Image copyright Thinkstock Image caption A Welsh MP wants to see a compulsory registration system similar to those in Australia and America

Calls for hairdressers to be put on a compulsory state register to protect people from "unscrupulous" and "incompetent" traders have been rejected by the UK government.

Llanelli MP Nia Griffith raised the issue in a parliamentary debate on Wednesday.

She said she was "quite shocked" hairdressers do not need any qualifications.

But ministers said a register would cost the industry £75m.

It is currently voluntary to belong to the UK register of qualified hairdressers.

"Of course the majority of hairdressers have appropriate qualifications, work to a high standard and take great care of their customers," the Labour MP argued.

"However, at the moment there is nothing to protect the consumer from the unscrupulous or the incompetent."

But Works and Pensions Minister Mark Harper said the move could not guarantee the quality of hairdressers - and that those who were poor at the job went out of business very quickly.

Top ten things that can go wrong

Burns: Improper use of bleaches can burn the scalp

Improper use of bleaches can burn the scalp Shock: The chemical Phenylenediamine in permanent dye can trigger anaphylactic shock

The chemical Phenylenediamine in permanent dye can trigger anaphylactic shock Loss: Too much bleach can cause hair to fall out

Too much bleach can cause hair to fall out Breaks: Certain priming fluids used inappropriately can break hair

Certain priming fluids used inappropriately can break hair Trauma: Having a bad hair cut can cause trauma and stress

Having a bad hair cut can cause trauma and stress Cuts: Dirty scissors or razors can cause infections

Dirty scissors or razors can cause infections Dye: Once a hair dye has gone wrong, inexperienced hairdressers will keep on dying the hair which makes it worse

Once a hair dye has gone wrong, inexperienced hairdressers will keep on dying the hair which makes it worse Extensions: Bad ones can pull hair out

Bad ones can pull hair out Testing: Patch testing should be done 48 hours before any chemicals are used to test for allergies - most do not

Patch testing should be done 48 hours before any chemicals are used to test for allergies - most do not Accidents: No formal training is required to be a hairdresser

Source: The Hairdressing Council