KEY TAKEAWAYS: Georgia Bill 354, which removes beauty pro licensing requirements for certain services, will affect all beauty pros. From its immediate impact to the inevitable ripple effect, every beauty professional should be aware of the potential changes on the horizon.

Georgia Bill 354 & How it Affects Beauty Pro Licensing

Georgia Bill 354 could change the beauty industry by removing the need for licenses for some services, like shampooing, blow-drying, and applying makeup. This means more people could start working in salons quickly without long training periods. However, this could also lead to safety and hygiene issues and make professional licenses less valuable.

It's important to stay informed and share your thoughts on this bill, as it could impact the entire beauty industry in Georgia. 

What to Know About Georgia Bill 354 & Beauty Pro Licensing 

The Basics

At its core, Georgia Bill 354–also known as the Cosmetologists and Barbers; persons performing certain limited responsibilities; exempt from licensure–removes the traditionally held licensing requirements from certain beauty pro responsibilities.

More specifically, it permits salons and barber shops to employ people to perform the following services without receiving licensure.

• Washing
• Shampooing
• Combing
• Brushing
• Blow-dry styling
• Applying cosmetics

This means that the education standards would be dismissed, as would the need for apprenticeship–roughly 1,500 hours worth of learning.

Arguments for the Bill

It’s fair to question why such a bill would exist and gain traction in the first place. To understand the full story, it’s important to consider the proponents of the bill and why they view it as a positive.

The primary argument for Georgia Bill 354 is that it will give people opportunities to get their start in the beauty industry without being burdened with months of prerequisites.

Whether it’s an increased emphasis on experience or the idea that certain services shouldn’t be subject to such stringent beauty pro licensure standards, the argument stands–this bill removes barriers and allows more people to start working in salons and barber shops.

The Dark Side of Bill 354

While the bill might originate from a place of good intentions, there are some serious and valid concerns regarding its implementation, impact, and repercussions.

Cosmetologists and barbers have come forward to shed light on the reality of this potential change and the severity of the fallout.

Their concerns include a myriad of legitimate issues, all of which say one thing–Bill 354 is not a good idea.

• Safety concerns are at the forefront of the debate. Without proper training, the likelihood of injury increases dramatically. In addition to physical injury as a result of lax training standards, the cleanliness and sanitation requirements would undoubtedly slip, leading to unsanitary and unsafe working conditions.
• The bill would cheapen beauty pro licensing. Right now, obtaining a license means something. It speaks to your dedication, your educational background, your thorough training, and your qualifications. By eliminating these requirements for certain services, the bill essentially says a cosmetology license is meaningless and worthless.
• Education and training matter. A bill that dismisses the importance of learning, both in the classroom and on the job, belittles the industry and those who have worked hard to achieve excellence. It also eliminates the jobs of beauty pro educators, offsetting the workforce gains it hopes to facilitate.
• The ripple effect is a legitimate concern. If this bill passes, the implications for other states and the beauty industry as a whole could be significant. What reductions in educational and licensing requirements are next? What will happen to the standards that are in place to protect clients’ best interests?

How to Get Involved

If you feel passionately about Georgia Bill 354, it’s important to make your voice heard.

This may sound like a daunting task–after all, who here has a direct connection to the world of politics? Still, there are ways to get involved in a meaningful way.

It starts with having conversations.

Talk about the bill with your fellow beauty pros and your clients. Learn as much as you can, share your concerns, and listen to theirs. The more people are aware of the bill and discuss it, the better.

You might also want to consider reaching out to your representatives to voice your opinions and share your perspective. When enough professionals band together, big things can happen.

The same principle applies to letting influential beauty pro organizations know where you stand. They will likely have a bigger platform that can be leveraged to make positive changes in the beauty industry.

So, do a little research and contact the appropriate people. Even if you feel like your voice is minimal and won’t make a difference, every voice–including yours–matters!

Staying informed as a beauty pro is vital, and Elite Beauty Society is your resource for the latest news, trends, and insights. Be sure to subscribe to stay in the know and visit our blog for industry updates.