Proposed regulations in South Dakota are causing concern among hairdressers and salon owners, as they aim to prevent multiple stylists from sharing the same chair in salon suites. Under these potential rules, if a stylist rents or uses a chair, no other stylist would be allowed to use that space—even on different days.

While regulators may argue that such policies improve sanitation and compliance, these restrictions could have devastating effects on independent hairdressers and those just starting their careers. South Dakota, being a largely rural…