Petitioner Tuang Khong Dang asks board to reinstate cosmetology license after prior revocation for health-and-safety violations

The State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology heard testimony June (recorded) on the petition for reinstatement of cosmetologist Tuang Khong Dang, whose license was revoked in 2018 after repeated health-and-safety citations and a default decision. Administrative Law Judge Sean Gavin presided and Deputy Attorney General Caitlin Dougherty presented the board's record.

Dang told the board he ran Fashion Spa Nail and Hair for more than 10 years and described family and business hardships that followed inspections and citations. "I just want to say I'm sorry for what I did in the past," Dang said. He told the board he lost employees in a car accident and said those events, along with family stress, contributed to the conduct that underlies the disciplinary history.

Board members pressed Dang on compliance failures. Dougherty summarized the record, which includes citations for employing unlicensed persons, failing to disinfect instruments, incomplete foot‑spa logs and other health-and-safety violations, a stipulated settlement placing the license on three years' probation effective March 31, 2017, and a default decision revoking the cosmetologist license effective Nov. 30, 2018. Dougherty told the board the petitioner currently owes $4,587.50 for investigation and enforcement costs.

President Tanya Fairley and other members asked why Dang failed to complete probation requirements. Dang said a school he enrolled in closed before he completed required remedial education and that he did not notify his probation officer or the board to arrange alternatives. "I don't think I did the right thing because I can't control myself when I when I, you know, I will get back to with the inspector," Dang said, adding, "I just hope that, you guys consider, for my situation and give me back the license."

Vice President Funk and Board Member Steve Weeks emphasized public‑safety concerns and the regulatory purpose of inspections. Weeks noted Dang's multiple failed inspections and said the board's “number one concern with the inspections and with the violations is public safety.” Dang told the board he currently works as a permanent‑makeup/beauty technician and that if reinstated he would comply with probation terms and pay outstanding costs: "If that were I have to pay. I will pay. I will try to pay."

The board did not vote at the hearing. Judge Gavin closed the record after giving the parties opportunity for closing remarks. Dougherty said the office would ask the board to evaluate whether petitioner has shown rehabilitation. The judge informed Dang that the board would deliberate in closed session and that he would receive the decision by mail.

The hearing record includes case and exhibit files the board reviewed during the hearing, and the administrative law judge admitted petitioner’s petition packet into evidence. No final board action was taken at the public hearing.