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Hairdressing Insurance
As a barber or hairdresser, you know that trust is at the foundation of every relationship with a client. However, regardless of your experience, mistakes happen. We're here to keep you covered. Get a quote and buy insurance for your hairdressing business in under five minutes, entirely online.
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APOLLO and Gallagher Partner to Protect Your Business
We've partnered with Gallagher, one of Canada's leading insurance brokers, to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get professional liability, general liability, and/or contents insurance designed specifically for your profession.
Get Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
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Choose a convenient payment plan that suits you best.
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Get your policy documents in your inbox instantly.
3 Kinds of Coverage Included in Our Barbers and Hairdressers Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional liability insurance for barbers and hairdressers protects against allegations surrounding a dissatisfied client. More specifically, this policy absorbs any legal fees associated with claims of negligence, wrongdoing, and failure to deliver an offered service.
General Liability Insurance
This coverage is intended to absorb the costs of third-party claims that may arise throughout day-to-day business activities. Regardless of the circumstances, all legal and medical fees are covered under this general liability coverage policy, meaning you won’t have to stress about making out-of-pocket payments.
Contents Insurance
Also known as commercial property insurance, this provides financial coverage to your business if an unexpected event were to occur. From flooding to theft, any similar kind of situation that causes damage or loss to your property or personal belongings will have coverage.
Hairdressers Offer a Valuable Service to Their Clients
As a hairstylist, barber, or salon professional, you’re a trusted expert in your craft.
Whether it’s a trim or just a routine touch-up, your clients rely on your skills and your eye for detail. It’s a personal relationship built on trust, and that means your work carries both creative and professional responsibility.
No matter if you run your own salon, rent a chair, or make house calls, you need the right insurance coverage to protect yourself, your equipment, and your clients.
You’re Not Just a Stylist, You’re a Small Business Owner
Running a salon business means taking on risk, and insurance helps you manage it. Whether you work independently or as part of a team, your clients count on you to provide a safe, professional experience. They trust you with everything from colour treatments to sharp tools near sensitive skin.
The right insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on doing what you love: helping people look and feel their best.
FAQs About Hairdressing Insurance
Do I really need insurance as a hairdresser or barber?
Yes. Whether you work in a salon, rent a chair, or offer mobile services, insurance protects you from unexpected costs if something goes wrong. From slip-and-fall injuries to allergic reactions or property damage, having coverage helps you stay protected and look professional.
What does hairdressing insurance cover?
Hairdressing insurance typically includes:
General liability: Covers accidents like a client slipping or getting injured in your workspace.
Professional liability: Protects you if a client claims your service caused harm (like a chemical burn or hair damage).
Contents coverage: Insures your scissors, clippers, styling tools, and other equipment. You can tailor your policy to fit how and where you work.
What if I rent a chair in someone else’s salon?
Even if you don’t own the space, you're still responsible for your work. Most salons require independent stylists and barbers to carry their own insurance. Our policies are designed to work for chair renters, freelancers, and independent professionals.
Is hairdressing insurance expensive?
Not at all. Most hairstylists and barbers can get coverage for less than the cost of a single haircut per month. And it can save you thousands in legal or repair costs if something unexpected happens.
Can I get insurance even if I work from home or travel to clients?
Yes. Our flexible coverage includes home salons and mobile services. Just let us know how you operate when you sign up, and we’ll help customize your policy.
How fast can I get covered?
With APOLLO, you can get a quote, buy your policy, and download proof of insurance online in less than five minutes.
What risks do I face as a hairdresser or barber?
Even with years of experience and careful technique, accidents can happen. You might face:
Client injuries (burns, allergic reactions, slips and falls)
Damage to a client’s property (e.g. spilled bleach on personal items)
Theft or loss of your tools
Claims of negligence or dissatisfaction with your service
Does my salon’s insurance cover me?
Not usually. Most salons insure the space and their own operations, but not independent contractors or chair renters. If you’re self-employed, you’ll likely need your own policy to meet lease requirements and protect your business.
I work from home. Do I still need insurance?
