Calls to make hair extension training a compulsory part of UK hairdressing NVQs have reached Westminster, with a proposal to introduce a mandatory, assessed unit in extension application and a single recognised standard for standalone courses.
The call was made by Lisa Jackson, CEO of Remi Cachet, who gave evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing on 3 November 2026. Held at Portcullis House and chaired by Carolyn Harris MP, the session also heard from Tendai Moyo, co-founder of Ruka Hair, and was attended by Mary Glindon MP.
The proposal focused on the gap between qualifying as a hairdresser and being assessed in hair extension services. City & Guilds’ Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing) lists hair extension services as an elective unit that does not contribute to achievement of the qualification. Although the unit covers safe working practices, application, maintenance and removal, learners can complete the diploma without taking it.
The proposed reform would build on the existing qualification and assessment framework, making extension education part of the foundation for newly qualified hairdressers. A recognised standard for standalone training would also seek to bring greater consistency to specialist courses.
Jackson said: “Hair extensions are an increasingly important part of hairdressing, yet specialist training remains optional within core qualifications. As more women turn to extensions for volume and confidence, particularly those experiencing hair thinning, it's vital that professionals have the knowledge and skills to apply, maintain and remove them safely.
This is about protecting consumers, recognising the expertise of trained extensionists and raising industry standards. The educational framework already exists, and we have an opportunity to build on it. We're grateful to Carolyn Harris MP and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing for bringing this important issue to Westminster and look forward to continuing the conversation with the British Beauty Council and policy-makers."
For salons, a compulsory assessed unit would provide a clearer baseline when recruiting newly qualified staff. For colleges and other training providers, it would mean incorporating extension tuition and assessment into the core programme.
The House of Commons Library confirms that UK hairdressers and barbers face no mandatory practitioner licensing requirement or statutory obligation to hold specified qualifications. Making extension training compulsory within an NVQ would strengthen that qualification, but would not itself require every practising hairdresser to hold one.
The British Beauty Council provides the parliamentary group’s secretariat and was represented at the session. Remi Cachet is a patron of the Council. Minutes from the session will be circulated to the group’s wider parliamentary membership, with possible next steps including a follow-up letter from the chair and members, a further parliamentary event or a meeting with a relevant minister. No implementation timetable was included in the announcement.
Calls to make hair extension training a compulsory part of UK hairdressing NVQs have reached Westminster, with a proposal to introduce a mandatory, assessed unit in extension application and a single recognised standard for standalone courses.