Legislator Marulin Azofeifa, of the Nueva República, presented a bill that would create a “Colegio de Estilistas y Afines” – a College for hair stylists akin to the College of Physicians and Surgeons or the Bar Association – which would sanctions for malpractice and illegal exercise of the profession to hair stylists, hairdressers, barbers, make-up artists and manicurists.
If the initiative is approved, a person would be required to register with the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) – National Apprenticeship Institute, take a court and pass an exam to join the College, as well as paying annual dues.
In addition, the professional stylists would commit themselves to “work with responsibility, probity and decorum of the profession”.
Thus, if a member is negligent, the College could sanction him with a ban to work for up to five years.
See also: Legislator Proposes “College Of Hair Stylists”
Azofeifa explained that her bill intends to assure the public a standardized application of products to people’s hair, their proper handling and a clean environment.
“Many people have lost their nails or their hair because of malpractice,” said the legislator.
According to the initiative, the College would have a group of professionals in styling dedicated to oversee establishments and distributors of the products.
The bill was introduced on April 29, 2019.
Before heading for Cuesta Moras (the Legislature), Azofeifa worked for the Federación Costarricense de Profesionales de la Belleza (Fecoprobre) – Costa Rican Federation of Beauty Professionals.
