Institute of Hairdressers and Beauticians launched

The Institute of Hairdressers and Beauticians (IHB) was launched with the aim of providing enhanced opportunities for local hairdressers, beauticians and barbers to obtain an internationally recognised qualification in their preferred language.

Formed by the Sri Lanka Association of Hairdressers and Beauticians (SLAHAB), the institute is accredited to the World Federation of Hairdressers (OMC).

With the hairdressing and beauty therapy industry growing at a rapid pace, the need for professional and qualified hairdressers is vital.

Although many posses practical knowledge on the subject, they lack proper qualifications.

Further, the skills standards and education of hairdressing and beauty therapy is not streamlined to the desired standards recognised internationally.

IHB seeks to fill this void by introducing skills standards, while reaching out to a wider segment of the society.

The primary function of the Institute will be to conduct hairdressing and beauty therapy examinations in English, Sinhala and Tamil, which are recognized both nationally and internationally.

The institute will set standards on par with international IVQ, Pivot Point, OMC and EU standards.

"The vision of the institute is to upgrade the quality and the knowledge of hairdressers and beauticians in this country" SLAHAB President Rayaka Jayasuriya said.