Hair and Beauty Australia's (HBA) NSW executive director Gregory Christo is lobbying the State Government to make amendments to the Hairdressers Act 2003 when it is reviewed later in the year.

The act focuses on monitoring people who want to become a hairdresser or open their own salon.

HBA will put forward a three-point proposal, including a state exam for all apprentices and students graduating from fast-track courses; a driver's licence-type system where people are placed on a two-year precautionary licence; and the introduction of a salon licensing system.

"We want greater regulation in the industry,'' Mr Christo said.

"The industry would be taken more seriously and licensing would allow the Government to have a greater hold on the matter.''

Representing around 800 salons statewide, HBA said its biggest concern was the growing number of salons operating from a residential property.

"Some people finish their apprenticeship and the following day they are doing people's hair at home,'' Mr Christo said.

"They are dealing with chemicals that can damage your skin.

"We only make submissions based on what our members want; our members have fully supported our position on home hairdressing.''

The NSW Hair and Beauty Award - which replaced WorkChoices last September - outlines the award scheme for all hairdressers, while a new separate Hair and Beauty Industry Award which covers only those salons that operate as a company will come into effect next year.

One hairdresser contacted the Leader to outline the poor working conditions she had encountered in her eight years' working in the sector.

"We're told we won't receive overtime wages as we have a give-and-take system,'' the letter read.

"We stay and do overtime but in return [we are supposed] to be able to go home early at [other] times. Of course with a system like this everyone feels it's take, take and take.''

Public consultation for changes to the Hairdressers Act 2003 closes on June 19.

What do you think of the proposals? Have your say below on what should change.

Or for more go to: Industrial Relations.com