Have you registered with your State Cosmetology Commission lately? Our board members are in a position to regulate our scope of practice with no help from the aesthetic community. In the past I have been contacted by several State Cosmetology Commissions in regards to chemical peels and aesthetic technology, because the board wants a fair idea as to what the scope of the aesthetic practice should be. However, not all cosmetology boards are up-to-date on the innovations in the aesthetic field. I recently attended the Texas Cosmetology Commission board meeting to vocalize my feelings about the recent ban of dermaplaning in Texas (a service performed at my skin care facility in San Antonio and a practice I have done for years). Unfortunately, only myself and one other aesthetician were there to speak on behalf of aestheticians throughout Texas… only two people.
In addition to two aestheticians, a plethora of hairdressers attended the meeting to speak on behalf of their practice. They spoke on braiding regulation, lack of training – they wanted an apprenticeship for school – they did not want to be called cosmetologists and preferred to be titled as a hairdresser, and did not want to study nails or skin care. Every one of the hairdressers that attended wanted to speak and the board listened. After the meeting, they resolved to research internship opportunities and updating textbooks for the schools. This new look on education and titles will not happen overnight, but this group help pave the way for future generations of hairdressers. When the other aesthetician and I presented our topics the board listened. In speaking on dermaplaning, I was able to educate the board on the necessity of the service in comparison to facial waxing and how it prevents much undue damage with the progressive treatments and anti-aging ingredients our clientele are using to promote graceful aging. The other aesthetician, Laura Hayes spoke on how our title is aesthetician, not facialist as stated on our license.
In addition to the speaking topics presented by all licensed attendees, I learned that our board is considering separating all schools into hair, nails, and skin – a wonderful idea in my opinion because many other states are already practicing this education technique. However, an interesting presentation by the board was the consideration of removing FDA approved sterilizing machines in lieu of a state approved machine. This is just a little taste of what issues the board is tackling at the moment, but they need our support and expertise in order to provide the most innovative and safe legislation for our industry.
September 13th is the next scheduled meeting and I need Texas aestheticians to support their industry and speak on behalf of what matters to us. Are you willing to settle for a title of facialist? Me… no way, and I am willing to give this issue the time it needs. If you are willing to voice what is important to your career and future growth call or e-mail me tzillmann@aol.com. As a united group we can control our professional future.
Tina Zillman
Aesthetics International Association
President
