Beauty pros take pride in their work, the skills they’ve developed, and the services they can provide to their clients. For years, educational standards and training requirements have been integral to beauty pros becoming certified and establishing themselves as reputable cosmetologists in a competitive industry.
Now, those long-held beauty regulations are changing in the state of Georgia. Senate Bill 354 has passed, ushering in a new era of beauty pro standards in Georgia and leaving many cosmetologists unsure of what the change will entail. If you’re feeling uncertain about Bill 354, you’ll want to continue reading our guide to working as a beauty pro in Georgia.
Key Takeaways
Many of the licensing requirements and beauty regulations in Georgia have been removed by the passage of Senate Bill 354. This shifts the regulatory landscape and standards that cosmetologists have traditionally been held to.
Beauty Pros and Bill 354 - What You Need to Know
What is Georgia Senate Bill 354?
At its core, Georgia Bill 354 removes the beauty regulations that were once required to perform certain cosmetology jobs. These specific tasks formerly required licensing; now, individuals with no education or training can be hired to perform them. The jobs affected include the following.
- Applying cosmetics
- Blow-dry styling
- Brushing
- Combing
- Shampooing
- Washing
In practice, Bill 354 eliminates thousands of hours of education and training from the previous beauty regulations.
Working as a Cosmetologist in Georgia After Bill 354
There’s no question that the beauty regulation changes resulting from Bill 354 will have an impact on the beauty industry in Georgia (and potentially elsewhere). The question is, how will it affect cosmetologists working in the state?
The answer is both complex and riddled with uncertainty. Because of the newness of this development, many of the ways it will inevitably impact beauty pros are yet to be discovered. Still, there are a few notable things to expect.
More Competition for the Affected Jobs
If one good thing results from the approval of Bill 354, it is that certain positions in the beauty industry are now available to more people. Because people will no longer have to obtain an education or go through standardized training to do things like apply cosmetics or wash hair, they can apply and get hired for jobs they previously would have been unqualified for.
This not only grants employment opportunities to those who would otherwise not have them but also gives ambitious individuals a chance to get their feet wet in the beauty industry. Some passionate people who embrace these entry positions may be able to work in the industry they love while training to be licensed cosmetologists.
The Problem with Bill 354
Bill 354 creates some very real concerns in the beauty industry. As a cosmetologist, not many people will understand these potential downsides better than you. A few of the most notable issues that are sure to arise include the following.
- Slipping safety standards. With the reduction in beauty regulations comes the possibility of increased mistakes, as well as injuries to clients and workers.
- Sanitation concerns. Untrained individuals increase the likelihood of cleanliness standards failing to remain at a high level, leading to unsafe, unsanitary working conditions.
- What comes next? Reducing education and training requirements is a slippery slope that could lead to other compromises in the standards the industry previously upheld.
How to Stand Out as a Beauty Pro in Georgia
As the cosmetology landscape changes in Georgia, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. Some beauty pros will opt to take advantage of the new beauty regulations established by Bill 354, allowing them to cut costs and offer more competitive pricing. How you respond could shape the future of your salon.
Focusing on the importance of education and training is a great way to emphasize your professionalism. Many of your clients will understand and appreciate your dedication to your craft and gravitate toward your salon as a result. While the importance of this hard work (and the licenses you’ve obtained) might require a bit of explanation, it is worth calling awareness to. As beauty regulations are reduced and licenses are cheapened, your expertise will grow even more valuable. Don’t be afraid to lean into that.
More than ever, making connections with your current customers and dream clients is essential. Get involved in your community, become a recognizable name in the industry, and engage with your people in real, authentic ways–both in person and through social media.
It is also essential to stay informed. As Bill 354 begins changing the beauty industry in Georgia, staying in the know is key. Be sure to subscribe to Beauty Insurance Plus to remain up to date on the latest beauty pro news and trends. Our blog is also packed with practical tips, tricks, and insights to help your beauty biz reach its full potential.
