Dear Members of the Virginia State Board for Barbers and Cosmetology,

I am writing to express my strong disagreement with the proposed reduction of required training hours for cosmetologists from 1500 to 1000 hours. As a licensed professional with 16 years of experience, I am deeply invested in maintaining high educational standards and quality. I believe that reducing the required training hours will have several detrimental effects on both the profession and the public.

1. Comprehensive Skill Development: The cosmetology profession encompasses a wide range of skills, including hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, and nail services. The current 1500-hour requirement ensures that students receive comprehensive training in all these areas. Reducing the hours to 1000 would likely result in a more superficial understanding of these critical skills, ultimately compromising service quality and client safety.

2. Safety and Sanitation: Proper sanitation and safety practices are paramount in cosmetology to prevent the spread of infections and ensure the well-being of clients. The current curriculum includes extensive training in these areas, which would be significantly reduced under the new law. This could lead to an increase in health-related incidents, harming both clients and professionals.

3. Industry Standards and Competitiveness: The current 1500-hour standard aligns Virginia with many other states that maintain high training requirements. Reducing the hours could place Virginia cosmetologists at a disadvantage compared to those from states with more rigorous training. It could also affect their ability to find employment across state lines or gain recognition for their skills.

4. Professionalism and Career Readiness: Extensive training not only equips students with technical skills but also instills a sense of professionalism and preparedness for a career in cosmetology. Shortening the training period may leave graduates feeling less confident and less prepared to handle the diverse challenges they will face in their careers.

5. Feedback from Industry Professionals: Feedback from salon owners, educators, and seasoned cosmetologists indicates that the current training hours are necessary to produce well-rounded, competent professionals. The reduction could lead to a decline in the overall reputation and standards of the cosmetology profession in Virginia.

I urge the Board to reconsider this reduction and maintain the 1500-hour requirement to ensure that Virginia continues to produce highly skilled, knowledgeable, and professional cosmetologists. Our industry’s reputation and the safety of our clients depend on maintaining these high standards.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

John McCown

Stylist - Educator - Compliance Leader