BABTAC supports consumer safety with new beauty campaign

The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) has launched a new campaign to help consumers access safe beauty services and professionals. 

The TIME initiative provides a framework to help consumers understand what to be aware of when booking a service with a beauty therapist. It stands for:

• Training – What training and qualifications, including continual professional development (CPD), do you and all your staff have
• Insurance – Are you insured and who by?
• Monitoring – Do you carry out important pre and post appointment processes such as patch tests, consultations and aftercare?
• Evidence – Can you provide certified proof of training and insurance and client testimonials?

Through this, BABTAC hopes to address the largely unregulated UK beauty industry, which currently allows someone with little or no training to establish themselves as a professional therapist.

Lesley Blair MBE, Chair at BABTAC, said: “Lack of regulation in our industry means that consumers are being exposed to potentially unsafe situations all too often, and so we’ve seen a wave of ‘botched’ beauty treatments in recent years as a result.

"This regulatory checklist aims to serve as a simple but effective reminder for consumers to help them choose evidence-based, professional fit for purpose services, whilst minimising any risk.”

Who is supporting the campaign?

The initiative, which has been launched at the Houses of Parliament, is being backed by several influential bodies and key figures across the beauty industry, including The British Beauty Council.

Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, said: “It is worrying that such a high percentage of consumers are completely unaware that the beauty industry remains largely unregulated and also demonstrates the need for a widespread education.

"We’re pleased to be supporting BABTAC with the launch of the TIME initiative, which will help inform consumers on what they should be looking for when choosing a treatment, the questions they should be asking their therapist, and the potential implications that can arise when seeking services from unqualified individuals.”

Other key figures supporting the campaign include Caroline Hirons (Founder of the Beauty Backed Trust), Candice Glanville (Founder of Skin Group International), and Dija Ayodele (Founder of the Black Skin Directory).