The proposed New Hampshire House Bill 446-FN seeks to repeal the regulatory boards and authority for licensure or certification for the cosmetology, esthetics, and barbering fields. According to The Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association (PBA/NCA), passage of the Bill would have a severely detrimental impact on thousands of employed licensed professionals and more than 3,016 salon/spa establishments, as well as potentially putting consumers at risk.

PBA also states: that proper education and licensing of the cosmetology profession by the state is essential to ensure the welfare of the general public. Ensuring core knowledge and competency in areas such as bacteriology, sanitation, anatomy, chemistry, and health is absolutely necessary to maintain confidence in the profession and safety for the consumer.

"Without certification, any individual could perform these services on the public and there would be no way to ensure individuals have the necessary training and competency," said Myra Irizarry, Government Affairs for the Professional Beauty Association | National Cosmetology Association.

"This law would put the livelihoods of thousands of licensed beauty professionals in New Hampshire at risk, threaten the safety of our customers, and damage the reputation of an entire industry" said Laurie Ashe, owner of Hair Colour Concepts in Portsmouth.

PBA/NCA strongly encourages beauty professionals and members of the public voice their opposition to HB 446-FN. To oppose this measure, visit probeauty.org/advocacy and click on Take Action Now.

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