Indiana to vote on Eliminating Cosmetology & Barbering Licenses
SEE THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE FOR UPDATES concerning links within the article that will not work.
I received this email, so I am passing it on the best way I know how. And while you may think this does not affect you because—you are not a barber or cosmetologist OR you do not live in Indiana—then let me please say now, it does. This affects everyone.
Since I can’t list every reason, let me start by explaining just one—disease control. I think that’s something EVERYONE out there can relate to. I know in the state of Virginia, they are cracking down about this. I went to Cosmetology School and what I learned there blew my mind. The things that some salons DO NOT practice, is horrifying.
However, many Salons do take Infection very seriously. If the below bill passes, if it spreads to state to state—not only will you have complete morons handling harmful chemicals, but who will regulate the steps to insure that there is no spread of disease.
Just WHO will be cutting your hair, doing your nails, giving you a pedicure? What is exactly on their equipment? Maybe you will leave with more than just a new style.
Dear Reader,
This is a deeply important email to all of us even if you do not live in Indiana.
Please take a moment and read on…As of January 9th, 2012, a bill to eliminate all Cosmetology and Barber licensing is now up for a vote in the Indiana House and Senate.
This means, should this bill pass, that there will be no licensing, no schools, no regulation. The schooling and license you have now will mean nothing.
This means that anyone off the street can do hair, nails, tanning, waxing, anything.
It is completely unclear at this point how this lack of licensure will be handled by the supply houses, because, as of today they only sell to those that are licensed. This will also create an entire new ball game for all manufacturers and distributors.
Here is the website that contains the full ROEC (Regulated Occupations Evaluation Committee) report detailing the Indiana’s decision to bring this bill for vote: CLICK TO READ REPORT
Of course with any proposed legislation, licensees may also contact their Legislator at http://www.in.gov/legislative/index.htm . If you are an Indiana licensee, we urge you to contact your politicians who will be voting on this matter immediately!
The ROEC committee basically says that if the consumer is hurt, they can hire an attorney, if they get a bad hair cut, they can switch to another salon, buyer beware. But Government regulation is not needed. Please read the report.
Please do not think because you do not live in Indiana this does not effect you. This is the furthest we have ever seen steps to eliminate beauty licenses in the US go. If one state does this, others will follow.
Read the report carefully. It is full of double negatives. One section states:
Maintain Current Status
There are two license types that the Board would leave unchanged, assuming that the General Assembly is determined to maintain licensure. Those two licenses are manicurist and esthetician.
Several people have already misinterpreted this to mean these 2 licenses will not be effected if the bill passes or fails. That is incorrect. The statement means — IF the bill FAILS and licensing is retained, these 2 licenses will have no changes. All other licenses will have some sort of change, but not manicurist or esthetician. If the bill PASSES manicurist and esthetician licenses, along will all beauty related licenses – operators, schools, etc, will be eliminated.
Make your voice heard NOW!
I can also tell you, that while there maybe many people out there using scissors without taking it seriously, many who give bad haircuts and color…there will be an even GREATER amount if people are not required to go to school for it.
The Beauty Industry consists of much more than the basic hair cut. A person has to learn Anatomy, Physiology, Infection Control, Diseases of the Hair, Scalp, Nail etc—and much more than the average person realizes.
Do NOT let this Bill pass. Again, it affects all of us.
Casey Harris
UPDATE!!!! The links above will not work. WordPress blocks them for whatever reason. So, I am going to PASTE THE ENTIRE LINK HERE—you can either try copy and pasting into your browser or maybe they will click—dunno.
LINK 1: (CLICK TO READ REPORT)
http://www.in.gov/pla/files/Regulated_Occupations_Recommendations_Report_12_16_2011.pdf
The above report is a PDF file, of the official report/Bill.
Link 2:
Government/legislative link
http://www.in.gov/legislative/index.htm
Sorry …really don’t understand why the links keeps getting fried.
LATEST UPDATE!!!!!!! THIS BILL WAS STOPPED IN ITS TRACKS BY SO MANY STANDING UP AND FIGHTING IT. CONGRADULATIONS TO ALL THOSE WHO TOOK A STAND!