Yes. Home insurance typically doesn’t cover business activities or client injuries during appointments. If a client slips in your home studio or claims a service caused harm, your personal policy may not protect you.
What’s the difference between general liability and professional liability insurance?
General liability covers third-party injuries or property damage, like a client tripping or a spilled dye accident.
Professional liability covers claims that your services caused harm, like a chemical burn, bad reaction, or an unhappy client blaming you for damage.
Can I customize my policy to fit my business?
Absolutely. Whether you work solo or manage a team, APOLLO makes it easy to choose the right coverage limits, add contents insurance for your tools, and even include “Additional Insureds” like your landlord.
How Much Does Hairdresser & Barber Insurance Cost in Canada?
Less than you might think, and definitely less than one accidental injury or damage claim.
Most hairdressers and barbers can expect to pay between $20 and $80 per month for a comprehensive insurance policy. The exact cost depends on your business setup, location, services offered, and how much coverage you need.
Just like a haircut, your insurance should be tailored to you.
What Affects the Cost of Your Hairdressing Insurance?
Where You Work
Rent a chair? Run your own salon? Offer mobile appointments or work from home?
Your workspace impacts both your liability risk and your rate.
Business Size or Revenue
Are you a solo stylist or running a team?
More clients and higher revenue can increase your exposure and adjust your rate.
Coverage Limits
Many landlords or salons require at least $2 million in liability coverage, but you can scale up or down depending on your needs.
Types of Services Offered
Just cuts and styling? Colouring, chemical treatments, or extensions?
Services with higher risk (like bleach or hot tools) may affect your premium.
Equipment & Contents Coverage
Do you want to insure your scissors, clippers, styling chairs, or other tools?
The more equipment you protect, the more that can influence your policy cost.
How You Work as a Hairdresser Matters
The way you operate as a barber or hairdresser can impact the risks you face. Whether you’re renting a chair in a downtown salon, running a home studio, or traveling to client homes, your business setup changes what kind of coverage you might need.
Examples of real-world scenarios and how insurance can protect you:
Hair Salons
High foot traffic and rainy weather can leave floors slick, especially in busy salons. If a client slips and falls on the way to your chair, you could be held liable for their injury, even if it was an accident.
Example: A client rushes in during a downpour, slips on wet tile, and fractures their elbow. They file a claim for medical costs.
Insurance Solution: General liability insurance covers bodily injury claims, helping with medical bills and legal fees — even for incidents that seem minor.
Home-Based Hair Studios
Many hairstylists run businesses from home, but home insurance often doesn’t cover business activities. That includes liability if a client is injured, or damage to your professional tools.
Example: A client gets a chemical burn during a colour treatment and files a claim. Or, your shears and hairdryer are stolen from your garage studio.
Insurance Solution: Professional liability and contents insurance help cover client injury claims and replace stolen or damaged tools, even if you work from home.
Mobile Hairdressers
Serving clients in their homes can be a great way to grow your business, but it also adds risk. Travel increases exposure to accidents, and working in unfamiliar spaces can introduce new hazards.
Example: While styling a client’s hair at their home, bleach spills on their antique hardwood floor, and they demand compensation.
Insurance Solution: General liability insurance covers accidental property damage during appointments outside your own space.
What Landlords & Salons May Require from Hairdressers
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Certificate of Insurance (COI)
This proves you have active insurance coverage, and many landlords or salon owners won’t let you work without one. With APOLLO, your COI is available instantly after you purchase your policy online, so you can get started without delays.
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Additional Insured
If you rent a chair or work in a shared space, the salon owner may ask to be listed on your policy as an “additional insured.” This protects them if something goes wrong while you’re working and a claim is made.
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Minimum Liability Requirements
Most commercial leases or salon agreements require at least $2 million in general liability coverage, though some may ask for more. APOLLO makes it easy to adjust your policy to meet whatever is required.
Real Claim Stories We've Helped With
Hair Colour Gone Wrong
A hairdresser applied a new hair colour formula for a long-time client. The client had an unexpected allergic reaction, causing scalp irritation and hair breakage. The client alleged negligence and demanded compensation for medical bills, hair treatment costs, and emotional distress.
