Trichozette

For years, the regulation of non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the UK and Ireland has been discussed more than it has been decided. In 2026, one nation decided, and the others moved closer. For anyone whose treatment menu has grown beyond cutting, colouring and cleansing, it was a year to pay attention.

Scotland passes its law

On 17 March 2026 the Scottish Parliament passed the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill. The treatments it covers include botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels and microneedling. They will be banned for anyone under 18, and restricted to registered settings such as clinics registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, with a professional registered with the GMC, NMC, GDC or GPhC on site. The main requirements are expected to apply from September 2027.

Microneedling is the item to note. Some head spas and scalp clinics offer it as a scalp treatment. If you practise in Scotland and your menu includes anything that pierces the skin, now is the time to find out how the new framework applies to you, rather than in the summer of 2027.

Before the vote, in February, the National Hair & Beauty Federation set out the sector's position. It supported regulation that improves consumer safety but argued that standards should rest on demonstrated competence rather than professional background alone, and asked for portfolio routes, affordable supervision models, transitional support and consistency across the UK.

England and Ireland

England's licensing scheme remained in development during 2026. The approach set out by government, as summarised by the NHBF, is tiered: the highest-risk procedures restricted to qualified healthcare professionals in settings registered with the Care Quality Commission, and lower-risk procedures under local authority licensing, with the highest-risk treatments prioritised first. In Ireland, the Irish College of Aesthetic Medicine warned in February that the law does not define who is appropriately trained to inject dermal fillers, and in September renewed its call for safeguards.

What you may say about hair loss

On 9 July the ASA and CAP published guidance on advertising hair-loss products and services. The points most relevant to the cosmetic chair are these.

• Claims to prevent, cure or reverse hair loss are medicinal and need a marketing authorisation.
• Claims such as reduces hair loss or strengthens hair may be acceptable with robust evidence.
• Ads should not blur different types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia.
• Before-and-after images must show genuine, typical outcomes.
• Testimonials do not replace clinical evidence.