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Trade Show Caveat

By the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology

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Whether you are an exhibiter, observer or buyer, attending a trade show is usually a fun and visually stimulating event. New trends, products and techniques are introduced into the market and can do wonders in a salon or barbershop setting. However, the Board would like to share this caveat when attending shows—not all products sold at trade shows (or any beauty supply store) are appropriate to use in a barbershop or salon setting.

Through our travels to several trade shows, the Board has seen questionable products that are prohibited for use in California salon and barbershop establishments. Although the Board cannot prevent a person from using a certain product in a home setting, Board inspectors can cite a barbershop or salon professional if he or she is using a prohibited product or technique.

Licensed barbershop and salon professionals, while skilled and trained in providing many cosmetic services, may never perform any act which affects the structure or function of living tissue of the face or body. They may never use razor-edged instruments to remove skin (such as calluses, moles or skin tags), penetrate the skin by needle, use lasers, or perform medical-level dermabrasion or skin peels. Those treatments must be performed by qualified medical professionals.

The Board attends several trade shows throughout the year in an effort to be proactive and to maintain a pulse on industry trends. If you are unsure of the legality of a particular product or technique, inquiry with the Board at its trade show booth or call us at (916) 574-7574. For more on prohibited products or techniques, visit the Board’s press release page at its Web site at www.barbercosmo.ca.gov and read "Keep 'em Out!". We hope to see you at the next trade show!

— Reprinted from the California Stylist, September 2009 issue