Hairdressers and Beauty Salons Insurance
Cover your salon from financial losses due to claims, accidents or interruptions with Hairdressers and Beauty Salons Insurance.
Questions? Call us now on
Why Do Hairdressers and Beauty Salons Need Insurance?
The hair and beauty industry is hands-on and with that comes a range of risks. A client could slip on a wet floor, have an allergic reaction to a product or claim your service didn’t meet their expectations.
Here’s why insurance is a must for your business:
.png){kind=icon}
Close Client Contact: Hairdressers and beauty therapists work directly with clients, using tools, chemicals and equipment that could cause injury or damage if something goes wrong.
Property and Equipment Risks: Your salon’s tools, stock and premises are valuable. Damage from fire, theft or storms could disrupt your business and cost thousands to replace.
Legal and Financial Exposure: A single claim from a client or third party could result in significant costs, especially if you’re held responsible for injury or property damage.
Business Continuity: Unexpected events, such as a burst pipe or a break-in, could force your salon to close temporarily, leading to lost income.
What Does Hairdressers and Beauty Salons Insurance Cover?
Here's what it can cover:
Client Injuries or Property Damage: Covers legal fees, medical costs and compensation if a client, supplier or visitor is injured or their property is damaged due to your business activities.
Claims of Professional Negligence: Protects against claims of professional errors, negligence or inadequate advice, covering legal costs and compensation.
This is critical for services like chemical treatments, waxing or laser therapy.
Product-Related Claims: Covers claims arising from harm caused by products you use or sell, such as hair dyes, shampoos or beauty creams.
Most insurers would require you to perform patch tests to reduce risks
Damage to Equipment or Property: Covers repair or replacement costs for salon equipment, stock and premises damaged by events such as fire, theft, storms or vandalism.
Always remember to check for exclusions (e.g., flood damage) in the first 72 hours of a new policy.
Business Interruptions: Compensates for lost income and ongoing expenses (e.g., rent, staff wages) during temporary closures due to insured events, say, fire or storm damage.
Note that this may not be available for sole traders or mobile operators, so it’s best to review your policy.
Theft or Loss of Equipment: Covers repair or replacement of tools and equipment (e.g., scissors, hairdryers, waxing kits) if stolen, lost or damaged.
This is especially important for mobile hairdressers or beauticians.
Personal Injury or Illness: Provides income support if you’re unable to work due to injury or illness, helping cover personal expenses.
Note this may not be available to companies and larger operations.
Who Needs Hairdressers and Beauty Salons Insurance?
This insurance is essential for anyone in the hair and beauty industry, whether you’re just starting out or running an established business.
Here’s who should consider it:
Salon Owners
If you own a salon, you need cover for your premises, equipment, stock and liability risks.
Freelance Hairdressers or Beauticians
Even if you rent a chair or work from home, you face liability risks and need protection.
Mobile Hairdressers and Beauty Therapists
Working on the go doesn’t eliminate risks, so getting insurance is still critical.
Barbers and Nail Technicians:
These professionals face similar risks, from customer injuries to equipment damage.
Beauty Therapy Students
If you’re training and offering services, some policies cover students too.
Frequently asked questions
What’s not usually covered by Hairdressers and Beauty Salons Insurance?
Common exclusions include flood or bushfire damage in the first 72 hours of a new policy, intentional damage or claims related to pandemics. Check your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for details.
What if a client refuses a patch test and later has an allergic reaction?
If a client declines a patch test and signs a waiver, you’re in a stronger position. However, you could still face a claim. A Products Liability Insurance, tied to your Hairdressers and Beauty Salons Insurance, can help cover costs if a client sues over an allergic reaction to a product like hair dye or wax. To minimise risks, document the refusal and use clear consent forms.
Will my insurance cover me if I offer pop-up services at events or festivals?
Yes, but you’ll need to ensure your insurance policy extends to off-site or temporary locations. For instance, if you’re doing bridal hair at a wedding or nail art at a festival, a client could still sue for injury or dissatisfaction. Notify your insurer about pop-up events as some policies exclude non-permanent locations.
What if my salon is damaged by a client (e.g., someone breaking a mirror)?
Insurance typically covers damage to your salon’s property but damage caused by a client may not always be covered unless it’s accidental and linked to an insured event. Say, if a client accidentally shatters a mirror, your policy might cover it. Intentional damage, however, is often excluded. Document the incident and contact your insurer immediately to confirm coverage.