New Jersey backpedals on proposed bikini waxing ban
Saturday, March 21, 2009
- 1 January 2012: On the campaign trail, December 2011
- 24 November 2011: New Jersey jury clears man of five murders over 1978 teens' disappearance
- 28 August 2011: Tropical Storm Irene passes over New York
- 13 July 2011: American television producer Sherwood Schwartz dies aged 94
- 11 July 2011: Stun gun found on JetBlue flight in Newark, New Jersey
New Jersey has reversed its plans for a state-wide ban on bikini waxing after salon owners from across the state spoke out against the proposal.
The New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling planned to consider a ban on so-called "Brazilian waxes" in response to two women who reported being injured during a wax.
But state Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman, who oversees the board, asked them to abandon the ban in favor of reviewing and establishing safeguards for those who provide the service.
"Many commentators have noted that the procedure could be safely performed," Szuchman wrote in a letter to state board President Ronald Jerome Brown, according to the Asbury Park Press. "I, therefore, believe that there are alternative means to address any public health issues identified by the board.
Salon owners from across the state expressed relief with Szuchman's decision.
"It was an unnecessary issue," spa owner Linda Orsuto told the Associated Press. "In New Jersey especially, where the government has been picking our pockets for so long, it was like, 'Just stay out of our pants, will you?'"
Although millions of Americans get bikini waxes, which generally cost between $50 and $60 per session, the practice comes with risks. Skin care experts say the hot wax can irritate delicate skin in the bikini area, and result in infections, ingrown hairs and rashes.
Waxing on the face, neck, abdomen, legs and arms are permitted in New Jersey. Although state statutes have always banned bikini waxing, the laws are seldom enforced because the wording is unclear.
If the measure had passed, New Jersey might have become the only US state to ban the practice outright.
Although Szuchman's letter was crafted more as a recommendation than an order, media reports said the ban would likely never be approved without his support because his office oversees the board.
[edit] Related news
- "New Jersey to consider bikini waxing ban" — Wikinews, March 20, 2009
[edit] Sources
- Beth DeFalco. "NJ scraps plans to ban genital waxing" — Associated Press, March 20, 2009
- Jason Nark. "N.J. cans Brazilian wax ban" — Philadelphia Daily News, March 20, 2009
- David P. Willis. "State official stops plan to ban "Brazilian" bikini waxes" — Asbury Park Press, March 20, 2009
