The NJ Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling is considering a ban on the famous Brazilian wax that is offered in many beauty and tanning salons. While officials maintain they can at anytime prohibit the procedure since it is not specifically allowed by law, they intend to address the issue of an out right ban at their April meeting.
NJ outlawed this Irish Breakfast in 1992
In an industry that would cease to exist without the patronage of its female consumer base, the Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling is comprised of 7 men and 1 woman. Their foray into banning a procedure that is enormously popular with many women is raising comparisons to the ridicule NJ experienced with the Sunnyside-Over Egg law of the early 1990s. That piece of New Jersey’s colorful history effectively prohibited the servings of eggs with a soft yolk. The law was quickly repealed and the public returned to their beloved diner breakfasts.
New Jersey’s penchant for regulations has earned it a reputation for being anti-business. The cosmetology and hairstyling industry, which includes barbers and manicurists, presently require extensive training in state approved schools prior to being licensed. Many opponents to the new law believe that outlawing the Brazilian wax service will only lead to untrained people performing illegal waxings in their homes.
The impetus for the proposed ban has not been made public, but other news sources are reporting that injuries suffered by two women may have been the cause. It is alleged that the procedure led to injuries which eventually became infected and required hospitalization. Dr. Oz, from the Oprah Winfrey Show, suggests that the process is completely safe, but cautions patrons to make sure the wax is clean and has not been used previously.