As a Master Cosmetology Instructor, Master Barber Instructor, salon owner, and private school owner in Oklahoma, I have personally witnessed the positive impact of our current educational standards and licensing structure on the quality of service we provide. Our profession requires a high level of skill and knowledge to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our clients. The current licensing system helps to uphold these standards by requiring practitioners to seek education and demonstrate their competence before they can practice.

In addition to reducing required hours,there is a proposal to create opportunities to shampoo without proper sanitation and safety training, as well as, allowing someone to get 14 hours of education and become an eyelash technician. These bills could potentially lower our professional standards, put the public at risk all  while making it more expensive for individuals to enter this field due to not being able to receive aid for 500 hour programs.

Furthermore, there is also an attempt to shift governance from our current state agency to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

We believe that these changes are not beneficial for us as professionals nor for our clients who trust us with their personal care needs. Therefore, we urge you not only maintain but also enhance the current educational standards for Cosmetology and Barbering in Oklahoma. Let's keep master instructor licenses intact as they play an integral role in ensuring high-quality training within this industry.

We also call upon you to approve our fee increase which could improve the very issues the agency has been facing. 
Let's work together towards improving conditions within our industry without compromising on quality or affordability - sign this petition today!