Remi Cachet Chief Executive Lisa Jackson calls for mandatory hair extension training within UK hairdressing NVQs, following the first-ever discussion of the issue by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing
Anyone can currently fit hair extensions in the UK without formal training or qualifications. Now, Remi Cachet Chief Executive Lisa Jackson is calling on Parliament to close the training gap and make hair extension education a mandatory part of UK hairdressing qualifications.
Lisa gave evidence at Westminster on Tuesday 3 November 2026, during a session of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing, chaired by Carolyn Harris MP. It marked the first time hair extensions had been discussed by the Group, bringing professional standards, consumer protection and responsible practice into the parliamentary conversation.
Hosted at Portcullis House, House of Commons, the session was also attended by Mary Glindon MP, All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing member. Remi Cachet was one of two hair brands invited to the House of Commons to contribute to the session, alongside Tendai Moyo, Co-Founder of Ruka Hair. Lisa was accompanied by Carrie Tyler, Marketing Director at Remi Cachet, with support from Victoria Brownlie MBE, Chief of Policy & Sustainability at the British Beauty Council, which provides the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing’s secretariat. Remi Cachet is a patron of the British Beauty Council.
Closing the Training Gap and Protecting Consumers
Remi Cachet's proposal is straightforward: make hair extension application a mandatory, assessed unit within hairdressing NVQs and establish one recognised standard for standalone extension training.
According to the House of Commons Library briefing, Regulation of Hairdressers (September 2026), hairdressing remains an unregulated profession in the UK, with no mandatory practitioner licensing requirements. Within existing hairdressing qualification pathways, extension training is optional. City & Guilds' Hair Professionals (Hairdressing) qualification handbook includes a dedicated unit covering safe working practices, application, maintenance and removal, but hairdressers can qualify without completing it.
Remi Cachet believes this is an important gap to address. Its proposed solution would use the existing qualification and assessment framework, rather than introduce additional licensing or unnecessary bureaucracy, ensuring every newly qualified hairdresser has a recognised foundation in safe extension application.
The issue is increasingly important as extensions become more than a fashion or beauty choice. They are also being used by women experiencing hair thinning associated with menopause, childbirth, illness and weight-loss medication. The Institute of Trichologists estimates that around eight million women in the UK experience hair loss. These clients deserve particular care and expertise. Poor application, unsuitable methods or a lack of understanding of the natural hair and scalp can cause additional problems for people who may already be experiencing hair-related difficulties.
In the US, states including Texas and Mississippi already incorporate hair extensions into formal cosmetology training. Remi Cachet believes the UK should follow suit, establishing consistent standards for education, safety and professional practice.
Lisa said: "Hair extensions are an increasingly important part of hairdressing, yet specialist training remains optional within core qualifications. As more women turn to extensions for volume and confidence, particularly those experiencing hair thinning, it's vital that professionals have the knowledge and skills to apply, maintain and remove them safely.
“This is about protecting consumers, recognising the expertise of trained extensionists and raising industry standards. The educational framework already exists, and we have an opportunity to build on it. We're grateful to Carolyn Harris MP and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing for bringing this important issue to Westminster and look forward to continuing the conversation with the British Beauty Council and policy-makers."
Leading by Example: Education
In line with the ethos of Victoria Lynch, Founder of Remi Cachet, the brand believes the industry should take responsibility for raising standards rather than waiting for regulation to dictate change.
Education and certification are central to the brand's approach. Its training combines online health and safety education and assessment with a full day of practical, in-person instruction. Each educator trains a maximum of eight students per session, teaching one method at a time. Courses cover wefts, pre-bonded extensions, tape extensions and wigs.
What Happens Next?
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing session minutes will be circulated to its wider parliamentary membership. Potential next steps include a follow-up letter from the Chair and members, a further parliamentary event or a meeting with a relevant minister.
Remi Cachet hopes to continue working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing and the British Beauty Council to turn the discussion into practical progress, raising professional standards, protecting consumers and recognising the expertise of trained hair extension specialists.
Josie Jackson
Josie is a content writer at Professional Beauty, supporting the team with content for the print magazine, website and social media channels. With over four years' experience as a health and beauty journalist, Josie is dedicated to creating informative yet accessible content for all beauty professionals.
