Saudi Ministry Tightens Barber Shop Rules and Requires Permit for Home Services

New Health and Hygiene Requirements for Barbers

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing said that all barbers must hold a valid health certificate, maintain personal hygiene and follow proper health practices before and during each service.

Permit Required for Home Barbering Services

It emphasized that offering barbering at a client’s residence outside a licensed establishment is allowed only after obtaining a specific permit from the ministry.

Tool Sterilisation and Premises Cleanliness

The ministry stressed that men’s barber shops must clean, disinfect and sterilise reusable tools after every use, while single‑use items must be discarded immediately.

It also required establishments to regularly clean and sterilise all equipment and to keep service areas clean at all times.

Objectives and Awareness Campaign

According to the ministry, the measures aim to protect customers’ health, raise service quality, promote sound health practices inside shops and regulate business operations.

They also provide clear guidance for investors and business owners who wish to set up or run a barber shop in line with approved standards, helping to improve the business environment and service levels.

The ministry added that raising awareness of the rules and explaining how to apply them is part of its strategy to encourage compliance before any penalties are considered, so that adherence becomes a routine part of daily operations.