Contents
The short answer
Hairdressing is not regulated in the UK, so there is no licence to check. Look for a salon that does a skin allergy test before colour, keeps its tools and hands clean, and explains the price first. Ask to see their work, and book a consultation before any big change.
Is hairdressing regulated in the UK?
No. There is no qualification you must hold and no register you must join before you can cut hair for money. Anyone can open a salon or call themselves a hairdresser or a barber.
That does not make new or small salons a bad choice. Many are excellent. It just means nobody checks for you, so a few simple checks are worth doing yourself.
What is the voluntary register?
The Hair Council keeps a voluntary register of State Registered Hairdressers, set up under the Hairdressers (Registration) Act 1964. To join, a hairdresser needs recognised qualifications or assessed experience.
Few hairdressers are on it, so not being listed means very little. But if someone is listed, that is a fact you can check, not just a claim.
How do I find a hairdresser who suits my hair?
Start with people who have hair like yours and like their cut. Ask who they go to and what they have had done.
Then look at the stylist's own work. Many keep photos of finished cuts and colours on a website or social media page. Look for results like the one you want, on hair like yours. Some stylists specialise, for example in curls, afro-textured hair, or colour, so choose one who does the thing you need often.
- Ask friends and family who they trust.
- Look at the stylist's own photos, not stock images.
- Check whether they have experience with your hair type.
- Read recent reviews and look for patterns, such as being rushed or kept waiting.
Why is a patch test so important?
Most permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes contain a chemical called PPD. It is the main cause of hair dye allergies. A reaction can be serious, and it can start suddenly in someone who has coloured their hair safely for years.
Industry guidance is to do a skin allergy test at least 48 hours before every colour service. That includes regular clients and anyone who coloured elsewhere last month. The NHS says reactions can take up to 72 hours to appear, which is why the gap matters.
A salon that offers to colour you today with no earlier test is cutting a corner. It is the most common shortcut in the trade.
If you have reacted before
A past reaction to hair dye or to a black henna temporary tattoo makes a new reaction much more likely. Tell the salon when you book. Talk to your GP before you colour again.
How does a patch test work?
The salon puts a small amount of the product on your skin, usually behind the ear or inside the elbow. You leave it alone for at least 48 hours and watch for redness, itching, swelling or blistering. If anything happens, do not go ahead with the colour.
A good salon will write down the result and ask you to sign it. If your salon never asks, raise it yourself.
What does a clean salon look like?
You can judge a lot from a few minutes in the chair. Nobody expects a hospital, but the basics should be there.
- Staff wash their hands between clients.
- Combs, brushes and scissors are cleaned between clients.
- You get a clean cape and a fresh towel.
- Basins and chairs look clean.
- Colour products are labelled and stored tidily.
What should I ask before my first appointment?
A booking with a salon is not always a booking with a particular stylist. Ask who will do your hair. For a big change, ask for a short consultation first. Many salons offer one for free.
- Who will be doing my hair?
- Will you do a skin allergy test at least 48 hours before colour?
- What does the price cover, and what costs extra?
- What happens if I do not like the result?
- Does the salon have public liability insurance?
How do hairdressing prices work?
Prices depend on where the salon is, its costs and how busy the stylist is, as much as on skill. A higher price does not prove better training.
Colour is often quoted per service, with extras added after. Ask for the full price before you start, including toner, treatments and any charge for long or thick hair. Ask about deposits and what happens if you need to cancel.
What if I have a reaction?
Mild reactions often cause itching, redness or a rash on the scalp, face or neck. You can speak to a pharmacist or your GP. Call 999 if you have swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing.
Tell the salon straight away, keep the packet or write down the product, and take photos with dates. If you were injured, the salon's insurer is the usual route.
What if I am unhappy with the cut?
Go back quickly and say so politely. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a service must be done with reasonable care and skill. That means you can ask for the work to be put right, or for some money back if that is not possible. Citizens Advice can explain your next step.
Frequently asked questions
- Do hairdressers need a licence from the council?
- Not for hairdressing itself. Councils do license some other treatments, such as skin piercing and tattooing. Check with your local council if the salon offers those.
- How long before colouring should I have a patch test?
- At least 48 hours before. Industry guidance is to do one before every colour service, including for regular clients.
- What can I do if a treatment goes wrong?
- Tell the salon first and give them a chance to put it right. A service must be done with reasonable care and skill, so you can ask for a repeat or a price reduction. If you were hurt, the salon's insurer is the route.
- Is a more expensive salon better trained?
- Not necessarily. Price reflects location and costs as well as skill. Ask about training and experience directly instead.
- Are barbers regulated?
- No, in the same way as hairdressers. Check hygiene, ask about their experience, and look at examples of their work.
- Can I colour my hair at home if a salon does a test?
- A test at the salon only covers that product. If you use a different dye at home, do your own test as the box instructs.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the LocalListed editorial team. It describes UK regulation and consumer protections in general terms and is not legal, financial or professional advice. Rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and change over time: always check the position with the named regulator before relying on it.
