Class Code 9586
Barber Shops, Hair Styling Salons And Personal Appearance Services
Class code 9586 applies to barber shops, hair styling salons and personal appearance services in California, including barbers, stylists, colorists and estheticians. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for this code is $1.402 per $100 of payroll. Understanding this classification helps salon owners price labor properly, manage claims exposure and stay compliant with CA workplace safety rules.
What Class Code 9586 Covers
This classification covers establishments where the primary business is cutting, styling, coloring, chemical processing (perms, relaxers, smoothing), shaving and other personal grooming services. It includes work performed behind the chair—haircutting, coloring and chemical treatments—as well as ancillary services commonly provided in the same workplace such as waxing, makeup application, esthetic treatments and basic nail services when performed by the salon staff. It also covers shampooing, blow-drying, use of thermal styling tools, mixing and applying chemical products, and routine sanitation of workstations and tools. Reception or retail activities performed by staff whose primary duties remain grooming services are typically included under this code unless they are exclusively clerical or retail and documented separately.
Who It Applies To
- Barbers and barber shop owners
- Hair stylists, colorists and assistants
- Cosmetologists and estheticians performing facial or waxing services
- Nail technicians when employed by the salon as part of the service mix
- Shampoo technicians and salon apprentices
- Salon owners, booth renters (classification depends on employment status)
Common Job Duties
- Cutting, shaping and styling hair using scissors, clippers and razors
- Applying hair color, bleach, toner and chemical relaxers or perm solutions
- Shampooing, conditioning and scalp treatments
- Using hot tools (flat irons, curling irons) and blow-dryers
- Waxing, makeup application and basic esthetic procedures
- Mixing chemical products, reading and following product labels and SDS
- Cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing combs, shears and workstations
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $1.402 Rate
The pure premium rate of $1.402 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB-approved cost of expected losses for this class before insurer loadings. To estimate pure premium, multiply total payroll (in hundreds) by $1.402 (for example, $100,000 payroll = $1,402 pure premium). The actual premium an employer pays will include insurer expense loadings, policy minimums, any experience modification factor (X-mod), group credits or debits, and state assessments; claims frequency, injury severity and payroll accuracy all affect the final cost.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Salons must maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) under Title 8 §3203 and comply with Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication (GHS) requirements by keeping Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accessible and training employees on chemical hazards. If employees may be exposed to blood during shaving or skin-breaking procedures, the Bloodborne Pathogens rule requires training, exposure control plans and appropriate PPE. Adequate ventilation for chemical treatments, routine sanitation/disinfection procedures, and recording/reporting serious work-related injuries to Cal/OSHA are also required.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 9586
A PEO like Key HR can help salons manage workers' comp exposure by ensuring correct payroll classification, handling claims and return-to-work programs, and providing salon-specific safety training (chemical handling, sharps safety, ergonomics). Key HR can also centralize SDS management, assist with IIPP and injury reporting, and leverage group purchasing and insurance relationships to lower overall workers' comp costs.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are receptionists and retail staff included in class code 9586?
If their primary duties are salon services (cutting, coloring, shampooing), they are included under 9586. Employees who perform exclusively clerical or retail duties can often be coded separately (for example, clerical code 8810) but must be documented and audited to justify a different classification.
Do booth renters or independent contractors count under my payroll for this code?
Booth renters who are true independent contractors and invoice you for space typically are not on your payroll, but misclassification risk is high. Employment status depends on degree of control and other factors; Key HR can help document relationships and determine correct reporting to avoid misclassification penalties.
What practical steps reduce my workers' comp claims and premiums for a salon?
Implement an IIPP, require and document SDS training, provide gloves and ventilation for chemical work, use anti‑fatigue mats, rotate tasks to limit repetitive strain, keep floors dry and clutter-free, and maintain prompt injury reporting plus light-duty return-to-work plans. Consistent documentation and early injury management materially reduce claim costs and your experience modification.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 9586
- Classification
- Barber Shops, Hair Styling Salons And Personal Appearance Services
- Pure Premium Rate
- $1.402 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 9586?
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