This week, the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) has written to Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, in response to recent commentary suggesting mandatory hairdressing qualifications should be removed.
We believe such a move would damage the credibility, safety, and future of one of Australia’s most trusted professions. Here are the key areas we’re addressing with the Commission:
Protecting safety and standards
Hairdressing isn’t just “cutting hair.” It involves working with chemicals, sharp tools, and electrical equipment – every single day. Mandatory qualifications ensure health and safety standards are upheld, protecting not only workers but also clients. Removing them risks lowering professional standards and public trust in the industry.
More than just a haircut
During the pandemic, Australians discovered just how much they value their hairdresser. A visit to the salon isn’t only about appearance; it’s about self-confidence, dignity, and mental health. Hairdressers play a critical role in community wellbeing, and that contribution deserves recognition, not devaluation.
Wages and insurance risks
Qualified professionals deserve fair wages that reflect their skill and training. Removing qualifications would suppress wages, erode career pathways, and open the door to greater risks with insurance and WorkCover. Without qualified staff, premiums could rise, claims could be disputed, and both businesses and clients would be left exposed.
Migration integrity
The AHC has fought hard to ensure hairdressing remains a respected, skilled profession on the Skilled Occupation List. Deregulating qualifications would undo decades of reform and risk flooding the industry with unskilled workers and unregulated training providers – a repeat of past mistakes the industry has already overcome.
Salon prices reflect real costs
Running a salon is like running any other small business. Rising wages, rent, utilities, products, insurance, and compliance costs mean margins are already razor thin. Suggesting hairdressing services should be “cheaper” disregards the economic reality and devalues skilled professionals.
At its heart, this debate is about respect.
Respect for the safety of clients.
Respect for hairdressers as skilled professionals.
Respect for small businesses that form the backbone of our industry.
The AHC will continue to fight to ensure mandatory qualifications remain in place, protecting standards, wages, and the integrity of our profession.
