1. May 2026

Scotland policy update: Meeting MSPs and tracking new rules for beauty and aesthetics

First published on the NHBF Website.

On Tuesday 27 January, I was back at the Scottish Parliament on behalf of NHBF Members, meeting with MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament) to talk through what’s happening in the sector right now and what needs to change if Scotland is serious about creating a thriving high street and supporting sustainable local jobs.

Scotland often leads the way in policy, being the first to introduce new ideas which are then adopted in the other nations.

I met with Murdo Fraser MSP and Maurice Golden MSP, leading opposition voices for the high street in Holyrood.

Both recognised that hair and beauty businesses are working hard to serve their communities, but that the operating environment has become increasingly challenging, with policy decisions at both Holyrood and Westminster now having a real and growing impact on businesses on the ground.

Engaging Parliament on the sector’s priorities

Our discussions focused on how the sector and individual businesses can engage more effectively with MSPs and with the Scottish elections on 7 May 2026. This is a critical period for the sector.

Parties are beginning to shape their manifestos, candidates are setting out their priorities, and MSPs are more open to hearing directly from businesses about the realities of trading on the ground.

I shared the latest evidence from NHBF’s State of the Industry work, which will soon be published on the NHBF website.

We were clear that hair and beauty is not a niche sector. It is the heart of the high street, labour-intensive and overwhelmingly made up of small and often women-led businesses.

Decisions taken at Holyrood on business rates, skills, employment costs and wider town centre policy land directly on the sector’s ability to employ people, train the next generation and invest for the future.

We also discussed the legislative changes currently being considered for beauty and aesthetics, including proposals to introduce new rules for non-surgical procedures that pierce or penetrate the skin.

NHBF’s position is clear: we support proportionate, evidence-based regulation that raises standards and protects the public.

But regulation has to be designed with the sector, not done for it. If changes are unclear, overly burdensome, or do not take into account the value of the training our members undertake, there is a real risk that responsible businesses face additional costs and uncertainty, while poor practice simply shifts elsewhere.

Respect Our Sector: turning engagement into impact

The discussions were constructive, and we will now be taking the feedback from those conversations forward as we continue to engage with MSPs in the run-up to the election.

Just as importantly, we will be using what we have heard to develop practical resources to help our Members represent the sector more effectively. These tools will support salon, barbershop and clinic owners to engage confidently with candidates and to explain the real-world impact of policy decisions on their businesses.

The work the NHBF does is important, but it is always strongest when it is backed up by voices from across the sector.

If you run a salon, barbershop or clinic in Scotland, now is the time to get involved. Get in touch with the NHBF and we will help you take the next steps, whether that is engaging with your MSP, speaking to candidates, or making sure your experience helps shape the conversation about Scotland’s future.