Saudi Arabia Tightens Barber Shop Hygiene and Home Service Rules
The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has issued a major update for men's barber shops across the Kingdom, introducing stricter hygiene regulations and new requirements for home-based services to safeguard public health.
Under the new mandate, every barber must possess a valid health certificate and adhere to rigorous personal hygiene and health practice standards both before and during the delivery of services.
Strict Sterilization Protocols for Tools
The ministry has outlined specific requirements for the maintenance of grooming equipment to prevent health risks. For all reusable tools, barbers are now required to follow a strict protocol of cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing the items after every single customer interaction.
The guidelines also specify:
- Single-use items: Tools such as blades must be discarded immediately following use.
- Sterilization equipment: Every establishment is required to maintain at least one sterilization device on-site.
- Cleanliness: All service areas must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.
New Rules for Home Barber Services
In a move that will affect many residents in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, the ministry has implemented a ban on providing barbering services at customer residences without proper authorization.
While many residents frequently use WhatsApp or mobile applications to arrange home-based haircuts, these services are now strictly regulated. To operate at a customer's home, a barber must obtain a specific special permit issued through the Balady platform.
Failure to comply with these regulations, particularly regarding unauthorized home services, may result in penalties. The initiative aims to improve overall service quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard public health.