Cosmetology Professionals in the state of Oklahoma work under license of the State Board of Cosmetology. Our State Board of Cosmetology works very hard to insure the safety of all citizens of our state by issuing and enforcing Cosmetology Rules and Regulations. It is the responsibility of all salon professionals, workers, students, staff, instructors and salon owners to help maintain proper sanitation standards for their establishments.
In this article you will find more information about some of the new rules and regulations that will go into effect in July, 2012.
Consumer Information
The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology establishes and enforces safety and sanitation practice standards, which preserve and promote health and safety for the citizens of Oklahoma.
Q. What type of license is required?
In Oklahoma, cosmetology, facial and nail technology may only be performed by individuals who hold a valid state license and who work in a licensed facility or hold a valid work permit.
Q. How can I tell if a person performing cosmetology is properly licensed?
All licenses and work permits must be posted in public view with a current photo attached. You may call the Board of Cosmetology and ask for license/permit verification.
Q. Are cosmetology establishments inspected?
Oklahoma cosmetology salons are inspected at least twice a year to ensure safety and sanitation compliance and to ensure all persons providing cosmetology services hold a valid license/permit. The most current salon inspection sheets must be posted in public view.
Services
Q. What services can a cosmetologist provide and what are some of the things I should look for when receiving these services?
“Cosmetology” includes the practice of bleaching, cleansing, curling, cutting, coloring, dressing, removing, singeing, styling, waving, or similar work, upon the hair of any person by any means, and with hands or mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances. Non-permanent removal of hair services may be performed with these devices as long as there is no puncturing of the skin, or by use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams, massaging, cleansing, stimulating, exercising, beautifying, or similar work, the scalp, face, neck, arms, bust, or upper part of the body, or manicuring the nails of any person.
A cosmetologist may hold themselves to be a Beautician, Beauty Culturists, Beauty Operator, Cosmetologist, or Hairdresser.
- All tools and implements used on a client must be disinfected prior to each use.
- Chemical services may include permanent waves, straightening, lightening, or coloring of the hair.
- When receiving permanent wave services, a preliminary test curl may be taken to determine how the hair will react to the permanent.
- For color services, a pretest may be done prior to the treatment to determine the development time, color results and the ability of the hair to withstand the effects of chemicals.
- For all chemical services, a towel and/or other sanitary neck strip must be used to keep the full length protective covering (i.e., shampoo cape, drape, smock) from coming in direct contact with a client’s skin. The towel and neck strip will protect the client from solution that may drip during the service.
- Chemical solutions must be removed from the skin immediately on contact. If you feel chemicals dripping on your skin or any burning sensation, inform the cosmetologist immediately.
- Some chemicals may have strong odors; they should not cause you discomfort. Salons should have adequate ventilation to keep the odors from lingering. If the chemical odor causes you any discomfort, inform the cosmetologist immediately.
The mission of the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology is to safeguard and protect the health and general welfare of the people of the state of Oklahoma by performing a variety of services from developing curriculum for cosmetology schools to administering examinations for prospective practitioners of the cosmetology arts.
The Board of Cosmetology licenses and regulates the profession of cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, instructors and establishments where these services are performed. It also regulates health and safety issues in schools approved by the Board. Anyone who provides these types of services including but not limited to, haircutting, hairdressing, nail care, skin care and the application of make-up must be licensed by the Board.
What’s New
Rule changes effective July 1st, 2012
175:10-7-5. Sanitizer(s) required for use in cosmetology schools and related establishments
(a) Every precaution shall be taken to prevent infection by sanitizing all cosmetology tools.
(b) All items shall be cleaned/sanitized by removing all visible debris from an item or surface by using
soap/water or a cleaning agent.
(c) Items shall be rinsed thoroughly in plain water.
(d) Items shall be placed in a wet sanitizer, which is a large, pan-type container which may be of plastic,
enamel, stainless steel, or rubber and shall be fully immersed in an EPA approved disinfectant prepared according to manufacturer’s directions. The items must stay immersed for full contact time according to manufacturer’s instructions in order that item or surface stays moist with disinfection for all pathogens listed on the label to be effectively destroyed.
(e) Combs may be disinfected in a cylinder jar by immersing in an EPA approved disinfectant prepared according to manufacturer’s directions. The combs must stay immersed for full contact time according to manufacturer’s instructions in order that item or surface stays moist with disinfection for all pathogens listed on the label to be effectively destroyed.
(f) If an autoclave is used to sterilize items after disinfection, in order to destroy all microbial life
(including spores), periodic testing and maintenance must be performed on system according to manufacturer’s instructions.
(g)_ All disinfected and/or sterilized items must be stored in a dry/closed cabinet, drawer, or other
closed/covered/light type container without fumes.
175:10-7-6. Sanitizing agents for use in cosmetology schools and related establishments
(a) Disinfectants for use by cosmetology establishments and schools shall be used only if
registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as a disinfectant to achieve its intended purpose in accordance with the product label.
(b) To sanitize and minimize corrosion of metal instruments, immerse and wipe thoroughly with an EPA approved disinfectant or spray with approved oil base sanitizer and store in a cabinet or closed container free from contamination between use and service for each patron.
(c) All disinfection immersion liquid must be changed daily or sooner if visibly contaminated.
(d) All customer contact items, including neck rests, arm rests and seats, must be cleaned and disinfected between customers.
175:10-7-31. Manicuring equipment
The use of the credo blade or knife is prohibited for use by licensees.
SUBCHAPTER 9. LICENSURE OF COSMETOLOGISTS AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS
PART 5. DEMONSTRATORS; COSMETIC STUDIOS; TRADE SHOWS; GUEST ARTISTS; WIG DRESSING; OTHER PRACTICES OF COSMETOLOGY
175:10-9-55. Practices of cosmetology
(a) Only licensed Facialist/Estheticians and Cosmetologists, as defined in Title 59 O.S. § 199.1 (5) and (10) may perform threading and body sugaring.
(b) Only a licensed Facialist/Esthetician or Cosmetologist may perform eyelash extensions.
Health and Safety Guidelines
Q. What health and safety guidelines should I watch for?
- Is a current facility license posted in public view?
- Are valid licenses posted in public view? Photocopies are not acceptable.
- Are the licensees performing only those services for which they are certified/licensed?
- Is the establishment clean? Are work areas cleaned after each client?
- Are clean towels and linens stored in a clean area? Are soiled towels and linens put in a covered receptacle? Is a clean towel provided for each client?
- Do the licensees wash their hands before and after serving each client?
- At the workstation, are clean items stored separately from soiled ones? Are the combs, brushes, and instruments clean?
- Are proper disinfectant procedures being carried out? Instruments must be cleaned with soap and water, then totally immersed in disinfectant that has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as having demonstrated tuberculocidal, bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal activity. Items that cannot be disinfected must be disposed of.
I hope you, as a consumer, will find this information helpful. It is important for all of us to work together to insure the safety and sanitation of our salons and schools, and therefore keeping all of us safer.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.
