The UK Licensing Regulations

The UK’s beauty industry doesn’t implement licenses for practice. Practitioners are given the option to train professionally or develop skills through experience. If they choose the former, getting a training program with a structure that aligns with their interests and what they want to learn is always recommended.

For practitioners who are planning to build a salon business, the following licenses are required to legally operate:

Business License
Premises License
Massage and Special Treatment Premises License
PPL License
Personal License

Some areas of the country might require additional permits or licenses from salon owners. That’s why it’s recommended to check with the local authorities or councils for other requirements that salons must comply with.

Non-Regulated Beauty Services in the UK

Hairstylist / Barber

Barbers and hairdressers in the country are unregulated. Although the Hairdressers Registration Act of 1964 offers registration to qualified hairdressers and barbers, it is not compulsory.

Lash Technician

Lash techs provide various lash and brow services, such as lash lifts and tinting, brow tinting and lash extensions. These services are not regulated in the UK, but attention to detail is a must in this industry to provide the best treatments.

Nail Technician

Nail techs offer nail care and enhancement services. Examples of treatments or beautification they offer are manicuring, pedicuring, nail art and the application of artificial nails. The UK doesn’t have licensing laws for providing nail services, and this is why quality training is important.

Makeup Artist

Makeup is an extremely popular industry in beauty. It provides different types of services that professionals in makeup can offer, allowing them to have many sources of income. Like the above beauty services, makeup artistry in the country doesn’t have licensing rules.

Facialist / Waxing Technician

Facials and waxing are popular aesthetic services, and the country doesn’t regulate aesthetics yet. There is a licensing scheme for aesthetics as per the report of the Health and Social Care Committee. However, licenses are still not required even if there is a roll-out for the licensing scheme.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists are also free of licensing regulations in the UK. Professional associations are still working on agreeing on some educational standards to require licensure for aspiring massage therapists. At the moment, aspirants have the freedom to choose their training for massage therapy.

Spray Tanning Technician

Anyone interested in spray tanning can offer this service without having a license. This industry is getting more popular in beauty, and many individuals have the desire to learn the skills for it.