A Hairy Situation In Jersey

Yeah yeah, I know, I've been away for too long. Work has just become a lot more... well... work lately. But I haven't forgotten about my duty to entertain my faithful reader(s).

The story that brings me back into action is about an issue of vital importance to our nation. No, not the Bernie Madoff thing.

I'm talking about pubic hair:

The Brazilian wax could be ripped from salons if a proposed ban on genital waxing is passed by N.J.’s Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling...

N.J. law is a bit fuzzy when it comes to the hair down there, but according to the state, genital waxing is illegal. Only the face, neck, abdomen, legs and arms of patrons can be stripped...

My initial reaction was, "There's a N.J. Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling?!" Once I swallowed that fact, I became deeply disturbed that the government would dare tell women what to do with their own bodies. This is about freedom of choice, people. Brazilian, a landing strip, or 70's style, no woman should be deprived of the right to sport the foliage of their choosing.



On the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling website, I found this gem:

The Board is proposing a new rule at N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.7A and is proposing amendments to existing rules N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.10 and 2.11, in order to further define what business activities lawfully may be conducted in licensed cosmetology and hairstyling, manicuring and skin care specialty shops. Specifically, the Board is proposing amendments to its rules concerning the provision of ancillary beautification services in licensed cosmetology and hairstyling shops and licensed skin care specialty shops. Currently, N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.10 permits cosmetology and hairstyling shops to offer to their customers ancillary services that are related to the beautification of the body or the enhancement of personal appearance, but which are not included within the statutory definition of cosmetology and hairstyling services set forth at N.J.S.A. 45:5B-3(j). Such services must be performed in a safe and sanitary manner and by appropriately trained personnel. The Cosmetology and Hairstyling Act, at N.J.S.A. 45:5B-37, permits the provision of such services in shops licensed by the Board, but authorizes the Board to adopt regulations prohibiting such services or placing limitations on the manner in which such services may be offered. The Board may also establish training requirements for persons offering such services. N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.10 currently prohibits the provision of certain ancillary services, such as permanent cosmetic applications, tattooing and body piercing, and imposes training and safety requirements for the provision of others, such as the use of electrolysis for the removal of superfluous hair and skin tanning services. Pursuant to the authority of N.J.S.A. 45:5B-37, the Board is proposing to amend N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.10 to provide specific authorization for cosmetology and hairstyling shops to perform massage services as an ancillary beautification service, and to impose certain training requirements upon persons who will perform such services.

In other, shorter words... "We're making bikini waxing illegal but you'll now be able to get a happy ending and a haircut at the same place."

So this summer, don't be surprised if you see a bunch of well coiffed, happy, well-massaged guys walking around while girls are forced to reveal a little bit too much of their national forest.

Maybe that's why they call Jersey the Garden State.