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Head Lice Legal Liabilities and Regulations for Hair Salons in Australia 2025
Legal Head Lice Information Guide for Hair Technicians, Stylists and Salons
1. Federal Responsibilities & Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
- Hair salons must comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which protects clients’ rights to:
- Services provided with due care and skill
- Services fit for the intended purpose
- Accurate advertising and claims
- Refunds and remedies if services are faulty or cause harm
- If any treatments or products are considered therapeutic goods, they must comply with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements.
Reference: Australian Consumer Law – ACCC
2. State & Territory Regulations – Infection Control and Licensing QLD
- Governed by: Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003 and Regulation 2016
- Hairdressing is classed as non-higher risk, but infection control guidelines must still be followed.
- Higher-risk activities (skin penetration) require a license and training (e.g., HLTINF005).
- Salons must keep a copy of infection control guidelines onsite.
References:
- Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003 – Queensland Legislation
- Infection Control Guidelines for Personal Appearance Services – Queensland Health
- What Business Needs to Know – Personal Appearance Services QLD Queensland Health
Victoria
- Governed by: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and Regulations 2019
- Hairdressers must comply with Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines (2020).
Reference: Health Victoria
New South Wales
- Hairdressing is considered low-risk, but salons must follow NSW Health hygiene standards.
- Focus on hand hygiene, cleaning of tools, and preventing cross-infection.
Reference: Hairdressers and Barbers – NSW Health Hygiene Standards
South Australia
- Must follow SA Health – Standards of Practice for Hairdressing.
- Includes:
- Proper cleaning/disinfection of tools
- Hand hygiene before/after each client
- Safe management of accidental cuts
Reference: Public Health Standards of Practice for Hairdressing – SA Health
Western Australia
- Hairdressing is considered low-risk, but equipment must be cleaned and disinfected.
- Tools that contact skin or hair (combs, brushes, scissors) require cleaning between clients.
Reference: Hairdressers and Barbers – WA Health
3. Workplace Health & Safety (WHS)
All salons must comply with national WHS obligations, which include:
- Providing a safe working environment
- Safe handling and storage of chemicals (dyes, treatments, cleaning agents)
- Ergonomic practices to prevent injury (standing, blow-drying, cutting)
- Use of PPE (gloves, masks, aprons where relevant)
- Emergency procedures and first aid
References:
Sprintlaw – ACCC Explained: Legal Powers & Responsibilities in Australia
4. Local Council Licensing & Premises Requirements
- Salons may need to register with the local council before operating.
- Councils often conduct inspections for compliance with
- Cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Waste disposal and sharps safety (if applicable)
- Proper storage of products and chemicals
Reference: Check with your local council (e.g., Brisbane
City Council)
5. Key Legal Liabilities for Hairdressers
Hair technicians should be aware of the following responsibilities:
- Duty of Care – Provide services safely and prevent harm.
- Infection Control – Maintain hygiene standards for all tools and equipment.
- Accident Liability – Document and report any accidents (e.g., cuts, allergic reactions).
- Insurance – Maintain public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
- Privacy Laws – Keep client details confidential (Australian Privacy Principles)
6. Summary for Hair Technicians
Always check state and local council guidelines as they differ across Australia.
Maintain high standards of hygiene and infection control.
Follow safe chemical handling and WHS procedures.
Keep up-to-date with legal changes and industry training.
Ensure client safety, transparency, and informed consent in all treatments.
References:
