Who regulates hairdressers, and how to complain about a bad haircut

Hair salons must also comply with general business regulations, including health and safety requirements

A disastrous haircut can leave customers frustrated, but many people are surprised to learn that hairdressers in the UK are not subject to any statutory regulation.

Unlike professions such as doctors or dentists, there is no legal requirement for hairdressers or barbers to hold specific qualifications before offering their services.

According to a House of Commons Library briefing, there have been various attempts in Parliament to introduce legislation to regulate hairdressers, but without success.

Instead, registration is voluntary through the Hair Council, which maintains a register of qualified hairdressers under the Hairdressers (Registration) Act 1964.

Hairdressers and barbers can choose to join the register if they can demonstrate they have been trained to an approved standard. However, only around one in 10 hairdressers is registered.

The Hair Council does not receive Government funding and is financed through registration fees. It also has no legal powers to act on behalf of consumers who have complaints about a haircut or other service.

While the industry itself is unregulated, hairdressers are still required to comply with consumer protection laws because they are providing a service.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, consumers are entitled to expect services to be carried out with reasonable care and skill. The legislation also provides rights to redress where services fall below the required standard.

Hair salons must also comply with general business regulations, including health and safety requirements, while some local authorities may impose additional rules through local byelaws.

What should you do if you get a bad haircut?

The House of Commons Library says the first step is to raise the issue directly with the salon that carried out the work.

Many complaints can be resolved by discussing the problem with the business, which may offer to correct the haircut or provide another form of compensation.

If an agreement cannot be reached, consumers may be able to use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service. ADR typically involves an independent mediator helping both parties reach a compromise without going to court.

However, neither the customer nor the salon is legally required to take part in ADR.

If all attempts to resolve the dispute fail, the final option is to pursue legal action through the courts using the rights available under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

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