Registration rears its head again
The issue of greater regulation within the hairdressing industry won't go away - and nor should it according to some of the industry's leading names.
Being particularly vocal is HJi columnist, Andrew Barton, proving that he intends to be a lot more than just a figurehead in his new role as ambassador for the Hairdressing Council.
Andrew has made a number of media 'appearances' recently, including a slot on BBC Breakfast TV and Radio 2.
BBC2's Jeremy Vine asked Andrew to comment on public concern that 'anyone' can open up a salon and apply 'hazardous substances' to clients' hair.
Said Andrew: "I find it shocking that such a low proportion of hairdressers is state registered," Andrew said. "It's partly due to the fact that registration in the UK is not mandatory ... and partly because it is just not on hairdressers' radars at the moment. All hairdressers should become part of this industry body, as it denotes that you are qualified, experienced and professional. Being recognised as a State Registered Hairdresser (SRH), and using these initials after your name is something of which we should all be proud."
'Add that all up and it sounds like a case for regulation' says Jeremy Vine. Andrew Barton for one couldn't agree more.
Also keen to see more regulation within the industry is colour guru, Jo Hansford, who has 
spoken passionately on the subject. Said Jo: "I absolutely agree we need to push for more legislation. We have been championing this cause for several years and are convinced that there needs to be registration in place - not only to protect the consumer, but the hairdresser too.
"Currently, anyone can set up in business and start putting together potentially dangerous chemicals on a client's head with no prior experience. The effects - as we have seen - can be catastrophic. In this day and age that is crazy. In the beauty industry there has to be levels of registration in place before a therapist is qualified and can offer technical services to clients. Why not for hairdressers? We are a highly professional industry and should be regulated as such."
