CODE OF ETHICS

This Code applies to all categories of American Barber Association (ABA) members.   The Code is designed to guide members in the ethical conduct of business and to set our members apart from other professionals in the industry.

The ABA is a professional organization that promotes excellence, integrity and professionalism in the barbering industry.   The ABA’s reputation depends on each and every member adopting and practicing the ABA Barbers Code of Ethics.

ABA membership is a statement by barbers and barbershops that they are committed to the highest ethical standards in the industry.

ABA standards and practices, as outlined in our Standards of Quality clearly demonstrates our commitment to the highest professional standards.  

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC

LEGAL COMPLIANCE: Members shall comply with all existing laws, regulations and codes governing business practices established by the federal, state and local governmental bodies where they conduct business.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY: Members shall at all times consider the health, safety and welfare of the public in their conduct of business.

FALSE ADVERTISING: Members shall not engage in any form of false or misleading advertising or marketing and shall not imply through advertising or other means that contractors or employees are qualified barbering professionals, unless such is the fact.

ILLEGAL CONDUCT: Members shall not assist or abet improper or illegal conduct of anyone in connection with barbering or providing services as a Licensed Barber.

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE CLIENT

DISCLOSURE: A Members’ services for a client shall clearly set forth the scope and nature of the services involved, the services to be performed and the method of compensation for those services.

COMPENSATION: Members may offer professional services to a client for any form of legal and fair compensation.

PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION: Members shall not offer their services as a licensed Barber or hair care professional unless the member is, by training and experience, competent to adequately perform the work required.

CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY: Members shall not divulge any confidential information about the client – including photographs or videos without the express permission of the client; with an exception for photographs, specifications or drawings over which the designer retains proprietary rights.  Members shall be candid and truthful in all professional communications.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Members shall act with fiscal responsibility in the best interest of their clients and shall maintain sound business relationships with suppliers and contractors to ensure the best possible outcome for the client.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Members shall stand behind the quality of their products and services through clearly communicated and mutually agreed upon performance standards.

COMPLAINTS:Members shall provide clients with a means of making a complaint or providing feedback on services rendered.

REFUND: Members shall clearly provide clients with a refund policy that states the terms and condition of the refund.

RESPONSIBILITY TO OTHER BARBER PROFESSIONALS AND MEMBERS

INTERFERENCE: Members shall not interfere with the performance of another professional’s contractual or professional relationship with a client.

REPUTATION: Members shall not initiate, or participate in, any discussion or activity which might result in an unjust injury to another barber or hair care professional’s reputation or business.

CREDIT: Members shall only take credit for services that have actually been delivered by that Member or the Member’s employees, and under the Member’s supervision.

CONFIDENTIALITY: Members should respect the confidentiality of sensitive information obtained from clients, other Barbers or hair care professionals, or others in the course of their professional activities.

COMPETITIVE ENTICEMENT: Members, who are barbers or hair care professionals, shall not actively work to recruit, entice or incentive the customers of any other member, in order to gain the business of the customer.

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PROFESSION

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS: Members agree to maintain standards of professional and personal conduct that will positively reflect the Association and the profession.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Members shall seek to continually upgrade their professional knowledge and competency.