Butler County Today

Today, Governor Mike DeWine enacted House Bill 238, which introduces reforms aimed at removing obstacles for individuals pursuing careers in boutique services such as hair cutting, cleaning, braiding, threading, and makeup application. This legislative change was announced by State Representative Jennifer Gross of West Chester.

The provisions within HB 238 specifically aim to broaden the scope of practice for those holding a 450-hour natural-hair-styling license. This expansion now permits activities including cutting, arranging, dressing, pressing, curling, or singeing hair. Additionally, boutique services have been extended to include shampooing and hair rinsing. The bill also eliminates the need for an affidavit from potential competitors for registrants like braiders, threaders, and makeup artists.

These changes originate from HB 58 and were sponsored by Representative Gross. With these adjustments in place under HB 238, practitioners such as shampoo artists and natural hair braiders can begin their work more easily after registering their contact details with the State Cosmetology and Barber Board.

"The cosmetology field has long been overregulated in Ohio," Gross stated. "Pricing out many who wish to provide boutique services. Many states across the country have passed similar reforms which created thousands of opportunities for their citizens. Ohio is open for business."