Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 023 - Board of Barber Examiners
1. Purpose of the Agency
The Board of Barber Examiners regulates the practice of barbers in Arkansas. Barbers are professionals who provide hair cutting, shaving, grooming, and sometimes facial treatments.
The Board’s main goal is to protect the public by ensuring that barbers are trained, competent, and follow health and safety standards. This includes preventing the spread of disease, infection, or unsafe practices in barber shops.
2. Licensing Requirements
To legally work as a barber in Arkansas, a person must be licensed by this Board. The rules include:
a) Education:
Completion of an approved barbering program at a recognized barber school.
Programs teach hair cutting, shaving, hygiene, sanitation, and barbering theory.
b) Examination:
Passing a state or national barber exam, which may include:
Written test on laws, safety, and sanitation
Practical test on barbering skills
c) Age and Character:
Applicants must meet a minimum age requirement (usually 16–18 years old).
Must demonstrate good moral character.
d) Fees:
Payment of application and licensing fees is required.
3. Scope of Practice
The Board defines what a licensed barber can legally do, including:
Hair cutting, trimming, and styling
Shaving or trimming facial hair
Scalp treatments and facial massages (within limits)
Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation of tools and workspace
Barbers cannot perform services reserved for cosmetologists, estheticians, or medical professionals, like chemical skin treatments or medical procedures.
4. Health and Safety Standards
The Board sets rules to protect public health, including:
Sanitizing combs, scissors, razors, and other tools
Cleaning barber chairs and workstations between clients
Proper handling and disposal of razors or sharp instruments
Following infection control standards to prevent disease transmission
5. Renewal and Continuing Education
Barber licenses must be renewed regularly (often every 1–2 years). Renewal typically requires:
Payment of renewal fees
Completion of any required continuing education (if mandated)
Maintaining a clean disciplinary record
This ensures barbers stay up-to-date on safety and industry practices.
6. Complaint and Disciplinary Process
The Board can investigate complaints about barbers, such as:
Practicing without a license
Poor sanitation practices
Unprofessional or unethical behavior
Disciplinary actions can include:
Fines
Probation
Suspension or revocation of a license
Mandatory retraining or remedial education
7. Administrative Procedures
The Administrative Code also explains how the Board:
Holds meetings and votes on regulations
Adopts or updates barbering rules
Handles appeals of Board decisions
Considers exceptions or variances to rules
This ensures the process is transparent and fair.
8. Why This Matters
Barbering involves close contact with clients’ skin, hair, and sometimes blood from minor cuts, so improper practices can spread infection or cause injury.
The Board exists to:
Ensure barbers are properly trained and licensed
Protect public health and safety
Maintain professional standards
Give clients a way to report unsafe or unethical barbers
✅ Summary:
Arkansas Agency 023 – Board of Barber Examiners is the regulatory body for barbers, handling licensing, education standards, sanitation rules, ethics, continuing education, and discipline to protect public health and maintain professional standards.
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