At this time, all Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensed individuals in California are allowed to practice—except Los Angeles County estheticians performing facial services that require client masks to be removed.
The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles Department of Health have allowed many personal care services professionals to reopen and work with clients as COVID-19 transmission rates have been declining and the Regional Stay Home Order was lifted January 25, 2021. A decision to allow estheticians to remove client masks and resume facial services will be made “in the next week or two,” according to Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer.
To the best of our knowledge, the Department of Public Health has not provided or confirmed any evidence that licensed estheticians in Los Angeles County have been the source of COVID-19 community spread. ASCP recognizes that not all estheticians are ready to practice at this time, but we feel that the decision should be up to the individual esthetician, and we invite you all to take action and help LA County estheticians have the option to get back to work.
For members who live in Los Angeles County:
We ask you to consider contacting the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and your specific Supervisor (find your Supervisor here), and the Los Angeles Department of Health.
Tell them about how the pandemic has affected your business and work life, and the decisions you had to make as a result of being restricted from performing facial services. Remind your county supervisor of the pressure from your landlords, your commercial leases, and lack of financial assistance, if that is your story. Include the costs you incurred for working outdoors during the summer to bring your esthetic treatment rooms into compliance with both state and county requirements to work safely indoors. Include what steps and procedures you’ve incorporated into your businesses, such as increasing airflow, double masking, additional PPE, etc.
What you say should be your story and your words. We encourage you to try to keep it to one page, if possible, including your name, address, and other pertinent contact information so they can connect with you.
For members who live elsewhere in California:
For those who are so inclined, please consider drafting a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors letting them know that by following recommended COVID-19 safety protocols, you have been able to practice safely, if that is your story. Let them know the protocols you follow, including ventilation, masking, PPE, and any other precautions you take. Thank you in advance for supporting your esthetician peers in Los Angeles County.
If you have questions or concerns, email gr@ascpskincare.com.