Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure: News

New 2019 Legislation

On May 16, 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed HB19-1290  Barber / Cos Foreign Equivalency.  Effective August 2, 2019, applicants for barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, hairstylist, and nail technician licenses by examination can substitute work experience obtained in a foreign country for the required contact hours, using a ratio of three months of experience for every one hundred contact hours. The hours required for disinfection, cleaning, safe work practices, and review of laws and rules are not eligible for substitution. The new law allows the Division of Professions and Occupations in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to promulgate rules to determine how applicants provide proof and attestation of foreign work experience with the application for examination.

Consumer Tips for Nail Salons

Before your next visit to a nail salon, please view or download our Consumer Tips for Nail Salons to learn more about what you should observe the next time you go in for a manicure or pedicure.

Hair Smoothing Products Could Release Formaldehyde

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and several State OSHA programs are investigating questions and complaints from hair salon owners and workers about possible formaldehyde exposure from hair smoothing products. Some of these products have been labeled as "formaldehyde-free." During Federal OSHA investigations, air tests showed formaldehyde at levels above OSHA's limits in salons using Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution and Brasil Cacau Cadiveu, resulting in violations and citations.