1. The Facts

2. There are 34,000 salons. 50% of women in the UK colour their hair. There are 245,000 people working in the hairdressing industry in the UK – that’s 1% of the total UK workforce. There are 38.8 million consumers. Outside of family members, women now rank hairdressers as one of the top 5 professionals they confide in alongside their doctor, nurse & priest. Most consumers believe hairdressers have to be qualified before they can practise on the public & are shocked when they find this is not the case. Hairdressers are expected to use dangerous chemicals to achieve a desired look. British Hairdressing has a £5 billion turnover.

3. Yet the British Hairdressing Industry remains Completely Unregulated

4.  Currently anybody, without a single day’s training, can set up as a hairdresser, open a salon & practice on the public.  They can employ other unqualified ‘hairdressers’ who can also practice on the public using chemicals daily.  They can & will pass on bad habits to the new unqualified ‘hairdresser’.  Unlike other ‘hands-on’ industries, hairdressing stands alone in being unregulated.  Other professions, e.g. gas fitters, taxi drivers, electricians all have a register of qualified practitioners.  Hairdressers should be bought in-line with other professions.

5.  Campaign for the current 1964 Registration (for hairdressers) Act to have a simple update.  To make it mandatory for all those entering the industry too be taught to a standard of competency in all aspects of hairdressing they practice.  Those already practicing would need to join the register when moving workplace either through qualification or time service proof.  Anyone newly joining the industry would have to be qualified.  No-one would become unemployed through the change in law.

6.  David Morris MP is a member of the Hairdressing Council & a Hairdresser.  His 10 minute Bill was defeated last year by only 4 votes.  He is now calling for a Parliamentary Debate in advance of his next 10 minute Bill.

7.  ‘Will the cost of registration go up?’ David Morris MP has agreed to insist that the Secretary of State would have to approve any rise in fees. This means, in reality, any rise in the fee (& the Hairdressing Council believe there would be no rise) would not be higher than the current rate of inflation.  ‘Will the Salon Owners be responsible for their staff’s registration?’ When taking on a new hairdresser, the Salon Owner would need to check their registration, however the cost & responsibility of registration & renewing registration would be down to the individual hairdresser.

8.  ‘I don’t have paper qualifications but have been hairdressing more than 6 years – where would I stand?’ ‘The Government have approved time-service as a means for registration. If you wished to move work places you would need to register first by sending a letter of proof of your time in the industry.  ‘How are we supposed to cope with the increase in bureaucracy & red tape’ The change in legislation is so slight & simple it really does only involve an individual hairdresser getting themselves registered once qualified or when moving salons so that the industry can call itself a profession.

9.  The Hairdressing Industry will be recognised as the professions it is – one in which hairdressers will be proud to work.  The consumer will have the knowledge that the person doing their hair has been trained to a required standard.  The prevention of those who wish to practice on the public, without any training.  It would bring hairdressing in-line with other European & Worldwide countries who already have regulations for their hairdressers such as Australia & America.  It would bring hairdressing into line with other professional industries which are already regulated.

10.  Use of the initials SRH after your name.  A certificate confirming State Registered Hairdresser status.  Details of the salon on the Hairdressing Council’s website directory used extensively by consumers.  Regular copies of ‘Hairdresser’ magazine.  An Advise Line.  The possibility of attending a Tea Reception at the House of Commons.  The chance to become a Master Craftsman in Hairdressing – only available to those who have been registered hairdressers for 2 or more years.  Discounted insurance.  Discount card with selected companies

11.  The Hairdressing Council now needs the full support of Industry, Colleges & Training Centres to promote & encourage registration.  Industry bodies to continue their support.  Written support from; ◦ Habia ◦ City & Guilds ◦ VTCT ◦ Freelance Federation ◦ HSBA ◦ NHF ◦ Fellowship for Hairdressers (voted at their AGM recently to publically support the campaign).

12. Visit: www.haircouncil.org.ukwww.haircouncil.org.uk Call: 020 8760 7010 Find us on: www.facebook.com/haircouncil www.twitter.com/haircouncilwww.facebook.com/haircouncilwww.twitter.com/haircouncil