As part of a continued effort to educate lawmakers, consumers, and the industry on the importance of beauty industry licensing and regulations, and to prevent industry deregulation, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has announced its new “I Am A Professional. I Am Licensed.” campaign. This awareness campaign aims to build a stronger, more united front of licensed professionals, and arm them with information to share with their clients on why licensing is important to protect the public from potential harm and the spread of communicable diseases.    

According to the PBA, many states across the U.S. have or are considering measures to deregulate occupational licensing, often focusing on the cosmetology industry. Some state officials view licensing and regulation as a deterrent to employment in the beauty industry and a road block to healthy market competition. 

However, if the beauty industry were deregulated and licensing requirements removed at the state level, manufacturers, distributors, salon owners, licensed professionals, and most importantly, consumers would be negatively affected, says the PBA. According to an independent national poll regarding the regulation and licensing of cosmetologists, the voting public believes deregulation would be detrimental: 94% polled are in favor of the required licensing of beauty professionals. Sixty-seven percent polled also acknowledged that deregulation would lead to improper sanitation and cleanliness practices.      

To combat deregulation and its repercussions, the “I Am A Professional. I Am Licensed.” movement also seeks to arm all licensed professionals with information to educate lawmakers in their states on the importance of maintaining state cosmetology boards and regulations.   

If you want to help, PBA will send a window cling to display and helpful talking points to share with clients about the health and safety risks when using unlicensed beauty professionals. For more information and to request materials, visit www.probeauty.org/iam

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