The UK is basking in a summer heatwave, but for salon owners, soaring temperatures come with more than just the challenge of staying cool.
From overheating equipment to health and safety concerns, hot weather introduces a range of risks that can affect your clients, your team, and your bottom line.
Here are five key summer risks to be aware of, and what you can do to keep your salon protected.
Overheating Hair Tools and Equipment
Straighteners, curlers, dryers, lamps, many salons already generate heat, and a hot studio can push tools past safe temperatures. This can lead to tool failure, client injury, or even fire.
What you can do:
- Allow tools to cool fully between uses and avoid leaving them unattended.
- Keep rooms ventilated and avoid overcrowding stations.
- Make sure your insurance includes equipment and treatment liability cover.
Patch Tests and Increased Sensitivity
Heat can affect how clients’ skin reacts, sweat, sun exposure, and dehydration may increase the chance of irritation or allergic reaction from hair colour or skincare products.
What you can do:
- Be even stricter with patch testing policies during hot periods.
- Ask additional client questions about recent sun exposure, medications, or changes in skincare.
- Ensure treatment liability insurance is up to date.
Health Risks for Staff and Clients
Heatstroke, fainting, and dehydration are genuine concerns, especially in busy, poorly ventilated salons. If a client or team member becomes unwell, you could be liable.
What you can do:
- Provide fans, chilled water, and regular breaks.
- Open windows early in the day and draw blinds to keep rooms cooler.
- Make sure your Employers’ and Public Liability insurance is in place.
Product and Stock Spoilage
Heat can degrade the quality of certain beauty products, particularly those with active ingredients (like vitamin C or retinol), creams, waxes, or fragrances.
What you can do:
- Store products in cool, dark areas, never on sunny windowsills or in hot cupboards.
- Keep an eye on expiry dates and consistency.
- Check your insurance covers stock spoilage or deterioration.
Power Cuts and Air Conditioning Failure
Heatwaves can strain local infrastructure, leading to power cuts or broken aircon units, leaving you with cancelled appointments and uncomfortable clients.
What you can do:
- Schedule high-energy treatments in the cooler part of the day.
- Have backup plans in place (portable fans, battery lights).
- Consider Business Interruption cover if a breakdown halts your ability to trade.
A busy summer can be a huge opportunity, but also a time when small problems quickly become big ones. By staying alert to the seasonal risks and having the right insurance in place, you can focus on what really matters: looking after your clients and growing your business.
Not sure if you’re covered for summer-specific risks?
At Sentio Salons, we specialise in protecting hair and beauty businesses, so you can stay cool, confident, and fully covered.
Want peace of mind this summer? Get in touch with the Sentio Salons team for a free, no-obligation review of your policy.
