Cosmetology life about to get easier in Wisconsin

Bill would eliminate multiple regulations 

Licensing for cosmetologists in Wisconsin becomes less onerous with a plan that’s expected to become law as early as this week.

It’s a bill that eliminates continuing education requirements, dumps limits on when a licensed hairdresser can own a shop and makes it easier for those from other states to work in Wisconsin.

“This is much needed regulatory reform in the cosmetology industry and it’s going to remove barriers that stop people from advancing in their careers,” Onalaska’s Salon Professional Academy co-owner Bill Feehan said.

Aside from the education credits, the biggest of the changes might be the end of a requirement for thousands of hours of experience before a cosmetologist can run or own a shop.

“You won’t need an additional license to be a manager to go out and open your own business,” Feehan said. “So, it removes a hurdle to people that graduated from cosmetology school from immediately going out and practicing the trade that they have learned.

I don’t think we want the government standing in the way of people trying to pursue their dreams. Whether they want to have their own business or they want to advance their career and become an educator in cosmetology, this bill removes hurdles that really were unnecessary.”

What hasn’t changed is the 1,500 hours of training needed to get a license to cut hair or do nails in the state.

Feehan did say that ending the continuing education makes sense because that education has been little more than a review of sanitary procedures.