Professional Keratin Smoothing Council
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Membership

Membership Dues
Membership Definitions
Membership Responsibilities

Membership Commitment
Members are committed to the growth of the professional beauty industry, advocacy for the keratin smoothing category, and to the principles of professionalism, transparency and accountability.

Through membership, all parties agree to adhere to the high standards set by the PKSC for professional and consumer safety, and to provide accurate information about keratin hair smoothing products and applications, and related services. All manufacturers voluntarily agree to a set of standards for ingredients, testing, monitoring and labeling that exceeds any legal requirements set by outside agencies.

Member Benefits
Manufacturer Members
  • 50% of dues paid up front and the rest paid in 6 months
  • Seat on the Board of Directors with full voting rights
  • Access to all member testing results
  • Testing of your products in accordance to PKSC established standards
  • Use of PKSC logo on your website and materials
  • Members' brands are listed on all materials, publications and press releases made by the Council
  • Brand page on the PKSC website
  • Members’ brands will be advertised at all trade shows at which the PKSC has a booth
  • Can Chair or Co-Chair a Committee
Counseling Manufacturer Members
  • Access to all members' testing results
  • Option to have products tested in accordance to PKSC established standards
  • Option to have a brand page on the PKSC website
  • Members’ brands will be advertised at all trade shows at which the PKSC has a booth
  • Use of PKSC logo on your website and materials
  • Member referral listing
  • Can Chair or Co-Chair a Committee
Trade Show Organizer Members
  • Sponsor link on PKSC website
  • Email of show information to all PKSC members up to three times in the 90 days before your event
  • Use of PKSC logo on your website and materials
  • Member referral listing
  • Can Chair or Co-Chair a Committee
Magazine & Trade Website Members
  • Sponsor link on PKSC website
  • Email information to all PKSC members up to three times per year
  • Use of PKSC logo on your website and materials
  • Exclusive three day advance receipt of all PKSC press releases
  • Can Chair or Co-Chair a Committee
Cosmetology Association, Trade Organization, Distributor Members
  • Access to professional only portal with access to:
    • Detailed product information on all member brands
    • Comprehensive safety information and updates
    • MSDSs for all member brands
    • Educational materials on proper use of members’ products
    • Professionals' Bulletin Board with feedback from the industry
    • FAQ
  • Sponsor link on PKSC website
  • Use of PKSC logo on your website and materials
  • PKSC logo and window decal
  • Can Chair or Co-Chair a Committee
Salon Chain, Salon, Stylist Members
  • Certification through the PKSC
  • Window decal distinguishing the business or individuals in the business with certification
  • Access to professional only portal with access to:
    • Detailed product information on all member brands
    • Comprehensive safety information and updates
    • MSDSs for all member brands
    • Educational materials on proper use of members’ products
    • Professionals' Bulletin Board with feedback from the industry
    • FAQ
  • Print ready marketing materials to communicate to your clients the facts about keratin smoothing services, and your commitment to safety
  • Use of PKSC logo on your website and materials
  • Listing on PKSC website for certified salons and stylist for consumer referrals
  • Committee participation
Cosmetology School and Student Members
  • Access to special school/student education and product offers
  • Access to professional only portal with access to:
    • Detailed product information on all member brands
    • Comprehensive safety information and updates
    • MSDSs for all member brands
    • Educational materials on proper use of members’ products
    • Professionals' Bulletin Board with feedback from the industry
    • FAQ
  • Print ready marketing materials to communicate to your clients the facts about keratin smoothing services, and your commitment to safety
  • Committee participation
  Professional and Consumer Supporters
  • Tools to help advocate for the category

Membership Dues
  • Professional and Consumer Supporters - Free
    • Get first hand information about the latest on this category
    • Get information about the companies making safe and effective products
    • Tell your story about how keratin/smoothing has changed you life


  • Student Members - Join Free!

