Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
 
Board
Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
 
chapter
Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations [18 VAC 41 ‑ 20]
Action Lower Cosmetology Training to 1,000 Hours
Stage Final
Comment Period Ended on 7/3/2024
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6/28/24  10:39 am
Commenter: Concerned Cosmetology Student

Cosmetology is not Esthetics!
 

The current 1500-hour requirement ensures that we receive comprehensive training in all aspects of cosmetology. These hours are crucial for us to develop a deep understanding and mastery of the skills needed to excel in this industry. Each hour spent in the classroom and salon is an investment in our future success as licensed professionals.

Reducing these hours to 1000 would mean cutting short our learning experience significantly. We would have less time to practice and refine our techniques, less exposure to diverse clients and situations, and ultimately, less confidence in our abilities when we enter the workforce. Cosmetology is a hands-on profession that requires practical skills honed through hours of practice. Cutting down the hours jeopardizes the quality of our education and the standard of service we can provide to clients.

Maintaining the 1500-hour requirement ensures consistency and credibility within the cosmetology field. By lowering the standards, we risk undermining the reputation of licensed cosmetologists and casting doubt on the quality of our education.

Furthermore, tripling the hours dedicated to skin and nail training, while beneficial in enhancing our expertise in these areas, does not justify cutting corners in our hair education. Cosmetology demands proficiency in a wide range of skills, and our education should reflect this diversity without sacrificing depth in the MAIN FOCUS OF OUR TRAINING!

This regulation change could have unintended  consequences for our career prospects and earning potential. In many states, the number of training hours directly influences licensure requirements and job opportunities. A lower hour requirement may flood the market with undertrained professionals, leading to increased competition for jobs and potentially lower wages for all cosmetologists.

CommentID: 226106