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

• The establishment 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 an establishment 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 establishment complies with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act.
• The establishment 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 establishment does NOT have razor-edged, grating, or rasp microplane pedicure instruments designed to remove skin from the bottoms and sides of feet.
• The establishment does NOT provide procedures involving any animal (e.g., fish, leeches, snails).
• The establishment 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 establishment. 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 establishment.
• A sharps container for disposing of used needles, razor blades and other sharp instruments is present.
• Individuals working at this establishment 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 establishment follows this procedure for cleaning and disinfecting circulating and non-circulating tubs, bowls, or basins:
  • Drain the water and remove any visible debris;
  • Clean the surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions, use a brush to remove all film, and rinses the tub, bowl, or spa basin;
  • Fill the tub, bowl, or spa basin with water and add disinfectant;
  • 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
  • After disinfection, drain and rinse with clean water.
• At the end of the day, this establishment 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:
  • Scrub with a brush and soap or detergent until free from debris, and then rinse.
  • Completely immerse in disinfectant.
  • Rinse and air dry.
  • 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 establishment does NOT contaminate the remaining wax in the paraffin bath. The following procedures apply:
  • The client shall be free of broken skin or any skin disorder;
  • 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;
  • Paraffin wax that has been removed from a client’s hands or feet shall be discarded after each use; and
  • 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 an establishment, and the general public IAC 841—Chapter 943, Infection Control for Establishments and Schools of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences", and the most recent inspection report.

• If any licensed barber and cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician provides limited services outside of the establishment, the licensee's services must be within the licensee's scope of practice and:
  • May NOT include the use of chemicals, lasers, or other machines; 
  • May include haircutting, but only when providing the service at a client's residence or home; 
  • May include makeup application, strip lashes, polish application and/or removal, or hairstyling, when the services are provided at a client's residence or home, or at a special event, such as a wedding or photo shoot. 

For purposes of this checklist, a "client's residence or home" includes a client's permanent or temporary residence, or a hospital, healthcare facility, nursing home, or convalescent home of a client.

• If limited services outside of the establishment are provided, the service is either:
  • Scheduled through the establishment; or 
  • Scheduled by an individual licensee, but only if the individual licensee has obtained from the board a one-year temporary permit to practice outside of the establishment.
• If limited services are provided outside of the establishment, records are maintained which include:
  • Client name and contact information. 
  • Date, time, and location of the service(s) provided
  • Name and license number of the licensee performing the service.
  • A signed and dated waiver stating that the client understands this limited service shall not include the use of chemicals, must be provided by a licensee and that all infection control procedures shall be followed. 

For purposes of this checklist, an establishment is required to maintain these records for limited services that are scheduled through the establishment. If the limited services are scheduled by an individual licensee pursuant to his/her temporary permit, then the licensee, rather than the establishment, is responsible for maintaining these records. 

If the establishment offers electrology and/or esthetics services, the establishment:

• Has adequate space, lighting, and ventilation.
• Has adequate access to a sink or running water.
• Has impervious, smooth, and washable floors in the immediate area where electrology or esthetics services are performed. 
• Has impervious, easily-disinfected service table surfaces.
• Only uses needles, probes, and lancets that are single-client use and are disposable.
• Ensures any licensee providing electrology services wears gloves.

If the establishment is in a mobile home, motor home, trailer, or other recreational vehicle:

• Services are only performed when the vehicle is stationary.
• There is a supply of hot and cold water.
• There is adequate lighting.
• The floor surface in the service area is nonabsorbent and easily cleanable.
• Work surfaces are easily cleanable.
• Cabinets are secured with safety catches that ensure all chemicals are stored when the vehicle is moving.
• A first aid kit is present which includes adhesive dressing, gauze and antiseptic, tape, triple antibiotics, eyewash, and gloves.

The readily-moveable establishment complies with all rules in IAC 481--Chapter 943, "Infection Control for Establishments and Schools of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences", except for rules IAC 481--943.6 through IAC 481--943.8.

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.

• Athletic Training: Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 481—Ch. 862
• Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences: IAC 481—Ch. 944
• Behavioral Health Professions
  • Marital & Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors: IAC 481—Ch. 892
  • Psychology: IAC 481—Ch. 886
  • Social Work: IAC 481—Ch. 896
• Chiropractic: IAC 481—Ch. 844
• Dietetics: IAC 481—Ch. 922
• Hearing Aid Specialists: IAC 481—Ch. 2061
• Massage Therapy: IAC 481—Ch. 423
• Mortuary Science: IAC 481—Ch. 902
• Nursing Home Administrators: IAC 481—Ch. 981
• Optometry: IAC 481—Ch. 761
• Physical & Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy: IAC 481—Ch. 803
  • Occupational Therapy: IAC 481—Ch. 805
• Physicians Assistants: IAC 481—Ch. 782
• Podiatry: IAC 481—Ch. 702
  • Orthotists, Prosthetists, Pedorthists: IAC 481—Ch. 705
• Respiratory Care & Polysomnography: IAC 481—Ch. 721
• Sign Language Interpreters & Transliterators: IAC 481—Ch. 962
• Speech Pathology & Audiology: IAC 481—Ch. 742 

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 — Barbering and Cosmetology

Legislative Bills Related to Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences

• House File 652

• Ch. 940 — Licensure of Barbers and Cosmetologists, Electrologists, Estheticians, Nail Technologists, and Instructors of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
• Ch. 941 — Licensure of Establishments and Schools of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
• Ch. 943 — Infection Control for Establishments and Schools of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
• Ch. 944 — Continuing Education for Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
• Ch. 945 — Discipline for Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences Licensees, Instructors, Establishments, and Schools
• Ch. 946 — Adoption of Uniform and Model Rules