Action | Lower Cosmetology Training to 1,000 Hours |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 10/12/2022 |
Our industry is already inundated with newly graduated cosmetologists who are unable to perform basic haircuts, color, and texture services. I am a manager of a franchise salon, located within the nation's largest retailer; and I see these cosmetologists regularly. When they enter the work force, the onus falls to us to complete the basic education of new graduates. Frankly it is unsafe, and uneconomical.
I do not say this lightly. Our industry is suffering from post-pandemic scarcity. It is difficult to find stylists who are willing to risk taking a commission-based job in the current economic climate. But to license under-educated people would, to me, be unwise indeed.
The 'Milady' textbook is comprehensive, but students are seldom given the opportunity to practice the theory they've been taught. As a result, they exit school perfectly able to pass the PSI nonsense exam, but are woefully unprepared to service actual clients.
If any new regulations are passed, it should be to increase the practical education of cosmetologists and barbers. Reducing hours will pile additional burdens on an already struggling industry.