3 August 2022

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed a report this week from the Commons Health and Social Care Committee urging the government to speed up introduction of a promised licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures (ie fillers, Botox chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and non-surgical laser interventions) to prevent vulnerable people being exploited and ensuring that premises are hygienically fit for purpose.

Caroline Larissey, director of quality and standards at NHBF said, “The recommendations in the Health and Social Care Committee’s report are well-considered and helpful. The NHBF is pleased to see on the back of our written evidence, recommendations around specific premises standards with enforcement powers attached and a qualifications and training framework as a central pillar to the future licensing regime.”

The proposed Taskforce makes sense in bringing together the different regulatory bodies and it’s essential that the hair & beauty sector is represented here. We have also consistently called for a central point of contact for advice and guidance for the public. In line with the report, we are keen to push on, engage in the government’s consultation process and deliver better public safety.”

The Government does have new powers to introduce a licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic however, is yet to clarify a timetable for the next stage in the consultation around how this will look or be implemented.

The report also recommended that online advertising should carry a logo to identify body images that have been digitally altered plus called for a review of the use of anabolic steroids for cosmetic purposes and for further research on tackling obesity while eliminating weight stigma and discrimination.

The full Commons Health and Social Care Committee report can be found here.