National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF, formerly National Hairdressers' Federation)

Overview

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) is the UK's leading trade association representing independent and multi-unit hairdressing and barbering salon owners. Operating across 12 UK regions, the NHBF exists to support salon business owners, protecting their interests and providing them with the resources, guidance and collective voice they need to run successful businesses in a competitive and regulated industry. Whether you own a small independent salon or operate multiple units across the country, the NHBF connects salon owners with essential industry support, professional networks and business development opportunities.

Who Should Join?

The NHBF is designed for salon owners, managers and decision-makers in the hairdressing and barbering sector across the UK. This includes:

• Independent salon owners and proprietors
• Multi-unit salon operators and salon groups
• Salon managers responsible for business operations
• Barbershop owners and operators
• Hair and beauty business entrepreneurs

The NHBF operates through 12 regional branches, ensuring that salon owners across different parts of the UK can benefit from locally-relevant support, networks and advocacy tailored to their regional business environment.

Why Join?

Salon ownership in the UK presents specific business and regulatory challenges. The NHBF exists to tackle these head-on, offering salon owners the support, representation and collective power that independent businesses need to thrive:

• Business Support & Advice — Access to practical guidance on salon operations, employment law, health and safety compliance, tax and financial matters, and other essential business issues. Member salons benefit from direct access to expert advice tailored to their circumstances.
• Representation & Advocacy — The NHBF represents member interests to government, regulators and industry bodies. Members gain a collective voice on issues affecting their business, from employment regulation to business rates and licensing.
• Legal & Regulatory Guidance — Professional hairdressing and barbering operates within complex regulatory frameworks covering health and safety, employment law, anti-discrimination law and professional conduct. The NHBF provides clear guidance to help salon owners comply and avoid costly mistakes.
• Networking & Peer Support — Connect with other salon owners facing similar challenges. The NHBF's regional structure enables regular networking events and peer learning opportunities where you can share experiences and best practice with fellow salon business owners.
• Professional Development — Access to training, seminars and educational resources designed specifically for salon owners and managers, covering business management, staff development, customer service and industry trends.
• Business Discounts & Commercial Benefits — Membership brings access to negotiated discounts and preferential rates with trusted suppliers and service providers, helping to reduce operating costs and improve profitability.
• Industry Intelligence & Updates — Stay informed about changes affecting your business, including regulatory changes, industry news, market trends and opportunities. Member communications keep you up-to-date with information that impacts your salon.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

NHBF membership provides access to a comprehensive range of services and resources:

• Regional Networking Events — Regular meetings and events organised through the NHBF's 12 regional branches create opportunities to meet other salon owners, learn from peers and build business relationships in your area.
• Expert Advisory Support — Members can access specialist advice on employment, legal, financial and operational matters affecting salon businesses, reducing the need to pay for external professional advice.
• Industry Representation — Your membership connects you to collective advocacy efforts, ensuring salon owner perspectives are represented in discussions with government bodies, regulators and industry organisations.
• Training & Development Programmes — Access to seminars, webinars and training covering topics including business management, leadership, customer experience, staff retention and salon marketing.
• Preferential Supplier Agreements — Negotiate better rates with key suppliers and service providers through the NHBF's collective buying power.
• Membership Directory — Connection to a network of fellow salon owner members across the UK, enabling collaboration, referrals and peer support.
• Policy Influence — Members participate in shaping the NHBF's policy positions and advocacy campaigns, ensuring the association campaigns on issues that matter to salon owners.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

The NHBF holds an established position as the representative voice for salon owners in the UK hairdressing and barbering industry. The federation:

• Represents Member Interests — Engages with government departments, regulators and other industry bodies to advocate for policies and regulations that support salon business profitability and sustainability.
• Addresses Industry Challenges — Campaigns on key issues affecting salon owners, such as employment law changes, business rates policy, licensing requirements and industry standards.
• Provides Industry Intelligence — Acts as a trusted source of information about industry trends, regulatory changes and business opportunities for salon owners across the UK.
• Connects Salon Owners — Creates a collective community of salon businesses across 12 regions, enabling peer support, knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
• Professional Credibility — NHBF membership signals professional commitment and business legitimacy within the hairdressing and barbering sector, supporting salon reputation and customer confidence.

Founded with a long history of representing the hairdressing industry (historically as the National Hairdressers' Federation), the NHBF has evolved to support the modern salon business landscape, including the growing barbering sector. This established heritage ensures that member concerns are heard by decision-makers across the UK salon industry.

Getting in Touch

Based in Bedford, the NHBF operates nationally across 12 regional branches. For more information about membership, benefits and how to join, visit www.nhbf.co.uk or contact the NHBF directly at their head office:

National Hair & Beauty Federation
One Abbey Court
Fraser Road
Priory Business Park
Bedford
MK44 3WH