East Twin Cities

According to a new bill, freelance hair and makeup artists won’t have to get a full cosmetology license to practice their craft, Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus (MNSRC) reported. 

Sen. Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point) wrote the bill which the Senate passed in a 64-3 vote. The House of Representatives was also on board with a 128-4 vote. 

“I am so happy this finally [became] the law in Minnesota! Two years ago, the Board of Cosmetology arbitrarily changed its interpretation of the law and stripped freelance hair and makeup artists we hire for weddings, proms, and photoshoots – not cosmetologists that work in a salon. They don’t work with chemicals or cut hair. There’s no reason they should be subject to such an extreme regulatory burden. The voices of these artists is what pushed this bill across the finish line and I could not be more grateful for their passion and commitment," Housley said, according to the MNSRC.

Freelance makeup and hair artists don’t have to meet the same guidelines as those who wash, dry and style hair, and have a license from the Board of Cosmetology. Still, they do have to participate in sanitation training that lasts four hours.