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Regulation of hairdressers

In the UK, the hairdressing industry is currently unregulated. There are no general licensing requirements and no statutory requirement for hairdressers and barbers to hold specified qualifications. The Hairdressers Registration Act 1964 provides for a UK register of qualified hairdressers, but registration is voluntary.

The Hair Council, originally set up under the 1964 act, has campaigned to make registration mandatory. There have been various attempts to introduce a bill to regulate hairdressers but without success.

Hairdressing salons and barbers, like other employers, are subject to normal business regulations such as health and safety requirements, employer and public liability insurance. In addition, local authorities may place registration requirements on hairdressing establishments. Planning permission requirements may also apply. Provided salons and barbers comply with these requirements they can start and continue in business.

Hairdressers provide a consumer service and, as such, must adhere to consumer protection legislation. Specifically, they are subject to the sale of goods and services provisions of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and, since 6 April 2025, the protection from unfair trading provisions found in part 4 chapter 1 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.  

This briefing paper provides a general outline of the current regulation and training of hairdressers in the UK. In the event of a dispute, it sets out a consumer’s rights. Finally, this paper provides a summary of recent Parliamentary initiatives regarding the sector.