Local Stylist Fighting Bill to Eliminate Cosmetology License Requirement
Heather Hoy, who works at a South County salon, says the proposed bill would jeapordize the entire industry and its customers. She has started an online petition to oppose the measure.
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A proposed bill that would eliminate the state cosmetology licensing requirement has many in the profession up in arms. In fact, one South County cosmetologist has started an online petition opposing the measure.
"Not only does it impact my career and my passion negatively, but it can also put the general public at a health risk," Heather (Wingbermuehle) Hoy said in an email to Patch.
Hoy, a hair stylist at Frederick's Beauty Etc., explained that obtaining her license required her to take classes on proper sanitation, how to recognize different types of disease/fungus on the hair, skin and nails and how to use chemicals.
"I understand that a good percentage of the public tends to think that the beauty industry is a joke," Hoy said in the email. "It is not. We are trained in what we do and want to give our clients the best. This is why we went to get our education and passed a state board exam."
The bill, which was introduced by State Rep. Andrew Koenig of West St. Louis County, was proposed in hopes of creating more jobs, according to our partners at Fox2. Mandatory licensing requirements for salons, cosmetology schools and instructors would also be eliminated if the measure were approved.
Others in the industry have echoed Hoy's concerns. Fox2's Betsey Bruce spoke with a hair stylist and manicurist at Identity Salon and Spa in Sunset Hills. Read what they have to say about the proposed legislation here.
Patch was unable to reach Koenig, the bill's sponsor, for comment on Monday.
What do you think about eliminating the state cosmetology licensing requirement? Will you sign Hoy's petition? Tell us in comments.
muehlhausers
7:03 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I would definitely sign Hoy's petition! Hoy is spot on when she stated that some think our profession is a joke. We are tested on not only the art of hair cutting, coloring and styling, but this also covers the muscles, nerves, circulatory system, and infections of the face, arms, chest, and scalp. We study chemical balance, and the science of color mixing. Let those who want to play "kitchen beautician" stay home and do just that, but leave the professionals alone and allow us to do what we are trained to do. Licensing is a must in this profession.
nancy fletcher
6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I am NOT in the industry however I too would sign Hoy's petition. There is SO much more to the profession than the cut as the previous post stated and I for one don't think we should be playing Russian roulette with all the things that potentially can go wrong in the hands of an untrained,,unschooled, unprofessional in the field. Let those who want such a person cutting their hair do so in a back alley or at home....
Kimberly Crooke
7:21 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I. Will. Deffinately be signing it. I think it's rediculous that these people think they can do this. I could go on for hours but won't. Just have them read a portion of a cosmetolgy book! I don't know one salon owner that would hire someone without a license. Some people think they know everything! This angers me