We have membership criteria for students, qualified and experienced professionals and this ensures that the federation maintains its industry status and integrity. In doing so, we heighten the profile of our membership so that our members are instantly recognised as elite professional operators.

Membership levels for 2009

• Full Member
• Associate Year 1
• Associate Year 2
• Student
• Advanced
• Tutor
• Worldwide

A FULL MEMBER of the Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation is a fully qualified, experienced Hairdresser/Beauty Therapist running a professional freelance business and meets the criteria as laid down by the Federation.

Criteria for FULL membership

• Must hold a recognised NVQ/SVQ level 2 qualification or equivalent*
• Must have two years experience after qualifying

Public Liability Insurance is NOT required to join as a FULL member. The FHBF has arranged an exclusive and unique insurance policy for it's members.

To find out more about FHBF insurance click here

*The FHBF recognises that some very talented and experienced hairdressers may hold no recognised formal qualifications and, in such cases, we can offer membership by taking into consideration the number of years experience they have.

An ASSOCIATE MEMBER of the Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation is a Hairdresser/Beauty Therapist who has undertaken training recognised by the industry and reached a minimum level of qualification but does not have the two years of experience to meet the criteria for Full FHBF Membership

We offer two levels of ASSOCIATE membership, depending on your experience at the time of joining.

If you are newly qualified, within the last 12 months, you can enter as ASSOCIATE MEMBER 1

Criteria for ASSOCIATE 1 membership

• Qualified within the last 12 months
• Must undertake the FHBF Personal Development Plan

Public Liability Insurance is NOT required to join as an ASSOCIATE 1 member. The FHBF has arranged an exclusive and unique insurance policy for it's members.

To find out more about FHBF insurance click here

If you qualified over a year ago, but do not currently have 2 years' experience, you can enter as ASSOCIATE MEMBER 2

Criteria for ASSOCIATE 2 membership

• Qualified over a year ago but less than two years experience
• Must undertake the FHBF Personal Development Plan

Public Liability Insurance is NOT required to join as an ASSOCIATE 2 member. The FHBF has arranged an exclusive and unique insurance policy for it's members.

To find out more about FHBF insurance click here

The Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation recognise that many students plan to freelance as soon as they qualify. It is hoped that by socialising with experienced freelance operators students will gain an insight to the pleasures and pitfalls of working alone. For students we offer STUDENT MEMBERSHIP of the Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation.

Criteria for STUDENT membership

• Must be currently training in either a college or with a private training provider

A FULL MEMBER of the Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation can enhance their membership level to ADVANCED by completing level 3 qualifications or by attending additional FHBF endorsed technical/practical training.

Criteria for ADVANCED membership

• Must have been a FULL member of the federation for at least two years
• AND EITHER
• Must hold a recognised NVQ/SVQ level 3 or Advanced City & Guilds qualifications or equivalent
• OR
• Must have attended a minimum of five FHBF endorsed technical/practical training courses

If you are not actively hairdressing but are in full or part time occupation teaching hairdressing or beauty students at a recognised educational establishment, then you can appy for membership as a tutor.

Criteria for TUTOR membership

• Must hold a recognised NVQ/SVQ level 2 qualification, or equivalent
• Must be employed by a recognised educational establishment teaching students on a full/part time basis
• Not actively trading as a freelance hairdresser or beauty therapist

The FHBF recognises that the freelance hair and beauty industry is not limited to the UK alone, and that professional freelancers operating across the globe need to feel like they belong and can get support, advice and encouragement when they need it most.

So, in response to overwhelming demand from overseas professionals, we have created a new membership level just for you!

FHBF Worldwide is specifically for freelance professionals based around the world who want to benefit from the support and friendships we can offer through the federation. Existing members who emigrate overseas can now also maintain contact with their friends and colleagues

Criteria for WORLDWIDE membership

• Must meet the criteria of FHBF Full Member
• Must hold an industry-recognised qualification, or equivalent, appropriate for your region
• Must provide proof of qualification. Copy of Certificate of Qualification is required. Copies of certificates of further training are optional
• Must be actively trading as a freelance hairdresser or beauty therapist