Unlike states such as Illinois and New York that have dragged their feet on implementing rules and regulations for nail technicians after passing a licensing bill, the Iowa State Board of Cosmetology started issuing nail technician licenses in late January 1993, just six months after the licensing bill was passed by the state legislature.

Iowa nail technicians who can prove they have been doing nails since before July 1, 1992, or who have completed the required 325 hours of education, are eligible to take the state board exam. The bill also allows licensing of manicurists, who can perform natural nail services only after completing 40 hours of education.

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