In recent years, the beauty industry has seen remarkable growth and innovation, with countless individuals pursuing careers as beauty professionals. From nail technicians, to wax professionals,to braiders and barbers, and so much more. The industry is ever growing. And with that, ensuring the safety and transparency of these practitioners has been a longstanding concern. State legislatures have been working diligently to address this issue by proposing updates to licensing requirements for beauty professionals. These proposed changes aim to strike a balance between consumer protection and fostering entrepreneurship within the industry. In this blog post, we will explore some of the notable updates being considered by state legislatures across the country.
ARIZONA : Two House bills were enacted or made into a law by the legal establishment.
House Bill 2525 – sponsored by State Representative Laurin Hendrix as originally written would have established an Inspection Program and Registry to allow participating, licensed shops or salons to employ unlicensed individuals. This bill was amended. The final enacted version expands the apprenticeship option for individuals seeking a career as an esthetician, nail technician, or hairstylist.
House Bill 2550 – sponsored by State Representative Justin Wilmeth establishes an eyelash technician license. Effective June 21, 2023 eyelash technicians are excluded from the definition of aesthetician, and from the definition of cosmetology. Eyelash technicians must be registered by the Board and submit evidence of successfully completed training, no more than 30 hours of training is required. Any person who satisfactorily demonstrates training received prior to the effective date of this measure is eligible for registration.
GEORGIA : One House Bill was tabled or postponed to be considered until the 2024 session.
House Bill 212 – sponsored by State Representative David Jentkins authorizes individuals and facilities to provide blow-dry styling, braiding, threading, and the application of cosmetics without being licensed by the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. It will allow a facility in which an individual performs only blow-dry styling, braiding, threading, the application of cosmetics or a combination thereof to be exempt from all of the facility licensing requirements.
NEBRASKA : One Legislative Bill had a hearing held in committee of referral and no action was taken.
Legislative Bill 189 – sponsored by State Senator Kathleen Kauth provides that the Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art Practice Act does not restrict any person engaging in natural hairstyling or other services requiring a license under the Uniform Credentialing Act. Natural hairstyling means to shampoo, condition, dry, arrange, curl, or straighten hair using only mechanical devices such as blow dryers, combs, brushes, curlers, curling irons, blunt-tipped needles, thread, and hair binders. It also includes the use of hair sprays and topical agents, such as balms, oils, and serums, and the styling of hair extensions and wigs.
NEW HAMPSHIRE : One House Bill is waiting for further consideration
House Bill 644 – introduced by State Representative Diane Pauer applies exemptions to licensing requirements for individuals who are engaged in blow dry styling, persons who demonstrate the use of a cosmetic or beauty equipment for the purpose of offering for sale to the public such cosmetic or beauty equipment, persons engaged in blow-dry styling or makeup application for theatrical, television, film, fashion, photography, or media productions or media appearances, persons engaged in makeup application, and persons engaged in threading.
WEST VIRGINIA : One House Bill that failed or was not passed.
House Bill – sponsored by State Representative Geoff Foster prohibits the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists from regulating the use of hair, nail, skin, and other beauty products that are commonly available for retail sale at groceries, drug stores, and other stores offering a broad variety of consumer products.
Overall, the updates to licensing requirements for beauty professionals by state legislatures signify a proactive approach towards ensuring consumer protection while supporting the growth and development of the industry. These changes streamline licensing processes, expand the scope of practice, prioritize continuing education, emphasize health and safety, and promote entrepreneurship. By having these conversations, the beauty industry can further thrive, fostering a talented workforce that meets the evolving needs and expectations of clients. As these proposals make their way through the legislative process, it is crucial for stakeholders to actively engage in the dialogue to create a balanced regulatory framework that benefits all involved parties.
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Credits to PBA Advocacy Team
https://www.probeauty.org/beautylogues/blogs/blog-details/pba-blog/2023/05/22/state-legislative-update—spring-2023 for more !
