Proposed Bill Would Abolish Cosmetology Regulations In This State

Proposed Bill Would Abolish Cosmetology Regulations In This State

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is urging Texas lawmakers to oppose a proposed bill that would abolish cosmetology and barbering regulations in the state. HB 1705 would deregulate health and sanitation standards for salons and barber shops that are currently upheld in all 50 states across the country. Currently, Texas cosmetologists and barbers are required to be trained in the following:

• Burns
• Hair loss/damage
• Contagious infections such as staph and ringworm

“Deregulation of cosmetology and barbering exposes consumers to significant health and safety risks,” said Steve Sleeper, PBA Executive Director. But the passing of HB 1705 wouldn’t just be detrimental to the client, but also the professionals behind the chair. “Without regulation, service providers would not be able to obtain liability insurance,” Steve explains, meaning that hairstylists and barbers would personally become financially liable if a client took legal action for being injured or infected during a service.

Holly Thalman, owner of KCharles Salons in San Antonio, Texas opposes the bill not just for her staff, but also expressed concern about what this does to public safety in general. “Our customers expect a level of safety and standards that regulations help to ensure,” she explained. Holly also expressed how important education is the beauty industry. Being trained in how to handle harmful chemicals properly keeps everyone in the salon safe, Holly added. “It’s truly a scary thought what could happen to the public.” 

For more information about this proposed bill and to help take action visit pba.org/takeaction.