At Louisville Beauty Academy, a Kentucky state-licensed and state-accredited beauty college, our mission is to keep students, licensees, and the public fully informed and compliant with the latest industry regulations. We take regulatory compliance seriously because it protects the integrity of our profession and ensures the safety of our community.
The recent passage of Senate Bill 22 (SB22) in Kentucky introduces new rules and enforcement measures that affect all cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, and beauty industry professionals. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and practice legally in the state.
📜 For the full text of SB22, visit:
Kentucky Legislature – SB22 Bill Document
Major Regulatory Changes Under SB22
1. Ban on MMA in Liquid Nail Enhancement Products
SB22 officially bans the use of monomeric methyl methacrylate (MMA) in liquid form for nail enhancements. This law is designed to protect clients and nail technicians from the harmful effects of MMA, including:
❌ Severe nail damage due to MMA’s overly strong bonding properties.
❌ Increased allergic reactions and health risks from MMA fumes.
❌ Difficult and unsafe removal process leading to excessive filing or nail trauma.
🔹 What’s Still Allowed?
✅ Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA) is legal and remains the industry standard for safe and professional acrylic nails.
💡 How to Stay Compliant?
✔ Always check your product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to ensure they are MMA-free.
✔ Purchase from reputable beauty suppliers that explicitly state their products do not contain MMA.
✔ Train students and nail technicians in proper application techniques using EMA to ensure strong and safe enhancements.
2. New Licensing and Enforcement Measures
SB22 strengthens the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology’s power to:
🔹 Investigate unlicensed activity and enforce penalties.
🔹 Take emergency action against salons violating health and safety standards.
🔹 Require all beauty professionals to be properly licensed before practicing, teaching, or operating a salon or school.
💡 How to Stay Compliant?
✔ Make sure your license is always up to date.
✔ If you are an employer, verify the licenses of all employees to avoid penalties.
✔ Louisville Beauty Academy provides state-approved training to help students meet all licensing requirements efficiently.
3. Emergency Enforcement Powers of the Board
SB22 expands the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology’s authority to take immediate action in situations where public health and safety are at risk.
🔹 When Can Emergency Action Be Taken?
The Board can issue an emergency order if:
✅ A salon or individual is engaged in unlicensed practice.
✅ There is an immediate public health or safety risk (e.g., unsanitary conditions, use of banned substances like MMA, or dangerous procedures).
✅ A serious violation is verified through substantial evidence.
🔹 What Can the Board Do?
✔ Shut down a business temporarily until compliance is met.
✔ Suspend or revoke a license if violations are severe.
✔ Issue fines and legal penalties for repeat offenders.
✔ Require corrective action before allowing a salon to reopen.
💡 How to Stay Compliant?
✔ Maintain a clean and safe salon environment at all times.
✔ Ensure all employees are properly licensed and following regulations.
✔ Keep accurate records of sanitation procedures, product ingredients, and employee licensing.
4. Unlimited Licensing Exam Retakes
SB22 introduces a major benefit for beauty professionals:
✅ Unlimited retakes of the cosmetology, nail technician, esthetician, or instructor exams until the applicant passes.
✅ Nail technicians who fail an exam must wait one month before retaking the test.
💡 How to Prepare?
✔ Take advantage of practice exams and board exam prep courses at Louisville Beauty Academy.
✔ Use our hands-on training programs to build confidence before testing.
5. Strict Hygiene and Sanitation Standards
Kentucky is reinforcing hygiene regulations in salons and schools to protect public health. New requirements include:
✔ Clean towels or disposable paper for each client.
✔ Proper tool sterilization before each use.
✔ No reuse of towels on multiple clients unless properly laundered.
✔ Use of callus graters remains legal, but must be done safely and hygienically.
💡 How to Stay Compliant?
✔ Ensure all salon staff follows Kentucky Board of Cosmetology sanitation guidelines.
✔ Train students in proper disinfecting procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
6. Limitations on Estheticians’ Scope of Practice
SB22 now restricts estheticians from performing certain procedures unless under a licensed physician’s supervision, including:
🚫 Botox or collagen injections
🚫 Laser treatments
🚫 Electrolysis
🚫 Permanent makeup & microblading
🚫 Piercing & tattoos
💡 How to Stay Compliant?
✔ Ensure estheticians only perform services they are legally allowed to do under Kentucky law.
✔ Louisville Beauty Academy provides state-approved training on esthetic procedures that comply with all regulations.
Why Compliance Matters: Protecting Your Career & Clients
At Louisville Beauty Academy, we believe that compliance is key to a successful and safe beauty career. By understanding and following SB22 regulations, you can:
✅ Avoid fines and legal penalties.
✅ Build trust with clients by following best practices.
✅ Ensure long-term success in the beauty industry.
🔹 Need Help Understanding SB22?
Louisville Beauty Academy provides:
📚 State-approved licensing programs
🛠 Regulatory compliance training
💼 Hands-on practical experience
📞 Have Questions? Contact Us Today!
Let’s work together to keep Kentucky’s beauty industry professional, safe, and compliant!
