Deregulation of the Beauty Industry-Who is Really Behind it?

Deregulation of the Beauty Industry-Who is Really Behind it?

Have you been following my “Evolution of the Beauty Industry” series?
Here is what I’ve covered so far:
1st week Diversion
2nd week Distribution 
3rd week Chair rental vs. Employee,
4th week the Uberization of the industry

and now…The deregulation of our industry.

I get it, when you are working behind the chair, you’re probably not thinking about your state’s license review committee or the threat of deregulation. But unfortunately, the industry is in the spotlight more and more with many states seeking to deregulate cosmetology licenses. Meaning that anyone who wanted to be a hairdresser could simply be one without any training requirements.

A new coalition, founded in part by the Professional Beauty Association, is working on ways to keep the industry professional, keep clients safe and keep you behind the chair.


What Does Deregulation Mean?

Here’s what a state without cosmetology license requirements could look like: anyone who wants to could open a salon and do hair. There’s no obligation to train. There’s no incentive for manufacturers to maintain high quality levels or educate hairdressers. There’s no way to guarantee client or hairdresser safety. It makes the hours and years that licensed hairdressers have spent on education and training irrelevant—and that’s not acceptable.

Image result for cosmetology laws

Why is this happening?

Non-governmental organizations are pushing the idea broadly that licensing (for a variety of professions) is unnecessary. These groups argue that licenses are artificial barriers to entering the workforce and cosmetology licenses are being wrapped up into this argument.


A bill to de-regulate hair styling was introduced in Arizona. As it stands, anyone styling hair in the state has to be licensed, but now at least one Republican is looking to repeal that law.

This all stems from the popular chain Drybar, which only offers blowouts and styling. As it stands, you have to have a license to work there, but that’s now trying to be changed.

Some salon professionals say this would be a terrible move for the industry.

Image result for wisconsin cosmetology license changes


What happened in Wisconsin:

A course of instruction in cosmetology of at least 1550 training hours in not less than 10 months in a school of cosmetology-dropped from 1800 hours.  Elimination of a 4,000 hour practice requirement for cosmetologists, barbers, aestheticians, and manicurists who have a license in good standing in another state and replaces it with a one-hour class.

Elimination of continuing education requirements except as part of a disciplinary decision.

Allow licensed practitioners, under specified conditions, to practice outside of a licensed establishment.
Elimination of the manager license and the requirement for an instructor license.

What is the PBA’s Coalition Working For?

The coalition by the (PBA) is laying down five points that would streamline the licensing process:

  1. License mobility

So many hairdressers leave the industry because they move to a new state and don’t get relicensed. That’s why the coalition is pushing for license mobility—your license travels with you, and if you’re in good standing, you can practice cosmetology anywhere. There would be no need to take any tests or be relicensed in your new state.

  1. A consistent number of hours for cosmetology schools across the U.S.

Some states require 1,000 hours, some states require all the way up to 2,300 hours. Choosing one standard across all states will make it easier for students to become licensed. The coalition is recommending a standard of 1,000 hours to be licensed, but makes it clear that you can continue to train for longer than the 1,000 hours if you desire to keep learning.

  1. A standardized, national testTo make sure your license can travel with you from state to state, there needs to be a standard test that everyone seeking a cosmetology license must take to get that license. A standard test can also increase client confidence—knowing that every cosmetologist they see is held to the same national standard is powerful.
  2. Pre-graduate testing

By requiring all cosmetology students to take a pre-graduate test, it allows them to be licensed immediately upon graduation, so they can start working right away

  1. Continuing education requirements

While states have these requirements, the coalition will continue to ensure that stylists are required to participate in education throughout their careers. As a hairdresser, you know this is crucial to staying up-to-date with the latest tools, chemicals and trends—not only to produce your best work, but to also keep your clients safe.


What Can I Do?

To stay on top of the licensure fight in your state, Steve-from the PBA coalition says to sign up for updates from the Future of the Beauty Industry Coalition and from PBA. To take even more action, you can become a state captain or take action now. He also suggests staying in touch with your state or local cosmetology groups or school community.

Next week, we are going to dive into the makeup industry…


Leave a Reply
