May, 2025- Update Below
Many have not heard the recent news about the cosmetology industry in the state of Oklahoma. Gov. Stitt vetoed the bill (HB1030) that would keep our Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology, Barbering and Massage Therapy in operation until 2028.
If this bill holds, then the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology, Barbering and Massage Therapy would go away. What does this mean to Oklahomans? Who will regulate our industry in Oklahoma? Will there be regular inspections? What about students, schools and licenses? Do they plan on shifting us to a new agency, like Service Oklahoma, who oversees car tags, titles and such? Do you really want to go to a Beauty Professional who is not regulated? Safety and Sanitation should always be first and foremost!
If the Senators and Representatives over-ride the veto, then the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology, Barbering and Massage Therapy stays as is for now.
Consumer Beware!
It is very important that you are very cautious when entering a new establishment. Look for the following:
- Is it Clean?
- Do they sanitize and disinfect their tools and capes?
- Are they licensed?
- Do they keep up their education for new tools, chemicals, a sanitation guidelines?
- Germs, bacteria, fungus, microbes, and yes, even parasites, could be present and you would not even know.
The Salon can be a very dangerous place if you don't know what you are watching for. We have extremely sharp tools, strong chemicals, curling irons that can reach temps of 450 degrees. Many chemicals don't play well with others...
Salon staff need to be well trained in all facets of safety and sanitation to protect themselves, co-workers as well as the public. It's not all about getting a bad haircut, it's your health. Please be watchful.
Update!
Update on Oklahoma 2026 Legislative Session: Cosmetology Deregulation (as of September 25, 2025)
As a quick recap, the Oklahoma Legislature's 60th Legislative Session (Second Regular Session for 2026) is set to begin on February 2, 2026. Bill prefiling can occur as early as November 15, 2025 (per Senate rules), with a January 15, 2026, deadline for introductions. No bills related to cosmetology, barbering, or the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (OSBCB) have been prefiled or introduced yet.
Latest Developments on Deregulation
A note to Gov. Stitt....
Dear Governor: I know you speak of the Oklahoma standard all of the time, I think you need to consider the safety and security of all customers, workers, and salon staff when you consider de-regulation of our industry.
We need strict guidelines for sanitation and safety in our Salons. We deal with very dangerous chemicals, hot tools that can reach 450 degrees, extremely sharp shears, razors etc., that all have great potential for harm if a person is not properly trained in their use. You need to understand the work environment is also a very dangerous place, we work with clients up close and personal, we spend more time with a client than a doctor does, and we are at risk if the client has something they do not want to disclose.
During CoVid - you deemed us un-necessary workers! Oklahoman's need our Services!!! With our current training (only 1500 hours) soon reduced to 1250, we learn about how to handle all of these issues, safety with tools, chemicals, products and people, however if anyone can practice without a license, WHERE IS THE STANDARD? Please reconsider your need to push for de-regulation, You need to Help keep Oklahoma's safe!
Thank you for your time.