Hairstylists call for accreditation system to ensure fair competition

The Hairstyling Industry Certification Committee is calling for the government to establish a standardized accreditation mechanism for local hairstylists to ensure fair competition and upward mobility within the industry.
According to a recent survey conducted by the committee — polling 254 local hairstylists and salon operators – almost 80% of respondents claimed that there was an insufficient number of skilled practitioners within the industry, and a lack of local talent.
Adding to their burden is the growing trend for rapid-cut and hair-extensions over these years, which employ predominantly foreign workers and force local hairstylists out of the job market. Over 80% surveyed said this is the key reason behind the cut-throat competition within the sector.
At present, Macau has almost 500 hair parlors, with a total of 1,200 practitioners. The parlors dedicated to offering rapid-cut hair-growth services accounted for one quarter of them.
The committee opined that local youths have lost faith in the prospect of a hairstyling career, considering that Macau lacks an accreditation system for the industry’s professionals. Hence, they are reluctant to take on hairstyling jobs.
The lack of an accreditation system is also the reason behind the industry primarily employing foreign workers. The director urges the government to create an accreditation system as soon as possible.
To further ensure fair competition and development of the industry, the committee also suggests the government lay down regulations to ensure a balanced ratio of local and foreign staff hired at each salon and to ban foreign workers from being hired as assistants or taking on the work of hairstylists.
The committee also calls on the government to offer support to organize more training courses to enhance upward mobility within the profession.
The committee released the survey results yesterday at a media briefing, which gave an overview of the operational hardship faced by the city’s traditional hairstylists.