The UK's hair and beauty industry is very closely regulated, and there are many statutory regulations and strict guidelines in place concerning safety and quality.

The types of businesses affected include:

• Beauty therapists.

• Make up artists.

• Hairdressers.

• Manicurists and nail technicians.

• Tanning centres.

• Tattooing parlours.

• Piercing services.

• Electrolysists.

Legal obligations depend on the types of treatments provided. Invasive treatments, such as semi-permanent make-up application and electrolysis, and any treatments involving lasers, are subject to very specific laws.

The Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2004 apply if you produce your own hairdressing or beauty products. The Regulations cover product safety, ingredients and labelling. Cosmetic products can also include aromatherapy products that are applied to the skin.

The Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Nickel) (Safety) Regulations 2000 place a strict limit on the amount of nickel that can be contained in earrings and other body piercing jewellery.

The Care Standards Act 2000 contains provisions for the safe use of laser and intense pulsed light equipment for beauty therapy purposes.

The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (Habia) produces various guidance leaflets on the legislation that applies to hair and beauty businesses. You can download a leaflet on hygiene in beauty therapy from Habia's website.

For more information see this practical legal guide for hair and beauty businesses.