Consumers frequently asked questions
Deregulation of the hairdressing industry
- What is this proposal about?
- Why is the Government proposing to do this?
- How will I know which hairdresser to use?
- Where can I get updates about the proposal?
- Who can I contact for more information?
What is this proposal about?
Currently, hairdressers in many areas of WA are required by law to be licensed before they can practice hairdressing.
The Government wants to remove the laws requiring hairdressers to be licensed and to close the supervising body for hairdressers.
Until Parliament agrees to the proposal, hairdressers must continue to be licensed and the supervising body will continue to exist.
Why is the Government proposing to do this?
The regulation of the hairdressing industry has been reviewed at both the state and national level.
Since the Hairdressers Registration Act 1946 was introduced, a range of consumer protection, education and training and occupational health and safety laws have been put in place that provide a sufficient regulatory framework for the hairdressing industry.
The current regime in Western Australia is inequitable because it does not apply to all areas of the State. Western Australia is the only State or Territory that has a registration scheme for hairdressers and a statutory board to administer that scheme.
The proposal would reduce red tape by removing barriers to entering the hairdressing industry, reduce costs to small business and assist in addressing skills shortages.
How will I know which hairdresser to use?
As with any purchase you make, it is advisable to shop around – you could ask family and friends for recommendations. Choose a hairdresser with proven experience in the type of service you require. You could also ask the hairdresser if he/she holds a trade level qualification (Certificate III in Hairdressing).
Hairdressers would still be required to:
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accurately answer your questions about their services and any qualifications they have; and
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perform hairdressing services and apply products, such as hair dyes, with due care and skill.
Under the proposal, Consumer Protection would be able to assist consumers who are unable to resolve a complaint with their hairdresser involving consumer protection laws.
Unless and until Parliament approves the proposal, consumers who cannot resolve a complaint with their hairdresser can contact the supervising body, the Hairdressers Registration Board.
Where can I get updates about the proposal?
Updates on the progress of the proposal will be posted to this website.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any further queries, please contact Consumer Protection’s Advice Line on 1300 30 40 54.