How do I choose a hairdresser?

Reputation or recommendation are useful, but neither is foolproof. Choosing a stylist can be a lottery and even a minefield. Is the hairdresser qualified and competent? While 'big name' hairdressers are unlikely to have gained their celebrity without expertise, many fine stylists practise in average salons in average High Streets or may be freelance (mobile) hairdressers. The difficulty is identifying the competent and avoiding the incompetent.

But surely everyone must be qualified before being allowed to practise?

Alas, not so; in fact, quite the opposite. Here in Britain, anyone is free to practise as a hairdresser without registration, without qualification, even without proper training. In short, hairdressing is totally unregulated.

So is there no yardstick by which to judge hairdressers?

Yes, there is. In 1964, Parliament passed the Hairdressers Registration Act to give status to hairdressers and assurance to consumers. Under the Act, the Hairdressing Council (HC) was created to establish and maintain a register of qualified hairdressers. Hence, every State Registered Hairdresser (SRH) is officially recognised as qualified to practise hairdressing on the public.

Are most hairdressers registered?

Sadly, they are not. The 1964 law left registration a voluntary option. Only about ten per cent of hairdressers have ever exercised their right to a place on the official register. At the same time, with the industry unregulated, many unregistered operators might not be eligible for inclusion on the register.

Where does this leave the consumer?

In a far from ideal position. Choosing a practitioner in any unregulated industry is tricky; in an industry where part of the human person is being treated, it truly can be a lottery. While many consumers no doubt chance upon good stylists, others stray into the hands of incompetent operators and have experiences ranging from overpriced and unsatisfactory services to damaged hair and even injured scalp and facial tissue.

Surely all hairdressers are accountable for their professional actions? Isn't this the role of the Hairdressing Council?

Had registration been mandatory, the Hairdressing Council would indeed regulate hairdressing much as the Medical and Dental Councils, for instance, regulate their sectors. However, so long as the Act remains voluntary, the HC has jurisdiction over SRHs only - complaints against whom are very few and far between.

Can't the Hairdressers Registration Act be beefed up to protect consumers?

Yes, sure it can - if parliament so decides. But that's the easy answer; in reality, changing the law is a lengthy and complicated process.

If it can, why won't Parliament take action?

Action by government ministers, rather than back bench MPs, is what's needed. For the record, ministers are requested, regularly, to amend the Act. This campaign for a tightening of the law, spearheaded by the Hairdressing Council, is supported by the industry trade bodies, consumer groups, much of the media and, not least, consumers. A great many individual MPs also support the regulation of hairdressing.

And where does government stand on the regulation of hairdressing?

To begin, a few facts: First, no government is going to commit parliamentary time to bringing in legislation it feels to be unnecessary. Second, no government is going to introduce what it regards as unnecessary regulation. Third, regulation, of pretty well any sort, is increasingly viewed at best with suspicion and at worst with contempt by business interests, including many salon owners.
Fourth, governments tend to be wary of introducing laws viewed unfavourably by large or significant sections of the community.
As to the stances adopted by recent governments on hairdressing regulation, when in power the Conservatives refused, consistently, to contemplate action. Their argument, repeated many times, was that "market forces are a sufficient regulator". The current Labour government has listened to and acknowledged the merits of the case for regulation but has, at least so far, declined to act on the matter.

Have other measures been tried, through ordinary MPs in Parliament to bring in regulation?

Since the voluntary registration law was introduced in 1964, initiatives such as Early Day Motions, Ten Minute Rule Bills, Ministerial Questions and Private Members' Bills have all been tried by helpful and supportive MPs. But lacking government support, none of these has succeeded. However, be sure efforts will continue.

So, given the situation, best advice to consumers is what?

In any unregulated market, care must be taken. Bear in mind there are two categories of hairdresser: Unregistered operators and State Registered Hairdressers.
Of course not every unregistered hairdresser will be unqualified or incompetent, far from it. However, while state registered means officially approved, unregistered may mean competent, incompetent or disastrous; in short a lottery. Why take that risk?
A final thought on picking a stylist. Given a choice, who would choose an unregistered rather than a state registered osteopath, an unregistered rather than a state registered chiropodist? The same choice is available to you in choosing a hairdresser.

How do I recognise a State Registered Hairdresser?

Every SRH has a document, possibly displayed on the salon wall, certifying they are qualified under the Hairdressers Registration Act to practise. Freelance mobile SRHs will carry official ID from the Hairdressing Council. Remember it's individual hairdressers - not salons - who are registered. Salons are fixtures, the people practising in them come and go. Be sure the person treating your hair is a Sate Registered Hairdresser.

What can I do if something goes wrong in a salon?

Depends what's gone wrong. Complaints received by the Hairdressing Council range from alleged overcharging, poor perms, bad cuts, extensions falling out (very common) and, more seriously from time to time, physical damage to hair and scalp.
Talk to management
First talk to the salon proprietor, manager or senior stylist about your grievance. If you are not able to resolve matters by discussion, you will need to decide whether you want to take the matter further. Remember as the industry is unregulated, this means going to law.

Is the stylist registered?

Establish the full name of the stylist ("Jane from Headlines" is no use) and whether they claim to be registered. If they are a state registered hairdresser contact the Hairdressing Council (on 020...) who will explain the facts, what can and cannot be done. For the record, of the many thousands of complaints received over the last ten years, less than ten have involved state registered hairdressers.
If the hairdresser is unregistered...
Bearing in mind the total absence of regulation, a decision needs to be made as to whether or not to go to law. A number of High Street solicitors belong to a body known as the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers or APIL.
APIL may be contacted at their headquarters: 11, Castle Quay, Nottingham, NG7 1FW; Telephone: 0115 958 0585 or online at www.apil.com. APIL will be able to advise you of a member in your area. The local personal injury lawyer will then be able to advise whether or not it is worthwhile proceeding, the chances of success and the likely costs involved. An increasing number of lawyers seem, nowadays, to offer "no win - no fee" deals. Presumably such deals involve lawyers acting only in cases with every likelihood of success and by requiring substantial portions of settlements.
Where physical harm is caused to hair or scalp and medical treatment is necessary, the chances of success at law are far better than where an unsatisfactory service, such as poor permanent waving, bad cutting, extensions falling out or simply poor styling are involved. If available, photographic evidence - before and after shots of the hair - will be useful in preparing a case.
Prevention better than cure
Unsurprisingly, pitfalls occur in unregulated markets. This is as true of hairdressing as elsewhere. Remember, the old adage of "prevention being better than cure" is plain common sense; don't take a chance, make sure your stylist is a State Registered Hairdresser.