How can users of cosmetic products and treatments like Botox and hair extensions be better protected?
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will hold the first evidence session of its new inquiry, exploring the potentially harmful impact of hair and beauty products and treatments, and how to best protect consumers, on Wednesday 15 January at 9:30am.
This session follows a committee survey that received some 300 responses from people reporting harm from hair and beauty products or treatments. Of those, 15% of said the harm was permanent. Of those who complained about the harm, 72% were unhappy with how their complaints were handled. Findings from this survey will directly inform the committee’s questioning and its wider inquiry.
MPs will first hear from an individual who suffered from harms caused by facial injections. She will be asked about her experience and views on how safety standards and communication of risks to users can be improved.
Meeting details
In the second panel, the committee will hear from representatives from Save Face and Level Up on the current regulation of hair and beauty treatments, such as hair relaxers. Questions may examine practitioner registers and qualifications, and support needed by people harmed by cosmetic products and treatments.
MPs will then question leading trade and industry bodies on consumer safety and the regulation of the hair and beauty industry. Discussions may cover practitioner training, as well as safety and oversight of treatments and products such as Botox and dermal fillers, and the import of dangerous products from abroad.