Iowa (RI) — Aspiring barbers and cosmetologists soon will be able to work without a license in Iowa if they are supervised by a licensed professional in the industry. Governor Reynolds recently signed the bill to allow “establishment training programs” for cutting, coloring, and styling hair. Craig Hunt of the Iowa Barbers Coalition says it’s a great opportunity.
Hunt, who owns two barber shops and a salon in the Des Moines metro, started taking the required training to be a barber when he was 19 years old.
Hunt is now a master barber and has been teaching for over 15 years. He says the new law sets up a great alternative to traditional cosmetology and barbering schools and is similar to existing apprenticeships for barbers.
Licensed barbershops and salons will have to register with the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences if they hire people to train on the job. Customers must be notified in writing if an unlicensed person is going to cut, color, style, or perm their hair. Critics of the legislation say the change lowers standards and could endanger customers. The bill easily passed the Iowa House and Senate and, while there were “no” votes, none of the bill’s opponents spoke during debate.
KIWA Staff Photo
