I oppose reducing the cosmetology hours.  I am a former cosmetology instructor and I have seen the benefits of being able to attend school for 1500 hours.  The students get more hands on training, they are not rushed through the basics of their learning and it allows us time to prep them with salon readiness classes.  I am currently in Admissions at a cosmetology school and since the news broke that DPOR would be reviewing the hours for cosmetology, we have had people reaching out wanting to get into school before that reduction.  A question I have also received is if they will be allowed to attend for 1500 hours over a reduced amount of  hours.  I think that speaks volumes!  Not only do our students not want the hours reduced but people wanting to attend cosmetology school are not wanting their education hours reduced.  I greatly oppose the reduction of cosmetology hours in Virginia.