More than 500 new rules are now in effect for cosmetologists in Minnesota, and a state board is holding a series of town hall meetings to better inform salon owners and practitioners. Spokeswoman Catrina Mairose says the big push is infection control: “Things as common as the cold, the flu — but also more serious injuries and infections that can occur, like MRSA, which is an antibiotic-resistant staph infection.” Mairose says education for salon owners and practitioners is key. “That’s a really big push for us,” she says, “to make sure that we are getting our licensees all up-to-date on the current safety practices and protocols.” Among services affected by the new rules are hairstyling, waxing, makeup, facial, skin care and nail services.
There’s an information session today for Moorhead area cosmetologists, with upcoming meetings in Maple Grove, Bloomington and Rochester. Mairose says earlier sessions in Duluth and Saint Cloud were well-attended.