TRENTON, NJ — During 2007, more than 700 New Jersey drivers were killed during auto accidents. The following year, traffic fatalities took the lives of 21 New Jersey bicyclists; twice the previous year’s total. This year, the Cosmetology and Hairstyling Board tried to make Brazilian bikini waxing illegal. Huh?
According to the BBC, which appears to be on top of all things bizarrely American, two post-procedure pubic-ly bare women developed infections and required hospitalization. One went so far as to file a lawsuit.
Naturally, with millions of pubic waxing procedures taking place throughout the country, if not the world, on a regular basis, the logical thing to do is make it illegal because two women had a negative reaction.
Not surprisingly, salon owners who include lucrative bikini waxing services on their menu of offerings were not pleased, especially with bathing suit season moving into hairless view.
State consumer affairs director David Szuchman pointed out the blindingly obvious when he explained why he would not support the ban, which was originally proposed in December of 2008.
“Many commenters have noted that the procedure can be safely performed,” Szuchman reminded. “I, therefore, believe that there are alternative means to address any public health issues identified by the board.”
Instead, Szuchman proposed that the board instead “begin an immediate review of the training necessary to safely provide this service, and to establish appropriate protocols and safeguards.”
Technically, bikini waxing exists within a legal no-man’s land. While face, neck, stomach, leg and arm waxing are all officially recognized and authorized, removing hair from the more delicate bits of the body are not mentioned in the law as either permitted or denied. No state currently has laws on its books banning the procedure.
Spa owner Linda Orsuto, who estimates that her business made $90,000 last year from bikini waxing alone, spoke for many when she informed the Associated Press that “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?’”
Due to the fact high temperatures and delicate skin come into contact with one another during the waxing process, a certain amount of risk, as well as discomfort, is endured by those seeking a smooth genital mound. Business owners worried that a ban would drive those determined to be hairless over the border into other states or attempt to take matters into their own hands, thus resulting in both less income for New Jersey merchants and far more injuries for clients.
