Dear signer,

I am asking for you to support the Texas barber and cosmetology professional as we fight yet another legislative bill that is an attempt to devalue the importance of education, licensure, and consumer safety.  On November 12, 2024, Senator Bob Hall introduced Senate Bill 101, relating to the practice of barbering and cosmetology.  This bill aims to grant non-licensed persons authority to perform hair care styling services.

Review the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB101

For licensed professionals, such change could potentially diminish the value of professional licenses, which are designed to ensure a certain standard of safety and skill. For consumers, opting for unlicensed professionals can pose risks as these individuals may lack necessary training and oversight that licensed practitioners undergo. The absence of the required anatomy and physiology of barbering and cosmetology involving the understanding of the human body, particularly as it relates to hair and skin that non-licensed persons would forego raises important questions about consumer safety and the integrity of the profession.  

Such concerns are:

• The lack of knowledge of skin and hair conditions
• improper techniques and use of products
• integrity of the professional standards 
• professional accountability through regulatory bodies

Continuing education is a mandated requirement for licensed professionals. These courses are designed not only to ensure that barbers and stylist are updated on the latest techniques and safety standards but also to promote overall occupational health and safety.

If Texas SB 101 passes, it indeed sends a mixed message about the value of training and regulation in the barber and beauty industry.  While professionals are required to participate in mental health and human trafficking awareness courses to better support clients, allowing non-licensed individuals to perform hair care styling services could pose significant risk.  Without these requirements, unlicensed persons may lack the necessary knowledge to support clients effectively, potentially leading to unsafe or harmful situations. This could be viewed as contradictory legislation that fails to recognize the complexities involved in hair care and the experts required to do it safely.

We are an industry that cares about our livelihood and the consumer. We are one so let's unite and stand against this bill by signing and sharing this petition! No more two-faced legislation that's geared to destroy the barber and cosmetology industry and small business owners.

Enough Is Enough! ~Sharla Wooten - TDLR CE Provider #1859 

www.coahairgallery.com