NSW Fair Trading is responsible for the Hairdressers Act 2003.
Hairdressers must be qualified
The Act prohibits unqualified people from acting as hairdressers for a fee, gain or reward.
A qualified hairdresser has:
- a SHB30416 Certificate III in Hairdressing from a registered training organisation,
- been adequately trained as a hairdresser (because the individual has qualifications from somewhere other than in NSW) and the Vocational Training Review Panel has approved,
- been adequately trained as a hairdresser(because the individual has acquired the competencies of the recognised trade vocation) and the Vocational Training Review Panel has approved,
- at any time held a licence under Part 6 (Regulation of the hairdressing trade) of the Shops and Industries Act 1962, other than a licence for beauty treatment only.
Apprentices do not require qualifications
An apprentice who acts as a hairdresser does not require qualifications. They should be under direct control and supervision of someone who is qualified at all times.
Requirement to produce qualifications to authorised Fair Trading Officers
An authorised Fair Trading Officer can ask you to show your qualifications. Failure to do so is an offence.
Register your business name
If you want to trade under a business name that is not your own name, you must register your business name.
Go to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) website to register, renew or search for a business name.
Consumer guarantees
You must provide all services with care and skill. Go to the guarantees on services when selling page for more information about your obligations to customers.
Useful contacts
NSW Fair Trading
Tel: 13 32 20
Hair and Beauty Australia Industry Association
Suite 304/5 Hunter Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9221 9911