Really as if there hasn’t been enough jobs eliminated in this country. Why would the state do this to themselves? I personally would move to another state I have never heard of such nonsense. I would then refuse the $10,000 bill that I owe from getting license and i beleive the state can pick this bill up. Lets get together and make sure this doesnt happen
January 14, 2012 at 11:29 am
Really, this is the most asinine thing I have ever heard. I am a recent beauty school graduate, and let me tell you, without proper training in this industry, Indiana is going to be in way too deep. Beauty school doesn’t just teach you how to do a simple updo, or a basic manicure. It teaches you, things like how to recognize a client that shouldn’t have certain procedures done, that could result in a lawsuit or even death of someone. Maybe they don’t know that, something as simple cutting a diabetic toenail wrong could cause death. Instead of being so high and mighty and trying to pass this, they need to look in the mirror and think about who did those highlights, lowlights, waxing, French tip etc and remember how it looked when they themselves( non beauty industry licensed) attempted it, and what professional beauty shop they ran to fix their own mistakes.
January 14, 2012 at 12:24 pm
I am a licensed Cosmetologist since (1984) and Instructor (2011). I have been out of the workforce for some time because of a disability. However I have retained my license while working with medical professionals & physical therapy to rebuild my stamina so that I could return to work. My business plan was based on the education and reemployment of Indiana Hoosiers in the Cosmetology/Barber/Nail Technician, etc…as well as many other professions that require certifications. I have invested a great deal of money, received support of my business from the state of Indiana and thumbs up for being such an active citizen from Governor Mitch Daniels. I am prepared to fight this Bill not just for my livelihood but for the100s of thousands that this Bill will affect.
January 14, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Please, for those who know others in this business, pass on the information. Lets get the word out. I live in Virginia, but I plan on doing what I can. This Bill is a huge disappointment. And to whoever stated about their tuition—I agree. Why should people be expected to pay for something if it ends up being worthless? Again, a huge disappointment.
And thank you to whoever listed above concerning the cautions of the business and client. I just don’t see how someone from off the street will be aware of such things.
January 14, 2012 at 4:25 pm
None of your links are working.
January 14, 2012 at 9:04 pm
WordPress is blocking the links. Tomorrow ill fix them for everyone. The second you can copy and paste into your browser if you can’t wait. The first link is to a PDF file tho of the Bill.
January 14, 2012 at 9:08 pm
The revenue loss per year would be close to 1 million dollars. Not My Man Mitch has already screwed Indiana Professional Licensing in his first term. I have a career in hair. Will someone be footing the bill for a career change for us? This will have an effect across the country.
January 15, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Several people have already misinterpreted this to mean these 2 licenses will not be effected if the bill passes or fails. That is incorrect. The statement means — IF the bill FAILS and licensing is retained, these 2 licenses will have no changes. All other licenses will have some sort of change, but not manicurist or esthetician. If the bill PASSES manicurist and esthetician licenses, along will all beauty related licenses – operators, schools, etc, will be eliminated.
January 16, 2012 at 1:36 pm
This is so dangerous. Where is this country going? Will nurses be next, teachers, or who knows what? I own a salon, with my family, and it really is scary. Surely someone can see the dangers of eliminating such licenses and having a professional way people make a living. Please think about this in Indianapolis.
January 16, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Please note that the above links have been corrected. To make sure WordPress does not fry them again, the entire link is pasted out at the BOTTOM of the article. Simply copy and paste in your browser. Thank you.
January 17, 2012 at 9:28 am
I am currently A student and I thing this ia bull crap! Why am I spending all of this money so that I can work in SAalon with someone off the street? I think not!
January 19, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Im in school right now and I am disappointed….It has taken me a long time to go to school because I have four children and I wanted to stay home and get them to a place that i would be able to go tot school and they would be fine. I have waited so long and I am so hurt, if this bill passes then this takes away my dream of everything I have worked for…I pray that this bill DOES NOT GO THROUGHT!
January 19, 2012 at 8:55 pm
I agree Pauline. It is dangerous. And it belittles anyone who went out and paid for an education. Isn’t that what we have constantly been told? If you want a decent career, go out and pay for an education. well, decent or not, a Cosmetologist can and will still struggle…but to take away what their license means? Insanity.
January 22, 2012 at 8:57 am
They are now Niki. All fixed.
January 22, 2012 at 8:58 am
Question by albert a: What can i do at a salon if i dont have my cosmetology license?
a salon near me is desperate for help. i was just curious as to what i can do without having my cosmetology license. cud i wash and style hair but not dye and cut it?
February 20, 2012 at 5:15 am
Hi Albert,
Many salons will let you be a receptionist and or sometimes shampoo hair.
February 20, 2012 at 8:59 am
And to let everyone know…so many stood up for this Bill that it was stopped in it’s tracks! Keep in mind, though, this sort of thing can still happen. Be aware!
February 27, 2012 at 10:01 am