Beauty industry regulation in Scotland is gaining momentum as the country takes steps to introduce long-overdue legislation. The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for safer standards. Its T.I.M.E initiative will be presented at the Scottish Parliament in March 2025.

The Need for Stricter Beauty Standards

Currently, the UK beauty sector lacks oversight. Individuals with little or no training can offer treatments that carry risks. The Scottish Government has launched a consultation to regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures. These include dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, liposuction, weight loss injections, and advanced laser treatments. However, conventional beauty treatments also need regulation. Many unqualified practitioners operate, leading to poor results or lasting damage.

Lesley Blair MBE, CEO of BABTAC, has worked with Scottish government groups as a stakeholder in the Cosmetics Informed and Empowered Public Sub-Group. With regulation in England delayed, Scotland may set the precedent for UK-wide legislation.

How T.I.M.E Aims to Protect Consumers

BABTAC is launching the T.I.M.E initiative to help consumers verify beauty professionals before booking treatments. T.I.M.E stands for:

• Training – What training and qualifications, including continual professional development (CPD), do beauty professionals hold?
• Insurance – Are they properly insured, and who is their provider?
• Monitoring – Do they conduct essential pre- and post-treatment processes such as consultations, patch tests, and aftercare?
• Evidence – Can they provide certified proof of training, insurance, and client testimonials?

Lesley Blair MBE highlights the importance of this initiative. “We’re thrilled to take the TIME initiative to Scotland. The lack of regulation in our industry has left consumers vulnerable to unsafe practices, leading to a rise in ‘botched’ beauty treatments in recent years. This regulatory checklist is designed to be a straightforward yet powerful tool, helping consumers make informed choices by selecting evidence-based, professional services that are fit for purpose—while minimising any risk.”

Industry Leaders Support Beauty Industry Regulation in Scotland

The initiative is gaining support from key industry figures. Caroline Hirons, Founder of Skin Rocks and Beauty Backed Trust, emphasizes its importance. “The TIME initiative is a crucial step forward for the beauty industry. This campaign not only helps elevate our industry but also empowers consumers to confidently identify trained professionals when selecting their treatments, ensuring safety and higher standards for all.”

Jenny Storey, owner of the award-winning salon Urban Retreat and The Academy College, echoes this support. “As a strong advocate for industry regulation, I fully support the BABTAC T.I.M.E initiative. It provides a crucial framework to help consumers make informed choices when booking beauty treatments. By emphasizing Training, Insurance, Monitoring, and Evidence, T.I.M.E ensures that professionalism, safety, and high standards remain at the forefront of the industry.”

Raising Consumer Awareness About Beauty Industry Regulation in Scotland

Many consumers remain unaware of the beauty industry’s lack of regulation. A 2020 BABTAC survey revealed that only 38% of consumers knew the industry was unregulated. Even after increased awareness efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, a follow-up survey found that 54% of respondents were still unaware.

Other key findings include:

• 70% of consumers assumed their beauty professional held relevant qualifications. However, only 31% understood the difference between a regulated qualification and a non-regulated short course.
• Over 90% of consumers would not feel comfortable asking to see their therapist’s qualifications.
• Most consumers believe the industry should be regulated. They also think certified qualifications should be a requirement.

Lesley Blair MBE stresses the need for transparency. “These results further demonstrate why signposting consumers is so important to help the public feel empowered to ask to see their beauty professionals’ qualifications. In turn, any beauty professional qualified to this standard with the appropriate insurances in place should be confident showing these to their customers. An honest and open dialogue is key to ensuring utmost industry safety.”

Scotland as a Model for Beauty Industry Regulation in the UK

The Scottish Government is making strides toward regulation. If successful, Scotland’s approach could become a model for the entire UK.

Myriam Welsh, Managing Director of Guinot, stresses the need for consumer education. “It’s concerning that so many consumers are unaware of the beauty industry’s lack of regulation, highlighting the urgent need for widespread education. As a company, we’re passionate about maintaining excellence in everything that we do. We’re proud to support BABTAC in taking the TIME initiative to Scotland. It will guide consumers on what to look for when selecting a treatment, the essential questions to ask their therapist, and the risks associated with receiving services from unqualified professionals.”

A Safer Future Through Beauty Industry Regulation in Scotland

BABTAC’s T.I.M.E initiative at the Scottish Parliament marks a major step toward consumer protection. As Scotland leads the way, the rest of the UK will be watching closely. With industry leaders, policymakers, and consumer advocates backing this effort, beauty treatments will soon become safer, more professional, and more transparent.

For beauty consumers, the message is clear. Before booking any treatment, take the TIME to ask the right questions and ensure your therapist meets the highest standards of training, insurance, monitoring, and evidence.