Saudi Arabia Tightens Hygiene Rules in Barbershops and Requires Permits for Home Services
New regulations require valid health certificates from professionals and rigorous cleaning of tools. Services outside the licensed establishment now depend on a specific permit.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The men's barbershop sector in the country is facing a new cycle of stricter regulation, focused on public health and service standardization. This change is relevant to those working in barbering because it redefines minimum operational requirements and expands oversight beyond the walls of the salon.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has determined that every barber must possess a valid health certificate before serving clients. In addition to documentation, professionals need to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and follow approved safety procedures both before and during service, aiming to protect customers from sanitary risks.
Tool cleaning has become a central point in the new guidelines. Barbershops are required to clean, disinfect, and sterilize all reusable instruments after each client. In the case of disposable equipment, the rule is even more direct: they must be thrown away immediately after use.
In addition to utensils, work areas need to be kept in impeccable condition. Establishments must sanitize equipment regularly and ensure that all service zones meet prescribed hygiene standards, creating a safer environment for daily operations.
One of the most impactful new developments is the restriction on services outside the licensed location. The offer of haircuts at clients' homes, for example, now requires a specific permit. Without this license, home service is considered irregular, which may affect business models that rely on mobility.
The government states that the measures aim to improve service quality and strengthen regulatory compliance in the sector. For investors and business owners, the rules establish clear operational standards, helping to meet licensing requirements and improving the overall business environment.
Before applying formal fines and penalties, the ministry prioritizes educating operators about their responsibilities. The strategy aims to encourage voluntary adherence to the norms, allowing establishments to correct failures and make hygiene and safety routines a habitual practice.
BarberRicci newsroom, with information from Gulf News.