posted on: 06/19/2025
As the hustle and bustle of the 2025 legislative season winds down, let’s round up the cosmetology trends that heated up legislatures.
State legislatures have adjourned in over 50 percent of the country. Some bills filed this year have been signed by governors, some are waiting to be signed into law, and some never made it past the finish line. The AHP Government Relations team noted clear trends in cosmetology, which is a great way to better predict and prepare for next year’s legislative session. For hair professionals, it’s beneficial to learn what’s happening in other states and to see what changes may impact your profession. Policymakers are often influenced by proposed or pending laws. So while it’s important to know the lay of the land in your backyard, it’s also helpful to be aware of what’s going on beyond your state’s borders.
Let’s dive in and see what similarities popped up across the country and impacted cosmetology in 2025.
Cosmetology Licensure Compact (Compact)
Compact bills were introduced in 13 states and were ultimately enacted in Kansas, Virginia, and Washington. These states joined Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, and Tennessee in enacting the Compact. Cosmetologists in these states will soon be eligible for a multistate license, which will make it easier for professionals to work temporarily in those states. Next, the Cosmetology Compact Commission will be formed and begin its rulemaking process. We’ll keep you posted when multistate licenses become available! Learn more about the Compact here.
Textured Hair Education
Despite the (continued) lack of education on hair types and textures across cosmetology schools, we believe all students should be prepared to style various hair types, textures, and densities throughout their careers and feel confident doing so. A victory in the state legislatures this session was seeing Maine, Minnesota, Washington, and Vermont introduce bills that would require curriculum to include training on textured hair (coiled, curly, or wavy). So far, Maine, Washington, and Vermont have enacted their respective bills into law. Way to go!
In many of the proposed bills, education would typically include cutting, styling, chemical treatments, product usage, and scalp care. In certain bills, the education included the cultural significance related to textured hair. Understanding hair composition and how to cut, style, and chemically treat textured hair should be a vital part of the modern curriculum—it’s a step toward inclusivity and how to better serve a diverse client base!
Hairstyling Deregulation
Cosmetology is known as an ever-changing industry. Although some changes impact the industry positively, some can impact it negatively. One example is exempting individuals who practice only some services from requiring a license, such as deregulating blow-dry styling.
In 2025, California, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, and South Carolina introduced bills that would allow anyone to shampoo, condition, dry, curl, and straighten hair using hot tools. Some states, such as North Carolina, proposed a bill allowing untrained individuals to install hair extensions, hair pieces, and wigs! Fundamentally, deregulating blow-dry styling devalues cosmetology education and licensure. Also, untrained individuals may undercut a licensed pro’s business by offering services at less expensive rates, giving them an unfair advantage. At the time of posting, none of the bills had been signed into law. AHP will continue to fight to protect your education, license credentials, and professional standards in 2026.
Domestic Violence Awareness Training
Cosmetologists know they don’t only provide hair care; they also serve as therapists to many of their clients. Sometimes, this can lead to a cosmetologist noticing when something isn’t quite right within a client’s home. Three states made moves to help address that issue this year. Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York introduced bills requiring cosmetologists to receive education on recognizing domestic violence and appropriately addressing it with clients. If you’ve ever seen something that made you wonder if your client was safe at home and didn’t know what to do, this kind of education could help. Domestic violence training is important, not only for protecting clients but also for protecting the practicing hair pro. Maryland’s bill was enacted this spring, and we anticipate more states adopting similar laws in the future.
Mobile Licensing
If you’re a solopreneur who wants a break from rent and landlords, a mobile salon or barbershop may be your next great adventure. Many states introduced bills this year that would allow hair professionals to obtain a mobile license/permit/registration, including Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. So far, only Rhode Island has enacted legislation that created a mobile license for cosmetology and barbering services. Although there can be many regulations on how to outfit and operate a vehicle, for many hair pros, mobile salons and barbershops offer freedom and flexibility to better serve homebound clients and busy 9-to-5ers and to attend events outside the brick-and-mortar salon. AHP supports expanding business opportunities to help expand your client base and your pocketbook.
Although state legislatures are adjourning across the country, there is a possibility that more bills will be introduced and signed into law. Rest assured, your GR team will continue to fight judiciously against bills that seek to devalue and deregulate cosmetology and advocate for laws that will propel your profession to the next level. Whether that means safeguarding educational standards, preventing new and burdensome regulations, or protecting licensing standards, we are here to inform lawmakers on how to enhance your careers and businesses.