Vikki Slade MP Introduces Bill for Mandatory Registration of Hairdressers and Barbers

New legislation aims to support the high street and guarantee a level playing field across the industry

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade today introduced a Bill to Parliament seeking mandatory registration for all hairdressers and barbers in England, following a campaign developed alongside local barber Mike Taylor and the Hair and Barber Council.

The Barbers and Hairdressers (Registration) Bill received its First Reading in the House of Commons today. The proposed legislation would require hairdressers and barbers to be registered, helping customers identify qualified professionals while supporting legitimate businesses and improving accountability across the sector.

The Bill has attracted cross-party interest and follows a parliamentary event hosted alongside Mike Taylor, founder of Bond’s Barbers, and the Hair and Barber Council..

Recent concerns have been raised across the sector about growing pressure on businesses, falling apprenticeship numbers and reports of rogue barbershops operating illegitimately. The motion backing the campaign highlighted a significant decline in employment and training opportunities within the profession, alongside concerns that some barbershops are operating outside the law.

Vikki Slade MP said:

“Hairdressers and barbers are skilled professionals who play an important role in our communities and on our high streets.”

“Businesses deserve a level playing field, and the next generation deserve clear pathways for training and careers that are upheld by professional standards.”

“This campaign has been driven by dedicated people within the industry who have worked tirelessly to highlight the challenges facing the sector and the opportunities that reform could bring.”

"Mandatory registration would help raise standards across the industry and support those within it. I will continue pressing the Government to back these proposals and bring forward the changes needed to make registration a reality."

Mike Taylor said:

“It’s been a long campaign to get this far and this breakthrough has largely been due to building a relationship with our awesome local MP Vikki Slade,” said Mike."

“I shared the challenges and risks that both hair professionals and the public face due to a lack of any real scrutiny and Vikki gave me the opportunity to speak with MP’s at the Houses of Parliament."

“Registration should protect the public and legitimate businesses through verified competence, insurance and hygiene—not become another voluntary badge that rogue operators can ignore.”

Supporters of the Bill argue that mandatory registration would strengthen consumer protection, improve professional standards and help identify illegitimate operators that undermine reputable businesses.

As a Private Member's Bill, the legislation has now completed its First Reading and will require further parliamentary consideration before it can become law.

ENDS