Licensing scheme for non-surgical aesthetic treatments gets NHBF backing
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) is supporting the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health’s (CIEH) latest regulation proposal, which is asking MPs to amend the Health & Care Bill to add in a licensing scheme for aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England.
In recent years there has been a rise in the number and type of non-surgical aesthetic procedures performed in the UK, ranging from lip fillers and injectables, to thread lifts, semi-permanent make-up, laser, piercings, and tattoos.
The NHBF says that both medically and non-medically trained practitioners are performing these procedures without being able to evidence appropriate training and required standards of oversight or supervision for high-risk procedures, which is why the organisation is supporting the idea of an official licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the UK.
It also states that non-surgical cosmetic procedures can cause serious harm to consumers if they are not carried out correctly in a safe environment or by competent and trained practitioners. Procedures that puncture the skin carry the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses, if appropriate infection control measures are not taken, while a lack of training and competence can lead to serious injuries.
This proposal is the latest in many movements to regulate the beauty industry. For example, the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill came into force on October 1, making it illegal for beauty businesses in England to give botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers to under-18s purely for cosmetic reasons.
Caroline Larissey, director of quality and standards at the NHBF, said about supporting CIEH’s proposal: “With the support of the Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellness All Party Parliamentary Group, the NHBF has been campaigning for a system to help to better regulate practitioners who provide aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic procedures, to ensure that they have the appropriate qualifications, experience and skills to practice safely.
“Following the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021, this amendment to the Health and Care Bill would be a further step in the right direction to protect consumers, who overwhelmingly support the need for greater regulation.”
The CIEH reports that the proposed amendment to the bill has been gaining increasing support from MPs, stakeholders, and beauty bodies.
MPs will vote on the proposal at a House of Commons debate on November 22. If successful, it will be a first step towards mandatory (legal) registration.