Cosmetology Code of Ethics Cosmetology

Cosmetology Code of Ethics

Cosmetology is a profession that most Americans are familiar with. If you've gone to a hair salon or barber shop and had your hair cut, then you've been under the care of a cosmetologist. However, cosmetology goes beyond simply hair care and includes complete body care. Skin care, nail care, spa services, styling, and even fashion all fall under the auspices of cosmetology ("You have," n.d.). The fact that cosmetology centers on the very subjective concept of beauty is what draws me to this arena. By undertaking this critique, I hope to better understand how the complex topic of ethics interrelates with such a subjective field.

Moral Issues Prevalent in Cosmetology:

There are a variety of moral issues prevalent in the field of cosmetology. One of the most common is the need for licensing for people performing cosmetology services on friends and family. Perhaps the person performing the services was formerly trained, but is either no longer licensed or never obtained their license. In this specific moral quandary, the person likely isn't being paid for their services, so the ethical challenges of paying the appropriate taxes is not a consideration. Instead, the person providing the cosmetology services is operating outside of the laws and regulations established in their state, which is the basis of the moral issue.

Another moral issue that frequently appears in cosmetology is a licensed cosmetologist performing services from her or other's homes, as opposed to a licensed salon. Given that many cosmetology services can be performed with few implements, the temptation to have a client come to the cosmetologist's home, or for the cosmetologist to travel to the client's home, is strong. Again, this leads to the services being performed outside the control of the regulations and laws of the state, plus can add to the taxation ethical challenges of cosmetologists being paid 'under the table'.

Maintaining the health and safety of clients is another moral issue cosmetologists must contend with. Communicable diseases can be transferred through many cosmetology practices, including fatal diseases like HIV / AIDS. For this reason, sterilization, sanitation, and knowledge of skin and scalp diseases are imperative for cosmetologists.

Moral Principles Reflected in the Code:

Looking at Florida's Regulation of Professions and Occupations, Chapter 477 Cosmetology the moral principles reflected in this code become clear. The primary purpose of the code is to protect the interest of public health, where cosmetology is concerned. The code seeks "to protect the public from significant and discernible danger to health" ("477.012," 2009).

In response to the moral issue of maintaining client health, even providers of services as simple as hair braiding must complete state mandated training regarding communicable diseases and disorders. Cosmetologists are required to take board approved classes concerning education in communicable diseases, includnig HIV / AIDS, sterilization, sanitation, and diseases and disorders of the skin and scalp ("477.0132," 2009). As clients place their health into the hands of the cosmetologist, this regulation is considerable.

Where cosmetology services can be performed is strictly regulated as well, by the code. "Cosmetology services shall be performed only by licensed cosmetologists in licensed salons" ("477.0263," 2009). There are very few exceptions to this regulation. Exceptions include providing services to clients who are too ill to travel to a licensed salon, particularly those in nursing homes, hospitals, or are home bound, due to poor health. Even in these instances, the services must be arranged through a licensed salon. The only other exception is for a theatrical, movie or television production, fashion photography, trade show, or educational seminar. In these instances the provider still must hold a valid cosmetology license from any state.

Are the Moral Principles Adequate for Cosmetology?

When considering the importance that people place on how they look, one would think that the moral implications of cosmetology would be vast. However, it appears that most moral conundrums center on legally providing services and keeping the clients safe. These moral issues are addressed adequately with Florida's chapter 477, regulating cosmetology. The regulations clearly dictate the need for licensing before providing services, and even specify exactly the very limited situations where a cosmetologist can perform services outside of a licensed salon. Health concerns for the clients are addressed thoroughly too, with mandatory training in sanitation, sterilization, and diseases and disorders for cosmetologists, even those performing very basic services, like hair braiding and hair wrapping.

Interestingly, there are no regulations concerning the subjective nature of performing services to the best of the cosmetologist's ability. A possible ehtical concern not covered would be the possible negative bias a cosmetologist may have towards a particular client and how this may negatively affect their performance. In addition, refusing service to clients is not covered by the code, if the client needs service the cosmetologist is not comfortable providing. One only has to recall the incident last fall when a JC Penney salon refused service to an African-American woman because they didn't have anyone on staff that had experience with African-American hair and the uprising that caused (Mohammed, 2008). This issue is not addressed at all, in the Florida statute.