Hair & barber organisations collaborate

The Hair and Barber Council (THBC) and the Freelance Hairdressers' Association (FHA) are set to join forces to strengthen both of their brands with a collaborative approach.

The two organisations have many shared philosophies including raising industry standards, and it is hoped that the collaboration will enable The Hair and Barber Council and Freelance Hairdressers' Association to share resources, knowledge and expertise benefiting hairdressing as a whole.

The Hair and Barber Council launched in 1964 by an Act of Parliament with the aim of raising standards and improving professionalism within the hairdressing industry. One of their key goals is to encourage hairdressers to join the UK Register of Qualified Hairdressers and become State Registered.

The Freelance Hairdressers' Association (previously The Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation) launched in 1993 to support individual hairdressers and provide advice, a voice and networking opportunities. Their focus is on recognising freelancers as running professional businesses with appropriate training, insurance and standards.

Sheila Abrahams, Founder and Director of the Freelance Hairdressers' Association says:

“We are delighted to be working with the Hair and Barber Council. For too long, freelancers have been seen as a negative in the industry, however, with our exacting standards and criteria they are now increasingly accepted. Without evidence of qualification and running a properly registered business, we will not allow membership of the association. Therefore, state registration and our commitment to mandatory registration underpin this philosophy.”

Keith Conniford, CEO/Registrar of the Hair and Barber Council adds:

“Sheila Abrahams has totally upped the status of freelancing hairdressers, particularly with her promotion of state registration to members of the FHA. Working together can only help to further strengthen the professionalism of this growing sector of the industry.”