New Bill Would Eliminate Licensing Requirements For Indiana Cosmetologists & Barbers
Indiana H.B. 1364 Would Eliminate Licensing Requirements For Hairdressers
Anyone could perform cosmetology and barber services for pay—without a license—if a new Indiana bill is passed. The proposal, Indiana House Bill 1364, would eliminate the state licensing requirements for cosmetologists, barbers, nail technicians and estheticians.
Sign The Petition To Stop Indiana House Bill 1364
The proposed bill states that anyone can provide cosmetology services without a license if they tell the customer in writing that they are not licensed. Unlicensed service providers would still have to follow the same health and safety guidelines as licensed service providers. Bill author State Rep. Timothy Wesco said he introduced the legislation because thousands of people are already going to unlicensed people to get their hair done.
“Let’s say I know someone who has been referred to me, or I know them well, who has learned how to do this, and I trust that person, shouldn’t I be allowed to make that decision by the state?” said Wesco, according to WNDU. “It doesn’t change anything in the cosmetology and barbering law about what it takes to become a licensed professional.”
A petition to stop the bill has nearly 51,000 signatures as of Feb. 3. Indianapolis-area licensed esthetician Chelsea Lasiter, who started the petition, said she did so because the idea of the bill becoming a reality “is careless and ridiculous.”
“The issues that could arise from untrained people performing these services could result is serious bodily harm. Chemical burns, cuts, infections, burns, viral infections, bacterial infections, wounds, COVID. Not to mention, the unsanitary conditions they could be performing these services in,” Chelsea wrote.
“Those who are licensed in these professions take their job seriously and professionally. Some have spent their entire lives perfecting their craft, pursuing further education and protocols, to provide safe and professional services to people. This is not an easy profession to just ‘pick up.’ This bill must be stopped,” the petition says.
