by Ruth Corene McDaniel

As president of the Illinois Cosmetology Association Inc., from an outcry of many area licensed cosmetologists and from the more than 60,000 licensed cosmetologists in Illinois, I find it most urgent to reply to the Sept. 25 article in the Daily Egyptian. This front-page article was titled Entrepreneurs turn spare time into spare cash.

First, I must thank the Daily Egyptian for so boldly exposing such an illegal practice on the campus. And yes, we are surely aware of others who practice in our city without a license.

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It was a pleasure for me to serve on the Illinois Cosmetology and Barber Council (ICBC). ICBC was responsible for the writing of the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics and Nail Technology Act of 1985, effective Jan. 31, 1997. According to this act, Article III, section 410/3-2c defines a cosmetologist as one who has graduated from a school of cosmetology approved by the Department of Professional Regulations having completed a total of 1500 hours in the study of cosmetology [and] has passed an examination authorized by the department to determine fitness.

I wonder if people are aware of all the problems that could occur by going to an unlicensed person, whether in a dorm, kitchen or even a bathroom. Is consideration given to sanitation, tool misuse, germs, disease, misuse of chemicals, the possibility of lawsuits and professional ethics?

For those who are not aware of licensed cosmetologists in the area, I invite you to check out the Yellow Pages.

As president of the Illinois Cosmetology Association Inc., I urge anyone practicing without a license to cease immediately. The Department of Professional Regulations does not take kindly to those who violate the law.

I also encourage the University to look closely at those students who violate the law instead of allowing them to practice cosmetology, barbering, nail technology or esthetics without a license.

Should there be any questions, please call the Department of Professional Regulations in Springfield at (217) 782-7645 or the Illinois Cosmetology Association, Inc. at (312) 245-1555.

president, Illinois Cosmetology Association Inc.

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