COLUMBIA, S.C. — A bill that could change the way cosmetologists operate in South Carolina is advancing in the state Senate, sparking debates about industry regulations and consumer safety.
The proposed legislation would permit beauty professionals to practice outside traditional brick-and-mortar salons.
Megan O'Brien, owner of Ring My Belle, a business specializing in at-home beauty services, has been at the forefront of the movement. Having encountered legal barriers to her business model upon moving to Charleston, O'Brien has been a vocal proponent of reforming South Carolina's cosmetology laws.
"I think the freedom to work when you want, where you want, is a right," said O'Brien. “The likelihood of someone going to jail for doing a French braid in a hotel is pretty low, but still, it is pretty hard to hire people and I can’t properly advertise like I do in my other states because it is an illegal business.”
Under the proposed bill, services like blow-drying, makeup application, and hair braiding would see clarification regarding licensing requirements.
Jordan Benegas, representing the Institute for Justice, advocated for reducing the training hours required for a cosmetology license in South Carolina. Right now the law requires 1,500 hours, which is double of what’s required for massage therapists.
“Currently, the average cost for cosmetology school in South Carolina is $17,000 and what that does is create a significant barrier to those, particularly for those practicing these niche services and may not even want to practice the full scope of cosmetology,” said Benegas.
However, not everyone supports the proposed changes. The Professional Beauty Association has raised concerns about public safety.
“Makeup can be tragic if proper sanitation and disinfection is not implemented,” said Chelsey Paige Phillips with the Salon Professional Alliance.
With only a few months left in the legislative session, the fate of the bill remains uncertain. The bill will be considered by a full Senate Panel on Thursday.
According to the Justice Institute, 33 states have exempted hair braiding, six states have exempted blow-dry hair styling, and 12 states have exempted makeup applications from licensure requirements.