Is Your Beauty Therapist Actually Qualified? Why Scotland Is Leading the Charge on Safer Treatments
Have you ever had a disappointing—or even painful—beauty treatment? Maybe a facial that left your skin worse than before, or a botched brow job that took weeks to fix? It happens more often than you’d think. But have you ever asked your therapist about their qualifications? In Scotland, that’s about to become a crucial question.
The Beauty Industry’s Big Issue
Right now, there’s no law stopping someone with little or no training from setting up shop as a professional beauty therapist. From botched brows to dangerous aesthetic procedures, the risks are real. A recent survey found that a third of Scottish doctors have treated patients suffering from botched cosmetic treatments—some as young as 16. Scary, right?
That’s why the Scottish Government is pushing for change, with new legislation in the works to regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures (think dermal fillers, Botox, laser treatments, and weight loss injections). While this is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t cover many ‘low-risk’ beauty treatments that still require proper training. And that’s where BABTAC’s T.I.M.E initiative comes in.
What Is T.I.M.E?
T.I.M.E is a consumer safety initiative created by BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) to help people book beauty treatments with confidence. Launched at The Scottish Parliament, it’s backed by industry heavyweights, including BABTAC CEO Lesley Blair MBE, skincare guru Caroline Hirons, Guinot Managing Director Myriam Welsh, and salon owner Jenny Storey.
T.I.M.E gives you the tools to ask the right questions before booking a treatment. It’s simple but powerful:
Training – Does your therapist have relevant qualifications?
Insurance – Are they properly insured?
Monitoring – Do they follow industry regulations and standards?
Evidence – Can they show proof of their expertise?
Led by BABTAC CEO Lesley Blair MBE, legendary Caroline Hirons, Founder of Skin Rocks, Managing Director of iconic spa brand, Guinot, Myriam Welsh and owner of award-winning salon, Urban Retreat and The Academy College, Jenny Storey, along with support from Sharon Ashton MSP.
Scotland Leading the Way
The Scottish Government is already working towards regulating the industry—and it could happen here before England follows suit. With the beauty industry playing a huge role in Scotland’s economy, this could be a game-changer for consumer safety and professional standards.
Sharon Dowey MSP, a supporter of the T.I.M.E initiative, explains:
“With no formal oversight leading to unsafe practice and consumer harm, it’s important for us to have a voice in the conversation around regulation. Consumers aren’t always aware that this is an unregulated industry, and that needs to change.”
Industry experts are backing the move, too. Caroline Hirons warns about the rise of unqualified ‘experts’ on social media:
“The speed of new treatments being developed makes it even harder to regulate. The problem is that trained beauty professionals are now competing with content creators who may look confident on camera but don’t hold the right qualifications.”
And salon owner Jenny Storey points out:
“If you don’t have the right training, you can’t get proper insurance. It’s about protecting both the client and the professional long-term.”
What This Means for You
Next time you book a beauty treatment, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Check your therapist’s qualifications. Make sure they’re insured. If they can’t give you clear answers, that’s a red flag.
With Scotland leading the way, the beauty industry is set to become safer, more transparent, and better regulated. And that means fewer horror stories and more confidence when you book your next treatment.