A career in hairdressing offers a wealth of exciting opportunities for people who are willing to work hard, embrace their creativity and seize the openings when they arise – below are the industry's associations and organisations that can help you on your path.
But to really make an impact in the hairdressing industry you’ll need talent, the right training and a support network that goes way beyond your salon or town. Many of the most successful hairdressers and hairdressing business owners have developed their knowledge and skills by being part of one of the industry's leading organisations. To help you find the right hair industry organisations and associations for you, we’ve put together this handy guide to the important work they do and the frequently asked questions about them.
The Freelance Hairdressers Association
The Freelance Hairdressers Association’s (FHA) role is to give a voice, training and education to the rapidly growing professional freelance sector of the industry. As well as being part of a like-minded community of freelance hairdressers, members receive benefits including business training, savings on their salon supplies and affordable hairdressing education. Each year the FHA run two large events to enable freelance hairdressers to connect with each other and they also run the FHA Freelance Awards.
Is it for you? If you work alone, are a session stylist or rent a chair, the Freelance Hair Association is essential for staying up to date with the trends, services and opportunities that salon hairdressers experience.
Website: www.thefha.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01582 431783
Habia
Habia is the government-approved standards setting body for hair, beauty, nails, spa therapy, barbering. Its role is to maintain and improve professionalism and creates the standards that form the basis of all qualifications as well as the Codes of Practice and Industry Guidelines. The body works closely with both education and the industry, providing up to date information on education, qualifications and skills. Habia is a not profit organisation that invests all surplus revenue back into projects that will benefit the hair and beauty industries.
Is it for you? If you have any queries or questions concerning qualifications and education in the hairdressing and beauty industries, you should contact habia.
Website: www.habia.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0845 2 306080
The Hairdressing Beauty & Suppliers Association (HBSA)
The Hairdressing Beauty & Suppliers Association is a not for profit organisation made up of manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers for the hairdressing and beauty industries. Its aim is to keep its members up to date with the news and information that impacts of manufacturers, distributors and their customers and it promotes responsible manufacturing, sourcing, distribution and disposal of professional products. As well as a wealth of networking opportunities, members have access to a free business help line that offers advice on issues including employment law, health & safety and tax & VAT.
Is it for you? If you’re a manufacturer or distributor of professional products, the HBSA is the source of the key information and connections your business needs.
Website: http://www.thehbsa.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0845 519 3258
National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF)
Since 1942 the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) has been striving to help its members to build successful and profitable businesses within the hairdressing industry. The independent, not for profit organisation is open to all salon owners and self-employed hairdressers and beauticians working in a salon. It offers the business support and advice in some of the issues that can be most challenging including HR, accounting, tax and legal concerns. The NHBF exists to advance, defend, help, protect, promote and represent the interests of its members in every possible way. It works as a voice for the industry and regularly campaigns on the issues that matter most to hairdressing and barbering businesses, including VAT, business rates and apprenticeships. The NHBF are also champions for your creative skills. In addition to an extensive programme of creative courses, they run a variety of competitions that are open to both members and non-members.
Is it for you? With different options for salons and solo operators, the NHBF gives you support to develop and grow your business and is a go-to organisation if something does go wrong.
Website: www.nhbf.co.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 01234 831965
The Hair and Barber Council
Did you know that anyone can set up business as a hairdresser and they don’t even have to be qualified? The Hair Council’s goal is to change that while improving standards and professionalism in the industry. The Council was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1964 and it enables hairdressers or, more recently, barbers to become State Registered. As well as encouraging hairdressers to join the UK Register of Qualified Hairdressers, the not for profit organisation is pushing for a parliamentary debate and ultimately a change in the law so that all hairdressers need to be registered to work in the UK. You can register as a State Registered Hairdresser or a Senior State Registered Hairdresser based on The Hair Council criteria to showcase your status as a qualified and professional hairdresser and you will also benefit from discounts on hairdressing training, insurance and inclusion on The Hair Council’s website.
Is it for you? If you believe that the industry should be regulated and you want to be recognised for your qualifications you should register.
Website: https://www.haircouncil.org.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 8760 7010
The Fellowship for British Hairdressing
Since its foundation back in 1946, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing has always had creativity and artistic quality at its core. Its aim is to support up-and-coming hairdressing talent and give future stars the skills and knowledge to help them to make their mark. The Fellowship for British Hairdressing works to create and maintain a community within the British hairdressing industry and runs an extensive calendar of Fellowship Events and Clubstar Events. Its unique blend of education and inspiration can be seen in everything from its Members’ Nights to the annual Fellowship for British Hairdressing Luncheon and Awards. As well as the renowned F.A.M.E Team, which offers a phenomenal year of opportunities to the most talented hairdressers under the age of 30, the Fellowship runs a variety of programmes to inspire and educate, including the Clubstar Art Team, Project X and Colour Project.
Is it for you? If you’re passionate about hairdressing and want to explore your creative talents and network with the biggest, brightest names in the industry, you need to be a member of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. Website: www.fellowshiphair.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 01295 724579
The Salon Employers Association (SEA)
The Salon Employers Association has been created to represent professional salons and protect and preserve the future of the industry through ensuring parity and campaigning for reform on fiscal & tax matters which directly affect the sector.
Is it for you? SEA represent the sector of salons who are VAT registered so its members must be registered for VAT. It represents salon owners who employ the majority of their people, pay holiday, pay maternity leave, offer a workplace pension and pay their Employers NI contributions. It also represents those salons who provide ongoing training and/or apprenticeships to educate and help create the next generation of salon professionals.
Website: https://www.salonemployersassociation.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]
The British Beauty Council
The British Beauty Council is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to solving the beauty industry's shared challenges. It represents the wider industry by generating conversation with the Government.
It has four main pillars Policy & Influence, Trade & Export, Investment, Innovation and Technology and Talent & Careers.
VTCT
VTCT Skills is a specialist vocational and technical Awarding Organisation and EPAO, trusted by employers and centres to empower learners to think bigger, achieve more, and grow. It offers qualifications and assessments across a range of sectors ensuring its qualifications meet industry standards to enable both learners and businesses to thrive.
