The Cosmetology Act and its By-Laws are pieces of legislation by which the Association is guided. These legal documents outline the criteria required to become a member of the Association. Members of the Cosmetology Association are industry professionals such as Hairdressers, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, Makeup Artists, and Lash Technicians.
Cosmetologists have worked hard for many years to become self-regulated. In 1962, the first legislation was introduced and would be proclaimed and enacted as the Hairdressers Act. This Act governed the regulation and practise of Hairdressing. Recognizing over the years the need to further define the Act to include Estheticians, a Bill with changes and additions was proposed and in 2003, the Hairdressers Act was repealed and replaced by the Cosmetology Act. As of 2003, Estheticians became a part of this wonderful Industry.
In 2012, the Cosmetology Act was further amended and proclaimed to improve ease of self-governance and reduce reliance on Government, implement specific licensing, and stay current with a continuously evolving industry. It is now known as the Cosmetology Act, 2012, c. 39 and it is the law that governs our Industry today.
For over 55 years, the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia has remained progressively at the forefront of the Industry. The Cosmetology Association is the backbone of the Nova Scotia Cosmetology Industry and is known across Canada as leader in this profession. The Cosmetology Association exists to advocate best practices for the safety of the public and industry professionals. This is accomplished by promoting licensing compliance, as well as the highest sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization standards.
Members of a self regulated profession (sometimes referred to as "registrants") have, in all circumstances, an ethical and legal duty to put the interests of clients and the general public ahead of their own interests.
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