Guides for the Beauty and Barber Equipment and Supplies Industry

The Guides for the Beauty and Barber Equipment and Supplies Industry (the ``Beauty/Barber Guides'' or the ``Guides'') designate as unacceptable certain advertising and trade practices relating to the sale of products used by, and/or marketed through, ``industry members'' (as defined in Section 248.0 of the Guides) such as barber shops, barber schools, beauty parlors, beauty salons, beauty clinics, and organizations or corporations engaging in the manufacture or distribution of industry products. Such products embrace a wide range of beauty and barber preparations, as well as articles or items of equipment, furnishings, and supplies for such establishments. The Commission believes that the Beauty/Barber Guides do not provide guidance substantially specific to the beauty and barber equipment and supply industry. In addition, the Commission believes that, in some instances, the Guides no longer accurately represent current Commission policy, and would require extensive revision to be made up-to date. Although such a revision and reissuance might be warranted if there were evidence of widespread marketing abuses of the type addressed by the Guides, the Commission has no such evidence. In addition, the Commission believes that likely abuses, if any, are adequately addressed under applicable antitrust, consumer protection, and commercial tort laws, which are matters of public record. Consequently, the Commission believes that there is no continuing need for the Guides, and that they should be repealed in their entirety. Although the Commission is eliminating the Guides, proceedings still may be brought against businesses under Section 5(a)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (the ``FTC Act''), 15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1), for engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce in the advertising and sale of beauty and barber equipment and supplies. Proceedings also may be brought under Section 5(a)(1) of the FTC Act against businesses engaging in unfair m