As myself and many fellow qualified hairdressers in the West Midlands have noticed, our hard-earned skills and expertise in hairdressing are being undermined by individuals practicing without proper training or qualifications. The lack of regulation not only chips away at our professional standing but also jeopardises clientele safety and satisfaction due to potentially unsanitary practices or poor technique.

Although no specific numbers are available for the West Midlands, the UK's hairdressing industry sees an estimated 338,000 individuals claiming to be hairdressers or barbers, but only around half of these are entirely qualified, according to the Hair and Barber Council. This concern transcends simple professional pride; it reaches into realms of business credibility and consumer wellbeing. Furthermore, in professions such as ours, improper practice can lead to clients suffering from severe hair damage, scalp burns from chemicals, and even hair loss.

To maintain the high standard of hairdressing in the West Midlands, we call on local government to enact stricter regulation of the profession - requiring proof of qualifications before a person can run a business or advertise hairdressing services. This would protect not only the professionals but also the customers they serve. Please sign this petition if you believe in upholding the standards and integrity of hairdressing in the West Midlands area.