What is the primary purpose of the Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology?

The primary purpose of the Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology is to regulate the practice of cosmetology and ensure the public's safety and welfare. This includes overseeing the licensing of cosmetologists and establishments, enforcing health and safety standards, and setting educational requirements for those entering the profession. Such regulation helps to protect consumers from potential harm by ensuring that practitioners meet the required standards of knowledge and hygiene in their work. This focus on public safety and professional standards is essential for maintaining trust in the cosmetology profession and ensuring high-quality services for all clients.

While other options may represent certain activities related to cosmetology, they do not encompass the overarching goal of the Board, which is fundamentally about regulation and public welfare. Providing free beauty services, issuing beauty school certifications, and promoting product sales are not central to the Board's mission, which is firmly rooted in consumer protection and industry oversight.