Hairdressing state registration: get registered!

Hairdressing state registration is currently not mandatory in the UK, meaning, in theory, anyone can open a salon and start operating as a hairdresser. The Hairdressing Council was set up in 1964 by an Act of Parliament, meaning that hairdressers can apply to become State Registered in the same way as doctors, dentists or nurses can. The only difference is that it is currently completely voluntary to belong to the UK Register of qualified hairdressers. The Hairdressing Council believes in the professionalism and passion of hairdressing and its campaign is to raise standards, making the industry self-regulated. Their aim is for every hairdresser in the country to be state registered, eliminating those with no qualifications or experience whatsoever. Hairdressing is worth almost £6 billion to the economy and employs 1% of the total workforce in the UK, yet the perception remains that it’s not a career to be proud of. The Hairdressing Council wholeheartedly believes that regulations for hairdressers and barbers will not only raise standards, but subsequently the respect the industry is held in by teachers, parents and the Government - which is why they've been campaigning at 10 Downing Street. "Despite being recognised as the best in the world, British hairdressing and barbering is taking a battering from rogue businesses opening and practising on the public without any recognised qualifications and undercutting professional salons doing things by the book," comments Sally Styles, CEO/Registrar for The Hairdressing Council. Some of the plus points of being a State Registered Hairdresser include: • Official recognition under the law: the Hairdressers Registration Act • A certificate underwritten by the law, by Act of Parliament. • The right to use the initials SRH after your name. • The right to apply for the Master Craftsman Diploma, possibly after just two years. • Only State Registered Hairdressers can be Master Craftsmen in hairdressing. • Credentials you will find useful - or may need - if wanting to practise hairdressing in Europe, America or elsewhere. Want to get registered? Find out more and support the campaign at www.haircouncil.org.uk