Barbers and cosmetologists will now only have to complete 1,000 hours of training to qualify for license.
With the new year comes changes to the beauty industry. Senate Bill (SB) 803, which reduces the overall training hours a student must complete to become a licensed barber or cosmetologist in the state of California, is now in effect. But did you know the bill in fact adds more training hours towards health and safety, protecting you, the consumer? 
While SB 803 reduces barbering and cosmetology programs to 1,000 hours (previously 1,500 and 1,600 hours, more than most states require), the new law increases the number of health and safety training hours, from 65 to 100 hours. That is more hours a student must spend learning hazardous substances, chemical and health in establishments, health and safety laws, bacteriology and preventing communicable diseases, in addition to disinfection and sanitation. The change not only protects licensees but also consumers while promoting public safety. Experts say changes to the law allows students better access to licenses and jobs while also learning the necessary practices and safeguards to protect themselves and their future clients.
Additionally, Dermaplaning has been added to the scope of practice for cosmetologists and estheticians, and lash and brow perming has been added to the scope of practice for estheticians. This allows licensees to be properly trained on how to provide these services safely and allows the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to provide information on regarding best practices to protect consumers.
The Board licenses over 50,000 establishments and over 560,000 individuals. You can always check an establishment, barber, cosmetologist, or esthetician license by visiting search.dca.ca.gov. To learn more about SB 803, click here.
