Over 100 associations and leading brands come together to form HBF, aiming to standardize education, tackle counterfeit products and strengthen policy recognition for the sector.
Udaipur: Hair Beauty Federation (HBF), a national umbrella organization, was launched in January with the aim of setting standards in the Indian hair and beauty industry. It brought together more than 100 associations, along with artists, salon professionals and cosmetic companies.
The federation was formally convened during the HBF India National Conference held on 7 January 2026 in Udaipur. The event marked the start of a coordinated effort to address long-standing industry issues, including policy recognition, professional education, ethical product use and sustainable business growth.
Industry Leaders Call for Unity
Addressing delegates, HBF President Ashok Paliwal emphasised that collaboration is essential for the future of the profession. The federation aims to represent salon owners, barbers, educators, manufacturers, distributors and service professionals under one national platform. By unifying these groups, HBF intends to build structured dialogue with government institutions and skill-development authorities.
Vice Chairman Uday Takke also reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to training thousands of professionals in the coming year and strengthening grassroots skill development.
Key Industry Challenges Discussed
Panel discussions during the conference focused on several pressing concerns within the sector.
Business sustainability emerged as a key theme, with experts highlighting the need for stronger operational systems, performance metrics and employee welfare to support long-term growth. Another major concern was the rising circulation of counterfeit beauty products, which industry leaders warned could damage consumer trust and professional credibility. Salon owners were urged to source products only from authorised suppliers and maintain strict quality standards.
Push for Policy Recognition and Education Reform
Participants also called for greater engagement with government programmes such as PM Vishwakarma Yojana and PMKVY to expand skill development in the sector.
The federation advocated recognising salons and barbering as essential services, along with creating state-level Kesh Kala Shilpi Boards to support training, welfare and professional recognition. Education and certification were identified as critical priorities, with proposals for a national framework and digital platform to standardise training and track industry data.
With committees being formed to implement conference resolutions, HBF leaders say the federation’s ultimate goal is to position India as a global hub for hair and beauty skills, while ensuring stronger industry standards, ethical practices and long-term growth.
For more details, visit:hbfindia.com
