Hairdressers' frequently asked questions
Dregulation of the hairdressing industry
- Why deregulate the hairdressing industry?
- What does the proposal involve?
- Where can I get updates about the proposal?
- Who can I contact for more information?
- At the moment, do I still need to be registered to practice?
- When will renewal fees cease to be payable?
- What will happen to the Board’s funds?
- If the proposal proceeds, what laws will govern hairdressers in Western Australia?
- At the moment, do I need to be registered to practice?
- What will happen to hairdressing apprenticeships?
- Should I leave my apprenticeship?
- Who will I be able employ as a hairdresser?
- What will be my obligations as a proprietor of a hairdressing business?
- Will I have to nominate a principal hairdresser?
- Who will deal with complaints?
General information
Why deregulate the hairdressing industry?
- 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.
What does the proposal involve?
The proposal involves changes to the law and can only be implemented if approved by the Parliament. If the proposal proceeds:
- hairdressers would not be required to be registered to operate in any area of the State and would no longer pay annual registration fees;
- classes of hairdressing, as currently set out in the Hairdressers Registration Act 1946 would cease to exist;
- the requirement for (a) principal/s to be employed in hairdressing premises would no longer apply.
- the Hairdressers Registration Board (the Board) will cease to exist and exams (where deemed to be required) for interstate and overseas applicants would no longer apply.
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.
Hairdressers
At the moment, do I still need to be registered to practice?
Yes, in all applicable areas, hairdressers must still be registered. Until the proposal is approved by the Parliament, anyone practising hairdressing who is not registered would be breaking the law.
When will renewal fees cease to be payable?
Hairdressers will be notified whether fees are payable in January 2010 closer to that time and will be dependent upon whether the laws to implement the proposal have been passed.
What will happen to the Board’s funds?
Should the proposal proceed, funds will be used to pay off the Board’s liabilities and meet any ongoing commitments.
If the proposal proceeds, what laws will govern hairdressers in Western Australia?
Hairdressers will need to continue to comply with the requirements of the Fair Trading Act 1987, the Consumer Affairs Act 1971, the Hairdressing Establishment Regulations 1972 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, amongst other laws relating to the operation of a business in this State.
Prospective hairdressers
At the moment, do I need to be registered to practice?
Yes, in all applicable areas, you must apply to be registered and pay a fee before practising hairdressing. Until the proposal is approved by the Parliament, anyone practising hairdressing who is not registered would be breaking the law.
What will happen to hairdressing apprenticeships?
It is expected that legislation governing hairdressing apprenticeships would not be affected by the repeal of the Hairdressers Registration Act 1946.
In addition, the Hairdressers Award 1989 provides 'the maximum number of apprentices allowed to any employer in the industry shall be in the proportion of two to every one fully qualified senior hairdresser employed by him or her.'
Information about hairdressing apprenticeships only is available from ApprentiCentre on 13 19 54.
Should I leave my apprenticeship?
No, you should not leave an apprenticeship unless you have good reasons for doing so. Even if the proposal is implemented, there are strong reasons to continue with your apprenticeship, which provides valuable commercial and training experience, making you more employable.
Employers
Who will I be able employ as a hairdresser?
Should the proposal be implemented, you will be responsible for ensuring that you employ appropriately trained and qualified staff for the services that you are providing.
What will be my obligations as a proprietor of a hairdressing business?
As a proprietor of a hairdressing business, you will still be required to comply with the Fair Trading Act 1987, the Hairdressing Establishment Regulations 1972 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, amongst other laws relating to the operation of a business.
Should the proposal be implemented, you will need to continue to:
- accurately represent the services your business is providing, including the skills of the staff you employ to provide those services;
- provide hairdressing services with due care and skill and ensure that any materials supplied in connection with those services will be fit for the purpose for which they are supplied;
- provide a safe, clean workplace for hairdressing staff and clients, including the safe handling and use of chemicals; and
- continue to pay your staff in accordance with the relevant Hairdressers Award unless an alternative agreement is in place.
Will I have to nominate a principal hairdresser?
You will no longer be required to nominate a principal for any class of hairdressing at any of your hairdressing premises. However, you will continue to have strong business incentives to avoid complaints by ensuring that staff are well-trained and can meet your customers’ hairdressing requirements.
Who will deal with complaints?
Currently, the Hairdressers Registration Board deals with complaints from consumers. Under the proposal, the consumer would lodge a complaint with Consumer Protection.