💇♀️ Introduction
Running a mobile hairdressing business in the UK gives you freedom, flexibility, and a steady income — but it also comes with real risks.
What happens if a client trips over your kit bag?
Or if you accidentally cause a skin reaction from a dye?
That’s where business insurance comes in.
This guide covers the best insurance options for UK mobile hairdressers in 2025, what types of cover you need, and how to choose the right provider.
We’ve also covered part-time insurance for freelancers — great if hairdressing isn’t your full-time gig yet.
✅ Why Insurance Matters for Mobile Hairdressers
Mobile hairdressers face unique risks:
- Working in clients’ homes (uncontrolled environments)
- Using chemicals, sharp tools, heat appliances
- Transporting expensive equipment
One slip, spill, or allergic reaction could land you with a claim worth thousands. Insurance helps cover:
- Legal fees
- Compensation payouts
- Medical costs
- Loss or damage to your tools
Professionals in similar roles — like dog walkers or tutors — also face these risks and benefit from having cover in place.
🔍 What Types of Insurance Should a Mobile Hairdresser Have?
💼 1. Public Liability Insurance (most important)
Covers injury to clients or damage to property during appointments.
👩🔬 2. Treatment Risk Cover
Essential for services like hair colouring, bleaching, and chemical treatments. Covers claims related to skin reactions or burns.
🔑 3. Equipment/Kit Cover
Protects your scissors, clippers, dyes, and dryers from loss, theft, or accidental damage — even in transit.
🧍 4. Personal Accident Insurance (optional)
Pays out if you’re injured and unable to work.
🏆 Best Insurance Providers for Mobile Hairdressers in the UK (2025)
🔹 PolicyBee
- ✅ Covers mobile hairdressers, beauticians, and self-employed professionals
- Add-ons for treatment cover and equipment
- Friendly UK-based support
- Quotes in under 5 minutes
- From ~£50/year
- 👉 Get a quote with PolicyBee
🔹 Simply Business
- ✔️ Compare quotes from multiple insurers
- Flexible public liability + treatment cover + tools insurance
- Choose your cover limits and extras
- Good for bundling different types of protection
- 👉 Compare quotes with Simply Business
🔹 Salon Gold
- 🧴 Specialises in salon and mobile beauty professionals
- Tailored cover for hair, nails, beauty therapy, etc.
- Can include treatment risk, products liability, and income protection
- 👉 View cover options from Salon Gold
⚖️ Comparison Table
| Provider | Treatment Risk Cover | Equipment Cover | UK Based Support | Quote Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PolicyBee | ✅ Yes | ✅ Optional | ✅ Yes | ~5 mins |
| Simply Business | ✅ Yes (Customisable) | ✅ Optional | ✅ Yes | ~5 mins |
| Salon Gold | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Instant or form |
Still unsure which insurer fits your freelance setup? Our PolicyBee vs Simply Business comparison breaks down the pros and cons.
❓ FAQs
Q: Is insurance required by law for hairdressers?
No — but if you work with the public, it’s strongly recommended. Many clients, venues, and councils will expect proof of insurance.
Q: Can I get insurance if I’m just starting out?
Yes — all the providers above offer cover for sole traders and newly registered businesses.
Q: Will I be covered if I work in clients’ homes?
Yes, all listed policies are suitable for mobile/home-visit services.
Q: Does it cover my products or dyes?
Product liability is often included — but treatment risk is what protects you if a product causes harm (e.g. allergic reaction).
🧠 Final Thoughts
As a mobile hairdresser, you’re not just styling hair — you’re running a business. And like any business, that comes with risk.
Having public liability and treatment cover protects your finances, your reputation, and your peace of mind.
If a client gets injured, or something goes wrong with a treatment, the right policy means you’re covered — and can keep working without stress.
If you only take a few clients per week, check out our guide on insurance for part-time freelancers.