California Barber — All Questions

In California, barbering is regulated under the Barbering and Cosmetology Act by the:

• a.Board of Barbering and Cosmetology✓
• b.Department of Motor Vehicles
• c.Federal Trade Commission
• d.Local police department

The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, within the Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses and regulates barbers and shops. It enforces the Barbering and Cosmetology Act and its regulations in the Business & Professions Code and CCR Title 16.CA Business & Professions Code

To legally perform barbering services for pay in California, a person must:

• a.Simply own clippers
• b.Hold a current, valid barber license issued by the Board✓
• c.Have five years of unlicensed experience
• d.Have a business card

Practicing barbering for compensation requires a valid license issued by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Working without a license, or with a lapsed one, is a violation subject to enforcement.CA Business & Professions Code

A barber's license and the establishment license must generally be:

• a.Kept at the licensee's home
• b.Displayed or available at the licensed establishment✓
• c.Posted on social media only
• d.Mailed to each client

Licenses are required to be displayed or made available at the place of business so clients and inspectors can verify them. This transparency supports public protection and enforcement.CA Business & Professions Code

The main reason the Board regulates barbering is to:

• a.Protect the health and safety of the public✓
• b.Control advertising
• c.Set haircut prices
• d.Limit the number of barbers

Licensing laws and health and safety regulations exist chiefly to protect consumers from unsafe or unsanitary practices. Standards for disinfection, training, and establishment conditions all serve public protection.CA Business & Professions Code

During an inspection, a Board inspector may check that the establishment:

• a.Charges a set price
• b.Uses a specific brand of shampoo
• c.Has the most expensive equipment
• d.Follows disinfection and sanitation rules and has proper licenses✓

Inspectors verify compliance with sanitation, disinfection, and licensing requirements to ensure a safe environment. They do not dictate brands or prices; their focus is public health and legal operation.CCR Title 16 §979

If a barber changes the address of their establishment, they should:

• a.Only tell clients
• b.Wait until renewal years later
• c.Notify the Board and ensure the new location is properly licensed and inspected✓
• d.Do nothing

Establishment licenses are tied to a specific location, so a move requires notifying the Board and meeting licensing and inspection requirements at the new site. Operating an unlicensed location is a violation.CA Business & Professions Code

A barber license in California must be:

• a.Renewed periodically to remain valid✓
• b.Never renewed
• c.Renewed only once in a lifetime
• d.Renewed weekly

Barber licenses are issued for a set term and must be renewed on schedule, typically every two years, to stay valid. Practicing on an expired license is unlawful.CA Business & Professions Code

Establishment sanitation requirements in California include:

• a.Only a waiting area
• b.Only a clean front window
• c.Only background music
• d.Clean floors and surfaces, proper disinfection of implements, hot and cold running water, and clean linens✓

Barbershops must maintain clean premises, supply hot and cold running water, disinfect tools, and use clean towels and linens for each client. These conditions are inspected to safeguard public health.CCR Title 16 §979

Which is within the legal scope of practice for a licensed barber in California?

• a.Diagnosing skin diseases
• b.Performing surgery on the scalp
• c.Cutting hair, shaving, and trimming beards✓
• d.Prescribing medication

A barber may cut and style hair, shave and trim facial hair, and perform related grooming services. Diagnosing or treating disease is outside the scope of practice and is reserved for medical professionals.CA Business & Professions Code

If a client shows signs of a possible infectious disease, the law and safe practice require the barber to:

• a.Charge extra for the risk
• b.Decline the service and refer the client to a physician✓
• c.Keep no record of the incident
• d.Perform the service anyway

Barbers are prohibited from servicing clients who appear to have an infectious or contagious condition, both to protect others and to comply with health regulations. The appropriate response is to decline and refer the client to a physician.CA Business & Professions Code