best online resources for compliance

(Updated March 2024)

What state and federal laws apply to your beauty business? 

Don’t wait for a complaint, lawsuit, investigation or fine to find out.

Trusting information crowdsourced from colleagues and social media may be hazardous to the health of your business.

DISCLAIMER: Precision Nails provides these links for convenience and information purposes only. The content of this site should not be considered legal advice. Precision Nails assumes no responsibility for the content, accuracy, validity or use of these links; contact the source directly for the most current and relevant information.

state resources

State Government Websites – This state-by-state directory provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) focuses on small businesses and the self-employed with links for doing business in your state, becoming an employer, paying state taxes and more.

Professional Licensing Boards – Courtesy of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), visit your state board’s website to learn about licensing requirements, review health and safety regulations, renew or verify a license, file a complaint, participate in a board meeting and contact board staff.

federal resources

(Department of Labor)
Mission: “To ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.”

Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets
OSHA Worker Rights and Protections
Help for Employers
Hair Salons: Facts about Formaldehyde in Hair Products
Health Hazards in Nail Salons
File a Complaint

(Department of Justice)
Mission: “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination.”

Businesses That Are Open to the Public
Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA
Employment
File a Complaint

Mission: “Our mission is protecting consumers and competition by preventing anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices through law enforcement, advocacy, and education without unduly burdening legitimate business activity.”

Consumer Privacy
Privacy and Security Enforcement
Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road
Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers

(Department of Justice)
Mission: “Prevent and remedy unlawful employment discrimination and advance equal opportunity for all in the workplace.”

Employees & Job Applicants
Employers
Discrimination by Type: Age | Disability | Equal Pay/Compensation | Genetic Information | Harassment | National Origin | Pregnancy | Race/Color | Religion | Retaliation | Sex | Sexual Harassment | Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

(Department of Justice)
Mission: “The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) enforces the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).”

Best Practices for Recruiting and Hiring Workers
Protecting Your Right to Work
Employment Discrimination Jurisdiction Comparison

Mission: “The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions.”

Employee Rights
Employer/Union Rights and Obligations
The Right to Strike
Investigative Charges

(Department of Health and Human Services)
Mission: “The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.”

Cosmetics Guidance & Regulation
Summary of Cosmetic Labeling Requirements
Cosmetic Ingredients
Color Additives Permitted for Use in Cosmetics
Hair Products
Nail Care Products
FDA Name and Logo Policy
Is It Really ‘FDA Approved’?
How to Report a Cosmetic Related Complaint

(Department of Commerce)
Mission: “To foster innovation, competitiveness and economic growth, domestically and abroad, by providing high quality and timely examination of patent and trademark applications, guiding domestic and international intellectual property (IP) policy, and delivering IP information and education worldwide.”

Search Trademark Database
Trademark Basics
Trademark FAQs

(Department of Commerce)
Mission: “The FTC is a bipartisan federal agency with a unique dual mission to protect consumers and promote competition.”

When a Business Offer or Coaching Program Is a Scam
Multi-Level Marketing Businesses and Pyramid Schemes
Report Fraud

Mission: “ED’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.”

Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP)
Student Loans, Forgiveness
Know Your Rights
How to File a Discrimination Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights

Mission: “The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses.”

Register Your Business
Apply for Licenses and Permits