Reducing the hours on their own would be so unfair to the industry as well as the future cosmetologists.  More time is needed to provide services, understand the chemicals that are being used and how they work, how to formulate colors and especially how to do corrections when needed.  If there was a required apprenticeship where they can continue their training and understanding the geometry used for hair cutting, the chemicals for color, perms and relaxers as a start.  You learn so much by providing services, working side by side with a teacher/stylist trainer, I understand there are people wanting quicker turns on schooling, reduced costs and such but for the majority of students it would be unfair and setting them up for failure.  More technical aspects of the field are what occurs in those 500 hours you are considering eliminating and they truly are so very critical for learning and practicing skills and knowledge needed for success.