OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Cosmetologists flooded the halls at the state capitol, hoping to convince lawmakers to override Governor Kevin Stitt’s veto on a bill that would have kept the Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology alive.

“We all have busted our butts and put in hours,” said Jaylynn Taylor, a cosmetology student.

“Educate, don’t deregulate!” shouted protestors.

“I’m here to fight for this industry,” said Heather Sinclair, Chair of the State Board of Cosmetology.

Cosmetology licenses are about more than bad haircuts: Hairstylist

Right now in Oklahoma, if you want to cut hair, do nails or lashes, or offer massage therapy professionally, you must be licensed through the Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology.

Austin Hodges, a hairstylist, said those rules are more about safety than bad haircuts.

“If you walk in and I notice that you have open lesions and then I’m putting a chemical on that open lesion, it could be detrimental to your health. I also am trained to look for melanomas and lymphomas,” said Hodges.

Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology set to go away on July 1

Governor Kevin Stitt recently vetoed a bill that would’ve kept the board in place. Now it goes away on July 1.

In his veto message, Stitt questioned whether the board is necessary, writing:

“What does this board really need to do, and who should be in charge of it? Until the board becomes more transparent, responsive, and aligned with the needs of today’s workforce, its continued existence should not be taken for granted.”

A spokesperson for the governor told News 4 he doesn’t want to eliminate cosmetology licensing altogether, but thinks a different state agency could take over those duties.

“We’ve been told that our licenses will be no longer. will be abolished,” said Sinclair.

State Board of Cosmetology chairs believes they can override veto in House

Sinclair is not only the chair of the State Board of Cosmetology, she also owns “Hello Gorgeous Salon” in Stillwater and a barbering school.

Sinclair believes they have the votes in the House to override Stitt’s veto, but not in the Senate. Remember, it takes a two-thirds majority from both chambers.

“We are told that the senators do not want to ruffle feathers with the governor, and they want all their deals aren’t done, budgets not done,” said Sinclair.

Cosmetologists protest in the halls of the Oklahoma Senate

On Tuesday, cosmetologists, barbers, and students flooded the senate halls.

“EDUCATE! DON’T DEREGULATE!” They chanted.

“I’ve worked my butt off to get where I’m at and to get good enough and confident enough to be where I’m at with a pair of scissors and a straight razor at that,” said Jaylynn Taylor, a single mom just 80 hours away from graduating. “I’m this close. I’ve fought like hell. I’ve come off from probation. I’ve gotten my GED just to go to that school.”

An effort to override the veto before the session ends.

“Why would you take less of an education from something that you love?” Taylor said.

News 4 reached out to the governor to learn if another agency has stepped in to fulfill the duties of the State Board of Cosmetology and his office sent the following statement below.

To reiterate, the goal isn’t to eliminate standards, it’s to modernize how they’re managed. As we approach the sunset date, the Governor encourages legislative leaders to determine the best long-term home for these licensing functions—ideally under an agency that already handles workforce or occupational licensing such as Service Oklahoma. 

Office of Governor Kevin Stitt