Setting the industry standard and championing excellence across the UK hair and beauty industry
We are the Government-recognised Industry Standard Setting Organisation for hairdressing, barbering, beauty, aesthetics, nails, spa, and wellness.
Andrea Simpson - Facialist and Habia Ambassador
The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) is the government-recognised Standard Setting Organisation (SSO) for the UK hair and beauty sector.
For more than thirty years we have developed National Occupational Standards (NOS) that form the foundation of many qualifications across the UK.
Working with employers, colleges, training providers, awarding organisations, professional bodies, stakeholders, and government, we help ensure education and training reflect the real skills needed in the workplace.
What HABIA does
Develop Standards
We develop National Occupational Standards (NOS) that define the knowledge, skills and performance expected across the hair and beauty sector.
These standards underpin qualifications, apprenticeships and training programmes across:
Hairdressing
Barbering
Beauty therapy
Nail services
Spa and wellbeing
Aesthetics
Makeup
Trichology
Support Education
We work closely with colleges, academies, tutors and training providers to support high quality education across the sector.
Through our Education Membership, Education Forums and teaching qualifications, we bring together educators and industry experts to help raise standards across the sector.
Endorse Training
The HABIA endorsement mark is a recognised sign of high quality training aligned with the latest National Occupational Standards.
Training providers who achieve our endorsement demonstrate their commitment to excellence and give learners confidence they are choosing training that meets recognised industry standards.
Work With Industry
There are many ways to work with us to support excellence across the sector.
Become a HABIA endorsed training provider
Join the HABIA education community
Achieve a teaching qualification
Participate in Education Forums
Work with us on industry development projects
Testimonials
“I've worked with Habia for 25+ years, they are the only government recognised standard setting body, I'm delighted to be chairing their Expert Working Group (EWG) to update the National Occupational Standards (NOS)”
Marian Newman
BEM
"I've worked with Habia for many years as an expert helping to develop waxing standards. It's important to work with Habia as the Standard Setting Body (SSB) to ensure high quality, professional standards, development of codes of practice and for delivering CPD opportunities"
Sam Marshall
Beauty Educator, Salon Owner, DEI Specialist
“I've worked with Habia for many years, the valuable work they do is essential for the sector and I'm delighted to be in the expert group updating the national standards”
Jenna Wrathall-Bailey
MBE
Latest News
Stay up to date with the latest developments across the hair and beauty sector, including new standards, education initiatives and industry updates.
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Partners
We work with leading organisations across the hair and beauty sector to support education, skills development and professional standards.
Work With HABIA
Whether you are a training provider, educator, employer or industry partner, we offer opportunities to collaborate and help shape the future of the sector.