Giving manicures, while albeit not often done as glamorously and polished as one would receive at a nail salon, has long been a popular activity at gatherings of female friends. To do it well certainly takes a level of skill and precision that not everyone seems to master with the same level of competency. Indeed, a personal favorite and highly appreciated part-time is to plan a date with a girlfriend at a nail salon to chat while we have our manicures done professionally. Yet, while virtually any honest women would attest to the skills and even craftsmanship required for these services to be done well, are government red tape and barriers to entry for this profession really necessary for the protection of our health, safety, and welfare?
While a states require a license to do this job, Tennessee’s regulations make it the 5th most burdensome state in the nation to become a licensed manicurist. One must complete 600 educational hours, fork over $190 in fees, and take two additional exams. For many low-income individuals who have learned or acquired this skill through practice and experience outside traditional classroom settings, these regulations are not only costly hurdles to overcome, but can also prevent them from using their skills for gainful employment and means of improving their circumstances.
Tennessee lawmakers should reduce the number of educational hours required to become a licensed manicurist, thereby lifting an unnecessary burden that disproportionately impacts skilled, responsible blue collar workers.