Barbering & Cosmetology Licensure

The following definitions apply to the self-inspection list.

“Cleaning” refers to removing visible debris and disposable parts, washing the surface or item with water and soap or detergent, rinsing the surface or item thoroughly and drying the surface or item. Cleaning must occur before disinfection can begin. “Disinfectant” means an EPA-registered bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, pseudomonacidal chemical solution, spray or wipe that is effective against HIV-1 and human hepatitis B virus and is intended to destroy or irreversibly inactivate specific viruses, bacteria, or pathogenic fungi, but not necessarily their spores, on nonporous items and surfaces.

“Disinfection” means the procedure that kills pathogenic microorganisms, but not necessarily their spores. “Dispensary” means a separate physical location or area in a salon or school to be used for the storing and dispensing of supplies and cleaning and disinfecting of all implements. The dispensary is where products, chemicals and disinfectants are prepared, measured, mixed, portioned, and disposed of.

“Nonporous” means an item that lacks minute openings or crevices that keep air, water and bacteria from entering the item. “Porous” means an item that contains minute openings or crevices that allow air, water and bacteria to enter the item, such as untreated wood, paper and cardboard.

“Sterilization” means the procedure that kills all microorganisms, including their spores.

“Universal precautions” means practices consistently used to prevent exposure to blood-borne pathogens and the transmission of disease.

“Wash hands” means the process of thoroughly washing hands and the exposed portions of the arms up to the elbow with soap or detergent and water and drying with a single-use towel or air dryer. Bar soap shall not be set out for common use.

• The barbershop or salon has a sign visible outside the entrance designating it as a place of business.
• The most current barbershop salon license renewal card is posted in the barbershop or salon front entrance providing the public a full, unobstructed view of the license. Photo and electronic copies are not acceptable.
• All individuals working in this barbershop or salon have the most current license renewal card posted in the barbershop or salon front entrance area to provide the public a full, unobstructed view of the license. Photo and electronic copies are not acceptable.

• The barbershop or salon has and maintains:
  • A service area that is equipped with exhaust fans or air filtration equipment that is of sufficient capacity to be capable of removing chemical fumes from the air;
  • A dispensary: A separate physical location or area in a barbershop, salon or school to be used for the storing and dispensing of supplies and cleaning and disinfecting of all implements. The dispensary is where products, chemicals and disinfectants are prepared, measured, mixed, portioned, and disposed of;
  • A reception area;
  • Hot and cold running water and clean lavatory facilities;
  • Safe drinking water;
  • Hand-washing facilities;
  • Adequate lighting;
  • Work surfaces that are easily cleaned; and
  • A complete first-aid kit in a readily accessible location on the premises. At a minimum, the first-aid kit must include adhesive dressings, gauze and antiseptic, tape, triple antibiotics, eyewash, and gloves.
• The barbershop or salon complies with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act.
• The barbershop or salon does NOT have on the premises cosmetic products containing substances which have been banned or otherwise deemed hazardous by the FDA for use in cosmetic products. Prohibited products include, but are not limited to, any product containing liquid methyl methacrylate monomer and methylene chloride (MMA).
• The barbershop or salon does NOT have razor-edged, grating, or rasp microplaner pedicure instruments designed to remove
  skin from the bottoms and sides of feet.
• The barbershop or salon does NOT provide procedures involving any animal (e.g., fish, leeches, snails).
• The barbershop or salon does NOT use chamois buffers.
• Pets: Dogs (except dogs providing assistance to individuals with physical disabilities), cats, birds, or other animals are not permitted in this barbershop or salon. This rule does not apply to fish in an aquarium provided the aquarium is maintained in a sanitary condition.

