posted on: 11/14/2025
With the 2026 legislative season on the horizon, the AHP Government Relations team is closely monitoring the trends that could reshape the beauty industry. From braiding and textured hair to license portability, we’re tracking the issues that matter most to professionals and predicting what’s next.
Why It Pays to Look Ahead
When you anticipate the issues that could reshape the beauty industry, you give yourself the power to prepare and advocate. Whether you’re a cosmetologist, educator, or industry leader, staying one step ahead of the game means you can help champion fair policies that advance and enhance the profession. We’re talking about laws that support inclusivity, innovation, and professional growth.
Here are the top issues we expect to land on lawmakers’ desks next year.
Braiding Without Barriers
In 2025, the push to deregulate natural hair braiding gained momentum. Seven states introduced bills to exempt hair braiders from cosmetology licensing requirements, and New Mexico and Wyoming signed these changes into law.
This movement reflects a growing understanding that natural hair braiding is a skill deeply rooted in cultural tradition and communities. Requiring a formal license for this service has often created unnecessary barriers for talented entrepreneurs. States that have exempted natural hair braiding cite its low health and safety risk and the importance of supporting economic opportunity. As the industry evolves, laws like these demonstrate that beauty regulation is shifting to honor lived experience to support inclusion and respect. With 2026 around the corner, we will likely see more states embrace similar laws.
Hair Texture Takes the Spotlight
In 2026, we expect to see continued progress in embracing hair texture education in cosmetology programs (it’s about time!). For years, curricula focused on straight hair types, leaving hair pros underprepared to work confidently with coiled, curly, and wavy hair textures.
That’s starting to change. This year, Maine, Vermont, and Washington enacted laws requiring cosmetology schools to include training on textured hair. These updates help close a long-standing gap in professional education and show a commitment to diversity and client-centered care. It also opens doors for cosmetologists to expand their skills and serve a broader clientele. Ultimately, it’s a win for professionals and consumers alike, and we think more states will be following suit next year.
The Cosmetology Compact Is Going Places
Another major development is the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (Compact). To recap: The Compact allows licensed cosmetologists to practice across “member states” with a single multistate license without having to jump through hoops or file additional, redundant paperwork. It improves portability and flexibility and encourages professional freedom.
In 2026, we anticipate more states will sign on to the Compact. Ten member states have joined already, and we expect to see that number grow next year. The end goal could transform how cosmetologists work across state lines. With more states on board, the easier it will be to relocate, travel for work, or expand your business.
To learn more, visit the Compact’s official website.
The Next Chapter
As we look toward 2026, the cosmetology legislative landscape looks exciting. From embracing cultural practices like braiding to expanding education and mobility, these changes will impact the beauty industry. Staying informed and engaged will be key for hair pros, educators, and advocates who want to help shape the future of cosmetology.
Make sure to watch your inbox for legislative call-to-action alerts from AHP. Let’s be ready—not just to react, but to lead in 2026.
Bonus Reads for the Beauty Policy Buff
Want to catch up on what happened in 2025? Don’t miss our end-of-session recap where we break down the biggest wins and trends from this year’s legislative session.
Looking for a powerful read on inclusive cosmetology education? Check out AHP Director of Government Relations Laura Puryear’s article, “Textured Hair Expansion Education,” on the importance of hair texture curriculum. Discover how it transforms the way we train future hair professionals!