Should the UK nail and beauty industry be regulated?

In the United States, the nail and beauty industry is strictly regulated. Therapists must complete formal training, pass exams, and obtain licenses before they can work professionally. But in the UK, there is no mandatory regulation—anyone can set up as a nail tech or beauty therapist without qualifications. Should that change? And what would it look like if regulation were introduced tomorrow?

Why isn’t the UK industry regulated?

Unlike in the US, where licensing is required at state level, the UK operates on a largely unregulated basis. While there are voluntary accreditation bodies and insurance requirements for those working professionally, no official legal framework ensures every practitioner is trained to a minimum standard. This means the industry relies heavily on self-regulation, professional ethics, and customer awareness.

What would regulation look like?

If regulation were introduced in the UK, it could involve:

• Mandatory qualifications – A minimum level of accredited training before working on clients.

• Licensing system – Therapists would need to apply for and maintain a license to work.

• Regular inspections – Like in hairdressing or food businesses, salons could be inspected for hygiene, safety, and professional standards.

• Insurance requirements – Proof of insurance before obtaining a license.

• Defined scope of practice – Regulations could specify what treatments require specific qualifications.

  
  

Pros of regulation

For therapists:

• Raises industry standards – Ensuring that all professionals have the right training would elevate the reputation of the industry.

• Better consumer trust – Clients would feel safer knowing their therapist is qualified and licensed.

• Protection from underqualified competition – Eliminates the risk of untrained individuals undercutting skilled professionals.

• More business credibility – Licensed professionals could stand out as reputable service providers.

For customers:

• Higher safety standards – A regulated industry would reduce the risk of infections, allergic reactions, and poor-quality treatments.

• Easier to identify qualified professionals – A licensing system would allow customers to check credentials before booking.

• Better complaint handling – A regulatory body could oversee disputes and malpractice claims.

  
  

Cons of regulation

For therapists:

• Increased costs – Licensing fees, mandatory training, and inspections could make it more expensive to enter and operate in the industry.

• More bureaucracy – Increased paperwork, admin, and compliance checks could add pressure to small businesses.

• Potential barriers to entry – Newcomers to the industry might struggle to afford training and licenses.

For customers:

• Higher prices – If running costs increase for therapists, customers could see price hikes.

• Less choice – Some smaller, independent therapists might struggle with compliance, reducing the number of available practitioners.

  
  

The bottom line

While regulation could elevate standards and protect customers, it could also introduce financial and administrative challenges for professionals. The key question is: should the industry prioritise accessibility and affordability, or should it focus on tighter controls for safety and professionalism?

What do you think? Should the UK nail and beauty industry be regulated, or is the current system working well enough?