• Universal precautions are being observed by all individuals working in this barbershop or salon.
• A sharps container for disposing of used needles, razor blades and other sharp instruments is present.
• Individuals working at this barbershop or salon wear disposable gloves when cleaning up blood, bodily fluids containing visible blood, or bodily fluids.
• Licensees and students shall wear disposable gloves or may refuse to provide a service when encountering clients with open sores.
• All instruments and implements are cleaned and disinfected after each use.
• All single-use instruments and supplies that have been used on a client are disposed of in a waste receptacle immediately after use.
• All immersible nonporous tools and implements are disinfected by cleaning the tools and implements followed by complete immersion in an EPA-registered, bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, pseudomonacidal chemical solution that is effective against HIV-1 and human Hepatitis B virus and is intended to destroy or irreversibly inactivate specific viruses, bacteria, or pathogenic fungi, but not necessarily their spores, on nonporous items and surfaces.
• Disinfected implements are stored in a disinfected, dry, covered container and isolated from contaminants. This container is disinfected at least once each week and whenever visibly dirty.
• Disinfectant solutions are changed as instructed on the solution’s manufacturer label and whenever visibly dirty.
• Scissors, trimmers, clippers, handles of hair dryers and curling/flat irons, and other nonporous implements that cannot be immersed in a disinfectant are cleaned and disinfected after each use with an EPA-registered bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, pseudomonacidal chemical spray or wipe that is effective against HIV-1 and human hepatitis B virus and is intended to destroy or irreversibly inactivate specific viruses, bacteria, or pathogenic fungi, but not necessarily their spores, on nonporous items and surfaces.
• Single-use instruments and supplies that cannot be disinfected (for example, cotton pads, sponges, wooden applicators, emery boards, pumice stones, nail buffers, buffing bits, arbor or sanding bands, sleeves, toe separators and neck strips) are disposed of in a waste receptacle immediately after use.
• Liquids, creams, powders and cosmetics used for patrons are kept in closed, labeled containers.
• All fluids, semifluids and powders are dispensed with an applicator or from a shaker, dispenser pump, or spray- type container. Prohibited roll-on wax products are NOT present. Applicators made of wood are discarded after a single dip, which is one use.
• A clean storage area is provided for clean towels and linen, and a covered hamper or receptacle marked “used” is provided for all soiled towels, robes and linens.
• All cloth towels, robes and similar items are laundered in a washing machine with laundry detergent used according to the manufacturer’s directions. All linens are dried until hot to the touch. No moisture is left in laundered items.
• After use for each client, this salon follows this procedure for cleaning and disinfecting circulating and non-circulating tubs, bowls, or basins:
  1. Drain the water and remove any visible debris;
  2. Clean the surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions, use a brush to remove all film, and rinses the tub, bowl, or spa basin;
  3. Fill the tub, bowl, or spa basin with water and add disinfectant;
  4. Allow the disinfectant to stand for noncirculating tubs, bowls, or basins or to circulate for circulating tubs, bowls, or basins for the time specified according to the manufacturer’s instructions; and
  5. After disinfection, drain and rinse with clean water.
• At the end of the day, this salon removes all removable parts from all circulating and non-circulating tubs, bowls, and spas, such as filters, screens, drains, and jets, and cleans and disinfects the removable parts as follows:
  1. Scrub with a brush and soap or detergent until free from debris, and then rinse.
  2. Completely immerse in disinfectant.
  3. Rinse and air dry.
  4. Replace the disinfected parts into the tubs, bowl, or basin or store the parts in a disinfected, dry, covered container that is isolated from contaminants.
• Paraffin wax is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This salon does NOT contaminate the remaining wax in the paraffin bath. The following procedures apply:
  1. The client shall be free of broken skin or any skin disorder;
  2. Hands or feet of a client shall be cleaned before being dipped into paraffin wax. The client’s hands and feet shall not be dipped into the original wax container. The wax shall be removed from the original container and placed in a single-use bag before dipping. Any unused wax remaining in the single-use bag shall be discarded after dipping;
  3. Paraffin wax that has been removed from a client’s hands or feet shall be discarded after each use; and
  4. Paraffin wax shall be kept free of any debris and kept covered when not in use.

• Client records and appointment records are maintained for a period of no less than three years following the last date of entry. Proper safeguards shall be provided to ensure the safety of these records from destructive elements.
• A record is maintained for each pedicure station with the date and time of the daily cleaning and disinfecting. This record is made at or near the time of cleaning and disinfecting. Records of cleaning and disinfecting shall be made available upon request by a client, inspector or investigator. The record must be signed by a licensee and include the licensee’s license number beside each recorded cleaning event. Foot spa records shall be maintained for two years from the date of the cleaning.
• Upon request, any licensed manager or staff person is prepared to make available upon request to the board, agents of the board, all persons employed or studying in a salon or school, and the general public IAC 645—Chapter 63, Infection Control for Salons and Schools of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, and the most recent inspection report.

The licensing board does not pre-approve continuing education providers, sponsors or individual programs. It is the licensees’ responsibility to determine if the continuing education programs they attend meet the requirements of their professional licensing board.

A percentage of licensees are randomly audited following each license renewal cycle. If selected, the licensee must submit to the board office an individual certificate of completion issued to the licensee or evidence of successful completion of the course from the course sponsor. These documents must contain the course title, date(s), contact hours, sponsor and licensee's name. In some instances, licensees will be requested to provide to the board additional information, including program content, objectives, presenters, location and schedule. Many times an inclusive brochure meets this requirement.

