Genital Waxing Provision Rejected from Proposed Regulation
NEWARK - Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman today informed the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling that he cannot support the proposed ban on genital waxing contained in a preliminary draft regulation and has instructed the Board to re-examine the issue.
During the Board's further review and reconsideration, genital waxing can continue to be performed.
In his letter to the Board, Szuchman wrote:
"I cannot agree to the complete prohibition in N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.15 (b) (4), banning the removal of hair in the genital area. Many commenters have noted that the procedure can be safely performed. I, therefore, believe that there are alternate means to address any public health issues identified by the board. To that end, I encourage the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to begin an immediate review of the training necessary to safely provide this service, and to establish appropriate protocols and safeguards, as N.J.S.A. 45:5B-37 allows."
The Board had proposed the ban on genital waxing as part of its review of existing regulations that are expiring at the end of April and require renewal. The Board had received complaints from two consumers who sustained injury during the genital waxing process and drafted the proposed regulation banning the process in response to this identified public health issue.
The proposed regulation was presented to the public in December, 2008, with comments on it accepted through the end of January. The remaining sections of the draft regulation will continue through the adoption process.
The Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling is one of 44 licensing boards within the Division of Consumer Affairs.
To read the letter to the Board, click here.
