Dear Clients, 

As a member of Associated Hair Professionals, I pledge to abide by the AHP Code of Ethics, as described below.

1. Commitment to High-Quality Care

I will serve the best interests of my clients at all times and provide the highest quality service possible. I recognize that the obligation for building and maintaining an effective, healthy, and safe relationship with my clients is my responsibility.

2. Commitment to Do No Harm

I will acknowledge the contraindications and limitations of my services and, when necessary, refer clients to other professionals when indicated. I shall understand the potential effects of products and techniques used in order to determine whether their use is contraindicated and/or whether their use is the most beneficial for a given individual.

3. Commitment to Honest Representation of Qualifications

I shall provide services within the scope of practice of my profession as defined by the state in which I practice, and in accordance with applicable local and federal laws and regulations. I shall represent my education, training, qualifications, and abilities honestly, and shall not use techniques for which I have not had adequate training. I will carefully evaluate the needs of each client and refer the client to another provider if the client requires work beyond my abilities. I will not use the trademarks and symbols associated with a particular system or group without authentic affiliation.

4. Commitment to Uphold the Inherent Worth of All Individuals

I will demonstrate compassion and respect for others. I will seek to decrease discrimination, misunderstandings, and prejudice. I will not refuse service to any client based on disability, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, physical build, or sexual orientation; religious, national, or political affiliation; or social or economic status.

5. Commitment to Respect Client Dignity and Basic Rights

I will demonstrate my respect for the dignity and rights of all individuals by providing a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for services, and give clients recourse in the event of dissatisfaction with their service.

6. Commitment to Informed Consent

I will recognize a client’s right to determine what happens to their body. I understand that a client may suffer emotional and physical harm if a stylist fails to listen to the client and imposes their own beliefs on a client’s service. I will fully inform my clients of choices relating to their service and disclose policies and limitations that may affect their service. I will respect the client’s right to decline, modify, or stop the service regardless of any prior consent they’ve given.

7. Commitment to Confidentiality

I will keep client communication and information confidential and will not share client information without the client’s written consent or unless it is medically necessary or required by law. I will ensure every effort is made to respect a client’s right to privacy and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.

8. Commitment to Personal and Professional Boundaries

I shall maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, providing services in an ethical and professional manner in relation to my clientele, business associates, and the general public. I will not date a client, engage in sexual intercourse with a client, or allow any level of sexual impropriety (behavior or language) from clients or myself, whether consensual or otherwise. I understand that sexual impropriety may lead to sexual harassment charges, the loss of my license, lawsuits for personal damages, criminal charges, fines, attorney’s fees, court costs, and jail time.

9. Commitment to Honesty in Business

I will know and follow good business practices with regard to record keeping, regulation compliance, and tax law. I shall practice honesty in advertising, promote my services ethically and in good taste, and practice and/or advertise only those techniques for which I have received adequate training and/or certification. I will not accept gifts, compensation, or other benefits intended to influence a decision related to a client. If I use the Associated Hair Professionals logo, I promise to do so appropriately to establish my credibility and market my business.

10. Commitment to Professionalism

I will maintain clear and honest communication with clients and business associates. I will not use recreational drugs or alcohol before or during treatments. I will project a professional image with respect to my behavior and personal appearance in keeping with the highest standards of my profession. I will not actively seek to take someone else’s clients, disrespect a client or colleague, or willingly malign another stylist, barber, or other allied professional. I will actively strive to positively promote the cosmetology profession by committing to self-development and continually building my professional skills.

Stylishly Yours, 

Marissa Wagner.