How To Set Up A Hairdressing And Other Beauty Treatment Services Business In The UAE

Author: Hanoof Al Naama
Published: October 23, 2024

Overview of the UAE Beauty and Wellness Industry

The UAE has a thriving beauty and wellness industry, with a wide range of hairdressing and other beauty treatment services available in this ever-growing industry. With a diverse population, increased urbanisation and fast-paced lifestyles, the demand for high-quality beauty products and services is very high. This reflects the increasingly cosmopolitan nature of the region.

The UAE offers a wide range of hair salons catering to different budgets and preferences. From high-end luxury salons to budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone. Added to this, UAE salons keep up with the latest trends in beauty and hairdressing, ensuring that clients have access to the most fashionable styles and techniques.

For an entrepreneur looking to venture into this space, the UAE is an ideal destination. Here are six business activities you can choose from for your business license.

Business Activity 9602.00 – Hairdressing and Other Beauty Treatment

Description

A hairdressing and beauty treatment business provides a range of services to enhance a person's appearance. These services can include:

• Hairdressing: Cutting, styling, colouring, and treating hair
• Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, and nail art
• Skincare: From laser treatments to facials and waxing
• Body treatments: Including massages and scrubs
• Makeup services

Business Types

An entrepreneur in this industry can choose between establishing:

• Full-service salon
• Specialised salon
• Nail salon
• Mobile salon
• Barber shop
• Day spa

Service providers are expected to work closely with clients, carry out consultations, and rely heavily on customer reviews.

Important Notes

Exclusion: This business activity excludes the manufacture of wigs.

Regulatory Requirements

Requirement	Status
Third-party Approval	Required from Sharjah Municipality (post obtaining trade license)
Filing of Economic Substance Return	Exempt
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance	Exempt

Business Activity 9602.01 – Hair Washing, Trimming and Cutting, Setting, Dyeing, Tinting, Waving, Straightening and Similar Activities for Men and Women

Description

This business revolves specifically around hairdressing services for both men and women.

Services Included

• Hair washing: Cleansing hair with shampoo and conditioner to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup
• Trimming and cutting: Stylists shape and style hair to achieve a desired length and style
• Setting: Using heat or chemicals to create curls or waves in hair
• Dyeing or tinting: Colouring hair to change its natural hue or add highlights or lowlights
• Waving: Creating permanent waves or curls in hair using chemicals
• Straightening: Smoothening hair using chemicals, heat styling tools or a combination of both

Style Examples

• Perms
• Blowouts
• Extensions
• Updos

Business Types

Entrepreneurs can operate as:

• Hair salons
• Barber shops
• Mobile hairdressers

Important Notes

Exclusion: This business activity excludes the manufacture of wigs.

Regulatory Requirements

Requirement	Status
Third-party Approval	Required from Sharjah Municipality (post obtaining trade license)
Filing of Economic Substance Return	Exempt
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance	Exempt

Business Activity 9602.02 – Shaving and Beard Trimming

Description

This type of business specialises in providing services related to facial hair grooming for men.

Key Services

Shaving Services:

• Classic shave
• Hot towel shave
• Straight razor shaves

Beard Trimming Services:

• Beard shaping
• Beard design
• Beard colouring
• Beard straightening

Beard Styling:

• Creating intricate designs or patterns in facial hair

Business Types

An entrepreneur looking to venture into this field is likely to establish:

• Barber shop (traditionally focused on men's grooming)
• Hair salon
• Standalone shaving parlour

Important Notes

Exclusion: This business activity excludes the manufacture of wigs.

Regulatory Requirements

Requirement	Status
Third-party Approval	Required from Sharjah Municipality (post obtaining trade license)
Filing of Economic Substance Return	Exempt
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance	Exempt

Business Activity 9602.03 – Facial Massage, Manicure and Pedicure, Make-up etc.

Description

This type of business offers a range of services focused on enhancing clients' appearances and promoting relaxation.

Key Services

Facial Massages:

• Improve circulation and promote skin health
• Different types of massages such as deep tissue massage

Manicures and Pedicures:

• Caring for the hands and feet
• Manicure styles
• Nail art and nail care

Makeup Application:

• Different makeup styles

Important Notes

Exclusion: This business activity excludes the manufacture of wigs.

Regulatory Requirements

Requirement	Status
Third-party Approval	Required from Sharjah Municipality (post obtaining trade license)
Filing of Economic Substance Return	Exempt
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance	Exempt

Business Activity 9602.04 – Hair Care Products Consultancy

Description

A hair care products consultancy business provides expert advice and guidance to individuals and businesses involved in the hair care industry.

Services Offered

Consultants in this field offer a wide range of services, including:

• Formula creation: Developing new hair care product formulations
• Ingredient selection: Advising on appropriate ingredients for hair care products
• Testing and evaluation: Assessing product performance and quality
• Market research: Understanding industry trends and opportunities
• Consumer analysis: Understanding the needs and preferences of consumers
• Competitive analysis: Evaluating competitor products and strategies

Important Notes

Exclusion: This business activity excludes the manufacture of wigs.

Regulatory Requirements

Requirement	Status
Third-party Approval	Exempt
Filing of Economic Substance Return	Exempt
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance	Exempt

Business Activity 9602.05 – Cosmetic and Beauty, Health & Personal Care, Food Supplements Trading

Description

This type of business involves buying and selling products related to cosmetics, beauty, health, personal care, and food supplements. It serves as a middleman between manufacturers and retailers, distributors, or consumers.

Key Activities

• Product sourcing: Identifying and acquiring products from manufacturers
• Inventory management: Managing stock levels and storage
• Pricing and marketing: Setting competitive prices and promoting products
• Sales and distribution: Selling products to retailers, distributors, or end consumers
• Customer service: Providing support and assistance to customers
• Regulatory compliance: Ensuring adherence to relevant laws and regulations

Product Categories

Entrepreneurs may handle:

• Cosmetics
• Beauty products
• Personal care products
• Food supplements

Important Notes

Exclusion: This business activity excludes the manufacture of wigs.

Regulatory Requirements

Requirement	Status
Third-party Approval	Exempt
Filing of Economic Substance Return	Exempt
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance	Exempt

Summary of Business Activities

Activity Code	Description	Third-Party Approval Required
9602.00	Hairdressing and other beauty treatment	Yes (Sharjah Municipality)
9602.01	Hair washing, trimming, cutting, setting, dyeing, tinting, waving, straightening	Yes (Sharjah Municipality)
9602.02	Shaving and beard trimming	Yes (Sharjah Municipality)
9602.03	Facial massage, manicure and pedicure, make-up	Yes (Sharjah Municipality)
9602.04	Hair care products consultancy	No
9602.05	Cosmetic and beauty, health & personal care, food supplements trading	No

Additional Resources

Explore the other guides in the Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using the cost calculator and choose from customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.

Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.