Licensing requirements and health inspection outcomes in nail salons and barbershops

Matthew P West

Economic Affairs, 2026, vol. 46, issue 2, 285-312

Abstract: Occupational licensing is justified on the grounds that it protects the public from incompetent or unscrupulous practitioners, ensuring public health and safety. This study tests the health and safety rationale for occupational licensing by examining whether different licensing requirements for manicurists and barbers in US states result in different health inspection outcomes in nail salons and barbershops. Results show that licensing requirements have no meaningful impact on health inspection outcomes. This suggests that licensing requirements could be eliminated or reduced without adversely affecting health and safety.

Date: 2026
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