Do I need a Business Owner's Policy as a self-employed hair stylist?

Discover why a business owner's policy is important for self-employed hair stylists. Also consider extra insurance policies to meet your specific business needs

Aditya Raghunath - Writer for NEXT Insurance
By Aditya Raghunath
Michelle Meyer - Editor for NEXT Insurance
Edited by Michelle Meyer
Matt Crawford for NEXT Insurance
Fact-check by Matt Crawford

Published June 5, 2023.

As a self-employed hair stylist, having a business owner's policy (BOP) is crucial to protect your assets and ensure the sustainability of your business.

Exploring BOP coverage for self-employed hair stylists

By combining general liability insurance and commercial property insurance, BOP can not only save you money on your hair stylist insurance premium but also offer you diverse coverage.

Here's what a BOP typically covers:

  • Property damage This can help cover damage to your hair salon and its contents (equipment, furnishings and supplies), plus damage you or your employees cause to a client's property. For instance, a BOP can cover the replacement costs if a fire damages your styling chairs.
  • Bodily injury This can cover injuries clients or visitors suffer while in your hair salon. If a client slips and falls, a BOP can help cover the medical and legal expenses.
  • Business income interruptions If your hair salon has to close temporarily for a covered event, a BOP can help compensate for the lost income. For instance, a pipe bursts and causes water damage that takes weeks to repair.

What other insurance policies should I consider as a self-employed hair stylist?

Depending on your unique circumstances and needs, you might also want to consider the following insurance policies:

Professional Liability insurance





Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, covers claims arising from professional mistakes or negligence. For example, if a client suffers a scalp burn due to an incorrect hair treatment procedure, this policy can help cover the resulting legal and compensation costs.

Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation is essential if you hire other stylists or assistants. It covers medical costs and lost wages if an employee gets injured. If an assistant cuts their hand while preparing tools for a haircut, workers' compensation would cover their medical bills and time off work.

Hair stylist insurance tailored to your business needs

BOP is essential to safeguard your self-employed hair stylist business. However, the nuances of each hair stylist's situation might call for additional coverage options.

That's why NEXT offers affordable business insurance that's customized to your specific business needs. Simply answer a few questions online to help us understand your context, then you'll receive a tailored quote within minutes. Once your insurance is active, you can instantly access your certificate of insurance and share it with others on the NEXT app.

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» Want more flexibility in your business? Find out how to become a self-employed mobile hairdresser