Australia does not have a single national licensing framework for salons or individual beauty practitioners. Instead, the regulation of personal care services is distributed across state and territory governments, each with its own legislation covering business registration, public health compliance, and the specific requirements for services that carry infection risk. This means your licensing obligations in New South Wales differ from those in Victoria, Queensland, or Western Australia — and understanding your specific state's requirements is the first step to opening legally. All Australian businesses must register with the Australian Business Register (ABR) and obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN). Beyond that, your salon's location determines which state health legislation applies, which services require local authority registration, and what hygiene and inspection standards your premises must meet. This guide maps the landscape across Australia's major states and territories so you can identify exactly what you need for your location.
Because salon regulation in Australia is primarily a state and territory responsibility, there is no single national agency equivalent to the US state board system or the UK's local council framework. Instead, each state's public health legislation and fair trading laws govern the operation of personal care businesses.
New South Wales: In NSW, personal care services businesses are regulated under the Public Health Act 2010 and the Public Health Regulation 2012. Businesses offering skin penetration services (tattooing, body piercing, ear piercing, electrolysis, hair removal by needle, semi-permanent makeup) must register with their local council. Standard hair and beauty services (hairdressing, waxing, facials, non-penetrating nail services) do not require a state license, but must comply with NSW Health's guidelines for infection control in personal care industries.
Victoria: Victoria's Hair and Beauty Salons Code of Practice sets out hygiene and infection control standards for hair salons, beauty salons, and nail salons. Businesses do not require a state license to offer standard services, but must comply with the Code and meet local council registration requirements where applicable. Businesses offering skin penetration services must register with their local council under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
Queensland: Queensland regulates personal care services through the Public Health Act 2005 and the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003. This Act requires businesses offering hair removal (waxing, threading, sugaring, laser), ear piercing, tattooing, body piercing, and certain other services to be registered with Queensland Health and to meet prescribed infection control standards. Queensland's framework is more prescriptive than most other states. Check with Queensland Health for the current list of regulated services and registration requirements.
Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, ACT, Northern Territory: Each of these states and territories has its own framework. In all cases, businesses offering skin penetration services require registration or a license from the relevant health authority. Contact your state or territory health department and your local council early in your planning process to identify the specific requirements for your location and service menu.
Regardless of your state, every Australian salon must complete a set of baseline business registrations before opening.
Australian Business Number (ABN): All businesses operating in Australia must have an ABN, which is issued by the Australian Business Register. Apply at abr.gov.au. Your ABN is used across all business dealings — tax, invoicing, and regulatory registrations. Apply before you open.
Business name registration: If you operate under a business name other than your own personal name, you must register the business name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) at asic.gov.au. Business name registration is renewed annually and costs a modest fee. Check that your desired business name is available before registering.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration: If your projected annual turnover exceeds AUD $75,000, you must register for GST with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Salon services and retail product sales are generally subject to GST. Register through the ATO's Business Portal or through myGov.
State and local council registration: Depending on your state, you may need to register with your local council for a business permit or a specific personal care services registration. Contact your local council early — processing times vary and some registrations require a premises inspection before they are granted.
Employer obligations: If you employ staff, you must register as an employer with the ATO, operate Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding for income tax, comply with Superannuation obligations (contributing to employee superannuation funds), and comply with Fair Work Act requirements on employment contracts, minimum wages, and working conditions.
Across all Australian states and territories, personal care businesses are expected to meet infection control and hygiene standards that protect clients from harm. These standards are detailed in state-specific public health regulations, codes of practice, or guidelines.
Implement disinfection: All reusable implements — scissors, combs, razors, tweezers, nail implements — must be cleaned and disinfected between clients using a hospital-grade, TGA-registered disinfectant. Single-use items such as wax applicators, disposable files, and razors must be discarded after each use and must never be reused.
Skin penetration services: If your salon offers any service that penetrates the skin (ear piercing, electrolysis, waxing that removes hair below the skin surface, laser hair removal), the hygiene requirements are significantly stricter. Single-use sterile equipment is required. Autoclave sterilization may be required for certain reusable equipment. Registration with your local council or state health authority is typically required. Check your state's specific requirements.
Product safety: All cosmetic and beauty products used in Australian salons must comply with the requirements of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 and the ACCC's product safety framework. Products sold in Australia must be formulated and labeled in accordance with Australian standards. When purchasing products, choose suppliers who can confirm regulatory compliance.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is required at all workstations where chemical services are performed. Nail services areas are particularly subject to ventilation requirements due to fumes from acrylic products, gel products, and nail polish removers. Review the ventilation guidance in your state's public health guidelines for personal care services.
