Legislation part of larger House Republican ‘Regulation Rollback’ initiative to reduce burdensome rules

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn today championed the unanimous state House passage of his plan to reduce the number of hours of training required to obtain a barber license in the state of Michigan. The proposal is part of an extensive House Republican effort to roll back burdensome and unnecessary regulations impeding growth and progress in Michigan.

“We want skilled professionals in Michigan, but the rules shouldn’t be so restrictive that no one can even get their foot in the door,” said Fairbairn, R–Harbor Springs. “Barbers are a prime example of how Michigan’s regulations go too far. With one of the toughest licensing requirements in the country, we’re pushing people who want to cut hair to other states instead of letting them build a career here.”

Currently, the state requires individuals to complete either 1,800 hours of study at a licensed barber college or serve as an apprentice for at least 1,800 hours in an apprenticeship program. However, in 2022, the Institute for Justice ranked Michigan the 6th worst state in the nation for barber licensing. The median number of required hours for training and experience to be a licensed barber in the U.S. at that time was 1,500 hours.

This barrier to entry, which is not unique to the barbering profession, has led to a shortage of barbers and ultimately higher costs for consumers. Fairbairn’s House Bill 4927 would lower the required number of hours to 1,500, in line with much of the rest of the nation.

“Michigan’s overly restrictive requirements are making it harder for local businesses to keep a full workforce,” Fairbairn said. “This problem extends far beyond barbering. From teachers and construction workers to health care professionals and farmers, too many people are being shut out by excessive licensing requirements. Our House Republican effort to reduce these barriers is a critical next step toward encouraging more professionals to live and work in the Great Lakes State.”

Fairbairn’s legislation now moves to the state Senate for further consideration.

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