  • Stylist Members - $50 First Year Free!
    • Annual Renewal $25

  • Salon Members - $250 $125
    • Annual Renewal $150

  • Salon Chain Members - $2,250 $1,000
    • Annual Renewal $500

  • Cosmetology School Members - $1,500 $1,000
    • Annual Renewal $500

  • Distributor Members - $2,000 $1,500
    • Annual Renewal $500

  • Trade Organization Members - $3,000 $1,000
    • Annual Renewal $1,000

  • Cosmetology Association Members - $3,000 $1,000
    • Annual Renewal $1,000

  • Magazines & Trade Website Members - $3,000 $2,000
    • Annual Renewal $1,000

  • Trade Show Organizer Members - $5,000 $3,000 and a free 10x10 space in your shows
    • 50% reduction in membership in exchange for constant banner with link on your website.
    • Annual Renewal $1,000

  • Counseling Manufacturer Members - $7,500 $5,000
    • Annual Renewal $2,500 - $5,000 based on revenue

  • Manufacturer Members - $15,000 $10,000- 50% due on enrollment
    • Annual Renewal $2,500 - $5,000 based on revenue

Click here to become a member today!


Membership Definitions

• Manufacturer Members - Brand owners, manufacturers and international importers, selling hair care products in the United States, sold through the professional beauty industry

• Counseling Manufacturer Members - Any type of manufacturer or raw material supplier that is in the keratin smoothing category, is a resource or counselor to member manufacturers in the keratin smoothing category

• Trade Show Organizer - Any organization that puts on trade shows for the professional beauty industry, i.e. Premiere, IBS, ISSE, etc.

• Magazine, Trade Website - Print or electronic publishing companies that market to the professional beauty industry or consumers

• Cosmetology Association - Associations that serve the needs of unique communities in the industry, i.e. the Cosmetology Association of Chicago, Intercoiffure, etc.

• Industry Trade Organization - ICMAD, ABA, PBA

• Cosmetology Schools - Licensed establishments that educate salon professionals and have credentials from their state regulatory agency

• Distributor Members - US distributors selling hair care products to the professional beauty industry

• Salon Chain - Chains with 10 or more salons

• Salon - Individual licensed salon establishments

• Stylist - Licensed salon professional

• Professional Supporter - Licensed salon professional or individual engaged in some capacity in the professional beauty industry

• Student - Student enrolled in a licensed beauty school

• Consumer Supporter - member of the general public


Membership Responsibility

Manufacturer Members
  • Brand owners, manufacturers or international importers, selling hair care products in the U.S. market
  • Full disclosure of ingredients
    • Labeling on product disclosing ingredients, which is not required by FDA for professional products
    • Proper labeling for consumer products
    • Post test results on council website
    • Compliant MSDS for all products under the brand name, in harmony with the GHS platform
    • Education and training for salon professionals and consumers
    • Use consistent, approved, methods of analysis

  • Each member will advertise its brand with truthful statements. Companies that advertise or allow others to make claims like "formaldehyde free," "OSHA approved" or "FDA approved" are not eligible for membership.
    • These claims further confuse professionals and consumers and compromise the integrity of the council. "Formaldehyde Free" is a misleading claim as formaldehyde is not a cosmetic ingredient, but a gas that cannot exist in a cream or liquid emulsion.
    • "OSHA approved" or "FDA approved" are misleading claims as neither of these government agencies issues approvals for cosmetic products.

  • If Members' products contain methylene glycol (MG), the composition will not exceed 2.6%.
    • The standard is in review, and will be adjusted as needed based on a battery of testing being commissioned by the council. There is a direct relationship between MG and the potential for the release of formaldehyde when a product is heated to temperatures exceeding 392 degrees fahrenheit.
    • By setting a limit on this ingredient, this council sets the example for responsible manufacturers who are self-regulating to ensure the safety of salon professionals and consumers.

    Counseling Manufacturer Members
    • Meet all of the responsibilities listed for Manufacturer Members if your company is a manufactur of keratin smoothing products
    • Provide testing and research information that will help to advance the objectives of the council

    All other members
    • Provide testing, research, professional and consumer information that will help to advance the objectives of the council

    Professional and Consumer Supporters
    • Sign their name to a list of supporters
    • Advocate through letter writing and visiting PKSC.org often to stay informed on the topic