The beauty industry has been under the threat of deregulation for years but while those inside --the practicing professionals--understand the importance of licensing, a new poll shows that their clients and potential customers, once educated about the issue, do, too. The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) announces the results of its first-ever national poll regarding the regulation and licensing of cosmetologists. Conducted in December 2012, the poll showed that 94 percent of general election voters from across the U.S. overwhelmingly supported the required licensing of beauty professionals and feel these licenses protect the public and improve both the quality and safety in the beauty industry.

 Results also showed that the public, prior to the poll, did not understand the connection between licensing and public health issues like lice and scalp disease. After being informed of the issues, 67 percent of voters said the connection was obvious when ensuring proper sanitation and cleanliness.

 Key points learned from the survey include:

• Eighty percent of voters understood that beauty professionals must attend school in order to receive a license. Voters were least likely to know that training in preventing the spread of disease was necessary, though 60 percent did identify it as a requirement.

• Eighty-two percent of voters said that quality and safety would decline if states ended licensing and regulation in the beauty industry.

• Ninety-four percent of voters support required licensing of beauty professionals.

• Eighty-eight percent of voters believe that requiring licensing protects the public from possible infection and disease.

 For the full report and for more information, visit probeauty.org/iam. 

MODERN SALON has created a "heat map" to illustrate those areas of the country where there is a legislative threat.  Find out if your state is heating up.

https://www.modernsalon.com/cosmetology-industry-resources/legislative-contacts/