claim.
Do I need hairdressing insurance if I'm employed in a salon as well as taking private clients?
Your employer's insurance covers you while you're working in the salon, but it won't cover you for any private or mobile work you carry out independently. If you take on private clients outside of your employment, you need your own public liability policy to protect yourself for that work.
What limit of cover should I choose?
Standard cover starts at £1 million, which is sufficient for most hairdressers. If you operate a larger salon with multiple staff or carry out advanced chemical treatments regularly, a higher level may be appropriate. Our team can advise on the right cover level for your business.
Is public liability insurance tax deductible?
Yes — business insurance is an allowable expense, which means you can deduct the cost when calculating your taxable profit. Make sure you keep your policy documents and receipts as records for HMRC. If you're unsure, speak to your accountant.
Do you provide evidence of cover?
Yes — you'll receive proof of cover instantly when your policy is in place, which you can share with salon owners or associations straight away. If you also take out employers' liability cover, a Certificate of Employers' Liability will be issued immediately for display at your premises.
Why can I trust insurd?
We've been arranging insurance for over 50 years — now trading as insurd — and we're authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Register Number: 308508), and over a thousand real customers have shared their experiences with us on Trustpilot.
You can verify our status directly on the FCA register.
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