Professional liability insurance covered $8,500 in legal defense costs
It also covered $6,500 in settlement and treatment expenses
Total insured loss: $15,000
Beautician Treatment Reaction
A licensed beautician offered a microdermabrasion treatment followed by a chemical peel as part of her spa services. A client developed severe redness and blistering, claiming the beautician failed to test for skin sensitivity. The client demanded compensation for dermatology visits, lost income from missing work, and emotional distress.
Liability & E&O insurance covered $7,000 in legal defense costs
It also covered $9,000 in settlement and medical expenses
Total insured loss: $16,000
Slip and Fall in the Salon
A client slipped on a wet floor after a hair wash and suffered a sprained ankle, leading to medical bills and lost wages. The client sued for negligence.
Commercial general liability insurance covered $5,500 in legal fees
It also covered $9,500 in settlement
Total insured loss: $15,000
Liability Quiz
Am I liable if a client slips on the salon floor on their way to my chair?
Yes. If the fall happens during your appointment, you could be held responsible, even if it wasn’t your fault.
Am I covered if I accidentally burn a client with a hot tool?
Without professional liability insurance, probably not. You could be on the hook for medical costs or a legal claim.
Am I liable if I spill bleach and damage a client’s clothing or bag?
Yes. General liability insurance can help cover the cost of replacing or repairing damaged items.
Do I need insurance if I’m renting a chair in someone else’s salon?
Absolutely. Most landlords or salon owners will require you to carry your own insurance before you start working.
The Cost of Not Having Hairdresser Insurance
Scenario | Out-of-Pocket Cost (Without Insurance) | Covered by Insurance? |
A client suffers a chemical burn from a hair dye and sues for damages | $5,000–$25,000+ (legal and medical fees) | ✔ Professional Liability |
You accidentally drop your clippers and damage a client’s phone or designer bag | $1,000–$3,000 | ✔ General Liability |
Your toolkit is stolen from your car after a mobile appointment | $2,000+ | ✔ Contents Coverage |
A client trips over your styling cord and injures their knee | $5,000–$20,000 (depending on outcome) | ✔ General Liability |
Fire damages your home studio, destroying all your tools and supplies | $2,000–$10,000 | ✔ Contents Coverage |
Insurance Is a Business Essential, Not Just a Backup Plan
Qualify for more contracts – Chair rentals and commercial leases often require proof of insurance just to sign.
Build client trust – A Certificate of Insurance shows clients you’re professional and credible.
Access better opportunities – Many salons won’t let you work without coverage that meets their requirements.
Plan for growth – Want to open your own space? Hire staff? Host workshops? You’ll need insurance along the way.
Protect your livelihood – Accidents happen, even with the best of care. Insurance helps cover legal fees, repairs, and replacements so your business stays on track.
PRO TIP: Keep your Certificate of Insurance (COI) saved and accessible.
Upload it from our simple online system and print it off or keep it handy on your phone. Landlords and salon owners may ask for it at any time.
Top 5 Mistakes Barbers and Hairdressers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Assuming the salon’s insurance covers you
Most salons carry insurance for the business itself, but not for independent stylists renting a chair. You need your own policy to protect yourself, your clients, and your income.
2. Waiting to get insured until something goes wrong
If an accident happens before you’re covered, you’re on the hook. Start your policy before you take your first client, even if it’s just a friend.
3. Skimping on coverage for your tools and equipment
Scissors, clippers, colour kits… it all adds up. If your gear gets stolen or damaged, contents insurance helps you replace it quickly so you’re not out of work.
4. Forgetting to list your salon or landlord as an Additional Insured
If you’re renting space, your landlord may require you to list them on your policy. It’s a simple step that protects both you and the person who owns the space.
5. Thinking home-based stylists don’t need coverage
Working from home doesn’t remove risk. Home insurance rarely covers business activities, and a client injury or equipment theft could leave you unprotected.