When selecting continuing education programs, licensees need to make sure they are compliant with administrative rule requirements. Some professions require licensees to meet specific requirements as a condition of renewal.  These may include limits on presentation method (e.g. self-study, ICN, etc.), specific hours on ethics and Iowa law and rules, clinical content, or hours required in a specific practice discipline.

To ensure compliance, each licensee must understand the continuing education administrative rules for their profession prior to choosing and attending a particular program. No matter what a program brochure indicates, it is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.

In summary all licensees should:

• Be familiar with the continuing education requirements of their professional boards.
• Obtain inclusive written materials about continuing education programs from program sponsors for post-renewal auditing purposes.
• Maintain certificates of completion that includes the program or course title, date(s), contact hours, sponsor and licensee's name for four years.

A licensee who had a physical or mental disability or illness during the license period may apply for an extension or exemption. An exemption provides for an extension of time or exemption from some or all of the continuing education requirements. An applicant shall submit a completed application form approved by the board for an exemption.

• Application for Continuing Education Extension/Exemption for Disability or Illness

The application requires the signature of a licensed health care professional who can attest to the existence of a disability or illness during the license period.

If the application is from a license who is the primary caregiver for a relative who is ill or disabled and needs care from that primary caregiver, the physician shall verify the licensee's status as the primary caregiver.

A licensee who applies for an exemption shall be notified of the decision regarding the application. A licensee who obtains approval shall retain a copy of the exemption to be presented to the board upon request.

The licensing board does not pre-approve continuing education providers, sponsors or individual programs. It is the licensees’ responsibility to determine if the continuing education programs they attend meet the requirements of their professional licensure board.

Potential sponsors are responsible for independently determining if the programs they provide conform to the continuing education requirements set forth in the rules regulations of the professional boards.

To make this determination, thoroughly review the rules for the board(s) in which you are interested prior to offering continuing education to Iowa licensees. By providing inclusive information about the content, objectives and applicability of your program to professional practice, you will assist licensees to make informed decisions when selecting continuing education.

A percentage of licensees in every profession regulated by a licensing board are randomly selected following each license renewal cycle. For auditing purposes the licensee must submit to the board office an individual certificate of completion issued to the licensee or evidence of successful completion of the course from the course sponsor. These documents must contain the course title, date(s), contact hours, sponsor and licensee's name. In some instances, licensees will be requested to provide to the board additional information to assure compliance with continuing education requirements, including program content, objectives, presenters, location and schedule. For this reason, sponsors should provide these items to licensees in writing. An inclusive brochure may meet this requirement.

Additionally, sponsors should consider profession-specific requirements that licensees must address to assure compliance with continuing education rules when preparing written materials such as method of presentation (home study, ICN, etc.), inclusion of specific hours on ethics and Iowa law and rules, certification status by national associations or boards, clinical content, and hours required in a specific practice discipline.

In summary sponsors should:

• Be familiar with the continuing education requirements of their professional audiences.
• Provide inclusive written materials to all program participants.
• Notify licensees that materials should be retained for four years for auditing purposes.
• Provide a certificate of completion that includes the program or course title, date(s), contact hours, sponsor and licensee's name.

Laws are contained in the Iowa Code. They are enacted by the Iowa Legislature and provide statutory authority to the professional licensure boards.

• Chapter 157—Cosmetology Board Law
• Chapter 158—Barbering

Legislative Bills Related to Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences

• House File 652

• Chapter 21—Licensure of Barbers
• Chapter 22—Sanitation for Barbershops and Barber Schools
• Chapter 23—Barber Schools
• Chapter 24—Continuing Education for Barbers
• Chapter 25—Discipline for Barbers, Barber Instructors, Barbershops, and Barber Schools

• Chapter 60—Licensure of Cosmetologists, Electrologists, Estheticians, Manicurists, Nail Technologists, and Instructors of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
• Chapter 61—Licensure of Salons and Schools of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
• Chapter 63—Infection control for Salons and Schools of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
• Chapter 64—Continuing Education for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
• Chapter 65—Discipline for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences Licensees, Instructors, Salons, ad Schools

The following laws apply to professional licensure boards.

• Chapter 17A - Iowa Administrative Procedure Act
• Chapter 147 - General Provisions, Health-Related Professions
• Chapter 272C - Continuing Education and Regulation - Professional and Occupational

The following codes apply to professional licensing boards.

