A new fact sheet debunks the myths being pushed by opponents of House File 711, a bill that makes reforms to licensing requirements for would-be barbers to find work. The sheet—published by The Barber Project and the Iowa Barbers Coalition, a project of the Institute for Justice (IJ)—pushes back on five popular misconceptions being pushed by opponents to the bill. 

“Opponents of this bill have been doing a lot of fearmongering about it, arguing that the reforms will lead to a bunch of unqualified barbers performing haircuts in a way that is dangerous. But if you look at what the bill does, this simply isn’t the case,” said IJ Assistant Director of Activism Jordan Banegas. “All this bill does is create more flexible alternatives for professionals to enter the field and for shop and salon owners to hire and train as they see fit. Barbershops would still have to ensure barbers are trained appropriately and follow safety rules.”  

House File 711 does not eliminate licenses for barbers or cosmetologists; does not allow unlicensed barbers to practice outside licensed barbershops and salons; does not force consumers to receive unlicensed services; and does not change licensing laws for other services, such as nails, eyelashes or coloring. What the House File does do is provide flexible alternatives to traditional cosmetology and barbering school for up-and-coming professionals and provides established shop owners with more hiring and training opportunities.   

“Nobody can train barbers better than we can as licensed barbers,” said Craig Hunt, owner of Universal Barbershop in Des Moines. “Nobody is more invested in making sure the people we hire are top notch. It’s our reputation on the line. There are a lot of really qualified and talented people being kept out because of the current system and HF 711 will give them a path forward.” 

House File 711 will be debated in the Iowa House of Representatives on Thursday.