I am in support of maintaining (at minimum) the current safety and hygiene regulations.  As written, I don't believe they sufficiently protect public health and safety.  There are too many gray areas leaving many salons guessing about what is required.  The risk of spreading communicable bacterial/viral infections is high as a result.  For example:  a wax applicator should be limited to one dip. The applicator has the potential to come into contact with body fluid (sometimes blood).  Double Dipping contaminates the entire pot of wax.  So many salons double dip as a result of budget concerns and because wax manufacturers claim their products are "anti-microbial".  The warmer doesn't achieve a sufficient temp to kill all potential pathogens.  I can go on and on.  I'm willing to contribute other examples if you contact me using the e-mail listed.

I am also in support of implementing CE requirements to maintain licensure.  There are so many new chemicals we have access to and are using without the benefit of sufficient training.  This significantly impacts public health.  The recent introduction of Keratin Smoothing Treatments is a prime example.  Stylists have access to those chemicals, which have now been proven by OSHA and the FDA to contain harmful cancer causing chemicals.  There are so many individual licensees who no longer work in salons who continue to purchase and use chemicals without benefit of proper education and training.  Not only does this practice harm consumers, it harms the hairdressers themselves.  Again, I can comment further and share research if you need an advisor during this process.

I am in support of fee increases that will provide the state with the necessary funding to protect stylists and consumers.  I am in favor of strict enforcement and in favor of more frequent safety inspections.  For me, licensure fees are a necessary cost of doing business.

Thank you,

Crystal Rivenbark