• Chapter 4 - Board Administrative Processes
• Chapter 6 - Petitions for Rule Making
• Chapter 7 - Agency Procedure for Rule Making
• Chapter 8 - Declaratory Orders
• Chapter 9 - Complaints and Investigations
• Chapter 10 - Public records and Fair Information Practices
• Chapter 11 - Contested Cases
• Chapter 12 - Informal Settlement
• Chapter 13 - Discipline
• Chapter 14 - Use of Criminal Convictions in Eligibility Determinations and Initial Licensing Decisions
• Chapter 16 - Impaired Practitioner Review Committee
• Chapter 17 - Materials for Board Review
• Chapter 18 - Waivers of Variances from Administrative Rules
• Chapter 19 - Licensure by Verification and of Applicants with Work Experience
• Chapter 20 - Military Service and Veteran Reciprocity

• Administrative Bulletin

Rulemaking notices, along with adopted rule changes, are published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin. The preamble for each notice includes a summary of the proposed rule changes. The notice includes information about how to submit public comment when applicable. All comments are forwarded to the board for review prior to making a final decision on the outcome of rule change proposals.

The process for seeking a waiver from an administrative rule and the standards under which the petition will be evaluated are described in Chapter 18.

• Petition for Waiver Form 

IPP was established in 1996 to support licensees who struggle with impairments due to alcohol or drug abuse, mental health conditions, and/or physical disorders. 

The IPRC designs an individualized health contract to meet the needs of the licensee. State law mandates that information in the possession of the IPRC remain confidential. Participation in the program is not a matter of public record.

"Impairment" means an inability to practice with reasonable safety and skill as a result of alcohol or drug abuse, dependency, or addiction, or any mental or physical disorder or disability.

"Self-report" means the licensee providing written or oral notifications to the board that the licensee has received or may receive a diagnosis as having an impairment before the board's receiving a complaint or report alleging an impairment before the date of self-report.

The IPRC determines whether practitioners are eligible to participate in the program monitored by the committee. A person is ineligible to take part in the program for any of the following reasons:

• The practitioner engaged in the unlawful diversion or distribution of controlled illegal substances to a third party, or for personal gain or profit;
• The practitioner is already under a board order;
• The practitioner has caused harm or injury to a patient;
• The board is investigating the practitioner that concerns serious matters related to the practitioner's competence;
• The practitioner failed to provide truthful information or refused to cooperate with the board or the IPRC; or
• The practitioner has been subject to a civil administrative or criminal sanction for serious infractions of law, professional ethics, or administrative rules related to the practice.

Based upon the recommendation of an approved evaluator, the IPRC creates an individualized health contract, which provides a detailed description of the goals of the program, requirements for successful completion, and the practitioner's obligations.

Note: The IPRC may refer to the board participants who are not compliant with the terms of their contract for consideration of disciplinary action.

The chairperson of the board appoints the members of the IPRC. The IPRC includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Executive Director of the board or the director's designee from the board's staff;
• A practitioner who has remained free of addiction for two or more years after completing a recovery program for drug or alcohol dependency, addiction, or abuse;
• A physician/counselor with expertise in substance abuse/addiction treatment programs;
• A psychiatrist or psychologist; and
• A public member.

The program encourages practitioners who have impairments to get the help they need. All information received by IPP and IPRC remains confidential as long as the practitioner complies with the terms of their agreement or health contract.

By self-reporting to IPP, the practitioner may avoid formal disciplinary action by the licensing Board. Formal disciplinary action taken against a practitioner is a matter of public record. The board reports the action to the press, the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB), insurance companies, and to other state and federal authorities. Participation in the program is confidential.

Health care practitioners must report knowledge of another practitioner's possible impairment to the board. Health care practitioners who fail to report colleagues with a possible impairment may be subject to disciplinary action by the board. It is in the practitioner's best interest to self-report an impairment before someone else files complaint or report.

If any of the following apply to a practitioner, it is in that person's best interest to self-report to IPP as soon as possible:

• Charged with, and/or arrested for OWI, or for another alcohol or drug related offense;
• Disciplined by another federal or state agency for alcohol or drug abuse;
• Evaluated or treated for a substance use disorder, or is currently enrolled in a recovery program;
• Diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or a physical health condition;
• Practiced after drinking alcohol or taking an illegal or mind/mood altering substance;
• Addiction/dependence on drugs, alcohol or prescription medication; and/or
• Urged by friend(s), family or colleagues to get help for alcohol or drug abuse, or a mental or physical condtion.

To self-report, a licensee may:

• Complete and submit a self-report form online;
• Email IPRC staff as follows:
  • Dental Board Licensees/Registrants: Rebecca.Carlson@dia.iowa.gov; or
  • Licensees of other Boards: Crystal.Walker-Smith@dia.iowa.gov
• Call to receive confidential information and ask questions:
  • Dental Board Licensees/Registrants: 515.725.3491 or 
  • Licensees of other Boards: 515.725.1221.

IPP Self-Report

Quarterly Report: IPP Participant