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Try it free →Australia's public health framework for personal care businesses places the responsibility for client safety squarely on the business owner. Council environmental health officers and state health department inspectors can visit your premises to assess compliance with hygiene standards. Salons found to have inadequate hygiene practices can be issued improvement notices, fined, or ordered to close until deficiencies are corrected.
Building systematic hygiene management into your salon operations — documented disinfection procedures, regular self-audits, staff training records — protects your clients, your staff, and your business.
Run your free Hygiene Assessment at mmoww.net/shampoo/tools/hygiene-assessment/ to see where your salon's practices stand against Australian public health standards. For ongoing compliance resources tailored to Australian salon owners, visit mmoww.net/shampoo/.
Australia does not mandate that salon operators hold specific qualifications to offer standard hair and beauty services, but a well-developed vocational qualification framework exists through the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the national VET (Vocational Education and Training) system.
Level III Qualification in Hairdressing: The standard professional qualification for hairdressers in Australia is the Level III Qualification in Hairdressing, delivered through registered training organizations (RTOs) and TAFE institutions. This qualification covers the full range of hairdressing services, hygiene, client consultation, and business skills. Apprenticeships in hairdressing provide on-the-job training alongside the Level III Qualification program.
Level III Qualification and IV in Beauty Therapy: The Level III Qualification in Beauty Therapy covers waxing, facials, manicures, and pedicures. The Level IV Qualification adds advanced services including advanced skin treatments and makeup artistry. These qualifications are industry-recognized and expected by clients booking specialized services.
Training for skin penetration services: Operators offering skin penetration services must typically demonstrate competency in infection control and relevant service techniques. In Queensland, specific training requirements apply to operators registered under the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act. Check with your state health authority for training requirements specific to your service category.
Fair Work Act and employment obligations: If you employ hairdressing or beauty therapy apprentices, familiarize yourself with the Hair and Beauty Industry Award (or the applicable modern award for your business type). The award sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and conditions for employees in the industry. Operating below award conditions is a Fair Work Act violation with significant consequences.
In addition to state-level requirements, your local council plays a role in regulating your salon's premises and, in some states, your service types.
Development approval: If you are opening in a new premises or converting an existing space to salon use, you may need development approval (DA) from your local council. A DA confirms that the proposed use of the premises is permissible under the local planning scheme and that the fit-out meets building standards. Allow time for this process — in major cities, DA processing can take several months.
Building approval: Structural, plumbing, or electrical work in your salon build-out requires building approval. A licensed builder must complete the work, and an inspector must approve the completed work before it is used. Skipping building approval creates compliance problems and can affect your insurance coverage.
Signage approval: Outdoor signage for your salon may require council approval depending on your location and the size and type of sign. Check with your local council's development services team before installing any signage.
Fire safety: Local fire safety requirements apply to commercial premises in Australia. Ensure your premises has the required number of fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and emergency exits for your floor area and occupancy type. Your local fire authority can provide guidance on requirements.
Q: Do I need a specific license to offer waxing services in Australia?
A: In most Australian states, waxing services that remove hair at or above the skin surface level (such as eyebrow waxing or leg waxing) do not require a specific state license beyond standard business registration and public health compliance. However, in Queensland, waxing is classified as a personal appearance service under the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act and requires registration. Check with your state health authority to confirm whether waxing registration is required in your jurisdiction.
Q: Is there a national list of approved salon disinfectants in Australia?
A: Australia does not maintain a specific approved list for salon disinfectants, but disinfectants used in personal care settings must be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as hospital-grade disinfectants (or equivalent). Look for products labeled as TGA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant and follow the manufacturer's instructions for concentration, contact time, and solution freshness.
Q: What are my obligations if a client has an adverse reaction to a treatment in my salon?
A: If a client has an adverse reaction to a product or service, your first obligation is to their immediate wellbeing — provide first aid, refer them to medical attention if needed, and document the incident in your records. You should report serious adverse events to your state health authority if required under their reporting obligations. Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage in the event of a client claim. Maintaining treatment records, including products used and any known client sensitivities, provides crucial documentation.
Australia's state-based approach to salon regulation means your obligations are specific to your location and service menu. The consistent thread across every state and territory is the expectation that salon operators will protect their clients through sound hygiene practices, informed service delivery, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Loved for Safety. — in the Australian salon market, the businesses that endure are those that make client safety a genuine operational priority, not just a compliance checkbox.
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