Alabama is currently the only state that does not regulate barbers, who are not subject to inspections for sanitation or safety standards. Additionally, there is no continuing education or training required of barbers. Cosmetologists, the second largest licensed profession in the state, are regulated by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology, which conducts regular inspections and requires professional education and training.
“In Alabama, cosmetologists are strictly regulated while barbers are free to operate without any accountability. In a business where personal services are being administered, there is a duty to make those services safe and sanitary with the highest level of care,” said Representative Kurt Wallace.
HB664 would create the Alabama Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. This bill would provide for the regulation of cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, manicurists, and natural hairstylists and their shops and schools under a new registration board, known as the Alabama Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. House Bill 664 is currently in the Boards, Agencies and Commissions committee.
If you would like to express your support for HB664, and if you are a resident of Alabama, the Professional Beauty Association has made it easy for you to act. You can click here to sign onto their letter of support.
You may also email your support directly to the bill sponsor Representative Kurt Wallace at representativewallace@gmail.com
To learn more, visit the www.probeauty.org
