In regards to the proposed reduction of cosmetology training hours from 1500 to 1000 hours:

This issue is of significant importance to our community, and I appreciate the opportunity to address it.

Firstly, I want to emphasize that the current 1500-hour requirement exists for a reason: to ensure that our future stylists receive comprehensive and thorough training. Cosmetology is not merely about styling hair or applying makeup; it involves critical aspects such as safety, sanitation, and the ability to practice effectively on real clients. 

Lowering the training hours to 1000 would severely impact our educators' ability to adequately prepare students for the demands of the salon environment. Training programs would be forced to condense essential curriculum components, potentially compromising the quality of education provided. 

Moreover, reducing training hours could lead to a decrease in hands-on practice opportunities. Practical experience is crucial for honing skills and ensuring that stylists are proficient and confident when they begin their careers. With fewer hours available, students may not have as many chances to work on real people under supervision, which is essential for their development and for ensuring client safety.

Safety and sanitation standards are non-negotiable in our profession. The additional 500 hours currently required allow students to thoroughly learn and practice these standards, ensuring that when they enter the workforce, they do so with a full understanding of their responsibilities to protect public health.

You are also putting a burden on current instructors to teach things that were not previously within the scope of practice in our state such as straight razor shaving, nail, and skin services. Many were never instructed thoroughly in those areas. What’s the plan for that? 

In conclusion, lowering the cosmetology training requirement to 1000 hours would be detrimental to our industry. It would compromise the quality of education, reduce hands-on training opportunities, and potentially compromise safety and sanitation standards. I would not be surprised to see many new stylists leave our industry when they graduate and realize they were not fully prepared for the real salon experience. I also fear less students being able to afford coming to cosmetology school as it will now be harder to qualify for aid. As our governing board, it is your duty to prioritize the well-being of our community and maintain the integrity of our profession. Therefore, I strongly oppose this change and urge you to join me in advocating for the retention of the 1500-hour requirement.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to continuing our dialogue on how best to support our cosmetology students and professionals.

Sincerely,

Courtney Carver

Cosmetology Instructor