A Guide To DBS Checks For Hairdressers and Salon Workers
For some jobs, it’s pretty clear that a DBS check is required, such as teachers or medical staff, as they involve working closely with children or vulnerable adults and require a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check.
Other jobs are not so obvious, and it isn’t always clear what level of DBS check is needed – basic, standard, or enhanced. Hairdressers and salon staff are a good example of this – do they need a DBS check, and if so, what level of check is required?
Do hairdressers and salon workers need to get a DBS check?
In general, hairdressers and salon workers don’t need a DBS check as part of the role, although the situation may differ depending on location and role. For example, a hairdresser who works in an old people’s home may require a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, as they are left unsupervised with vulnerable adults.
Although the role of hairdresser or salon worker doesn’t usually fit the eligibility criteria for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, they are eligible for a Basic DBS Check. Anybody can request a Basic DBS Check, either an employer or the individual can submit one for themselves.
Hairdressers who work with children
Most hairdressers will also cut the hair of children and young people aged under 18. However, they don’t need an Enhanced DBS check, as the children should be accompanied by their parents, parent, or carer.
If a child does happen to come to the salon alone, the hairdresser is still not required to have a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, as the duty of care is still with the parent or carer.
How about hairdressers who work in care homes?
The answer to this question depends on whether the role is classed as a regulated activity or not. Regulated activities are roles that are defined by the DBS as needing the highest level of DBS Check, i.e. Enhanced DBS Check with barred list.
Regulated activity jobs are those that involve working directly with children or vulnerable adults, in an unsupervised capacity.
Regulated activities, as defined by the DBS, includes giving physical help and support to an adult or child, such as help with eating, drinking, using the bathroom, dressing, and skin, hair, or nail care.
However, hairdressing and cosmetic treatments at a care home may not fall into this category, as they are not safety-critical jobs and they will often be supervised by a care home employee.
In other words, as the hairdresser only visits occasionally, and there is no direct healthcare taking place that could harm the person and they are likely to be supervised by other staff, then it will probably not be classed as a regulated activity.
This means that the most the care home manager can ask for is a Basic DBS Check, not a Standard DBS Check or Enhanced DBS Check.
If you would like to find out more about DBS Checks, including which jobs and professions require them and how to understand the rules and processes, then get in touch today. One of our expert team will get back to you as soon as possible.
