TEXAS — A regulated license for practicing barbers and cosmetologist might soon be a thing of the past.

HB 1705 filed Feb. 12, 2019, is working toward the abolishing of regulated providers of the cosmetology industry in Texas.

If passed, Texas would be the only state of the nation to deregulate the industry of cosmetology. HB 1705 is currently in committee, with several steps still necessary for it to pass, though if passed the bill would take affect Sept. 1 of this year.

"I [want to] make sure that we're hiring people that are trained and licensed," said Monica Ybarra, owner of Alter Salon in Belton. "My biggest concern are obviously the safety of the public."

“Staph [infection], ringworm, things like that. We learn these things and take the precautions in our salon so that doesn't happen,” said Emily Ingraham, a Redken professional colorist. "As a client, how would I know that I am going to be receiving the care that is deserved it to me and that I'm paying for?"

