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News and Updates
Notice of Intent to Review Rules
March 6, 2023
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) is reviewing the Barbers and Cosmetologists program rules located at Title 16, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 83 for re-adoption, revision, or repeal. This rule review is required every four years.
The Notice of Intent to Review was published in the Texas Register on March 31, 2023 (48 TexReg 1737). The Department will determine whether the reasons for adopting or readopting these rules continue to exist by answering the following questions:
- Is it obsolete?
- Does it reflect current legal and policy considerations?
- Is it in alignment with the current procedures of the Department?
The Department encourages anyone interested in the Barbers and Cosmetologists program under Chapter 83 to review the Notice of Intent to Review online and the current chapter rules posted on the Department’s website.
Comments may be submitted electronically on the Department’s website at https://ga.tdlr.texas.gov:1443/form/gcerules (select the appropriate chapter name for your comment).
Deadline to submit comments—May 1, 2023.
Attention Schools
February 03, 2023
TDLR has received feedback from schools about difficulties in posting a sign that reads "SCHOOL--STUDENT PRACTITIONERS" in 10-inch block letters. To address these concerns, pursuant to Occupations Code §1603.2305, TDLR is providing an alternative manner of meeting the signage requirement effective immediately. Schools may post the sign provided on TDLR’s website instead of posting a 10-inch block letter sign. This alternative will satisfy the signage requirements of Occupations Code §1603.2305 and 16 Texas Administrative Code §83.72(v)(3).
Attention Barber and Cosmetology Establishments
January 28, 2023
On December 6, 2022, the Commission voted to adopt rules for Barbering and Cosmetology at 16 TAC, Chapter 83.
TDLR has developed an online, interactive guide to explain how the changes resulting from HB 1560, and the adoption of Chapter 83 rules, will affect each license type for barbering and cosmetology.
Beginning January 1, 2023, the following requirements must be implemented by all licensed Barber and Cosmetology establishments. Some of these requirements will be new for establishments:
- Establishments must display the new Human Trafficking Awareness sign.
- Establishments must display a copy of the Health & Safety Rules §83.100-83.115. An establishment may meet this requirement by placing the law and rules book so that it is accessible to all practitioners who work in the establishment.
- Alcohol is no longer allowed as a disinfectant.
- All establishments must have an identifiable sign with the establishment’s name.
Additional rule changes and requirements, including changes in equipment requirements, can be accessed at Texas Administrative Code (state.tx.us).
Thank you,
Regulatory Program Management Division
HB 1560 Update: New Requirement for Cosmetology Schools and Establishments
January 12, 2023
On June 15, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1560 (87th Texas Legislature) into law. The law took effect September 1, 2021, and requires all cosmetology schools and establishments to display a copy of the commission’s sanitation rules.
This requirement may be met one of two ways:
- You may download, print, and display the Barbering and Cosmetology Healty and Safety Rules (PDF)
- You may have the law and rules book available.
This requirement will begin January 1, 2023. Violations may be documented after this date.
Please sign up for email updates to receive the latest information about upcoming program changes, rule proposals, and public meetings.
Commission Adopts Rules
December 29, 2022
The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (Commission) adopted amendments to existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 83, §§83.1, 83.10, 83.20-83.26, 83.28, 83.29, 83.40, 83.51, 83.70, 83.71, 83.72, 83.73, 83.74, 83.77, 83.78, 83.80, 83.90, 83.100-83.108, 83.110-83.115, and 83.120; new rules at §§83.2, 83.31, 83.50, 83.65, 83.200, 83.201, and 83.202; the repeal of existing rules at §§83.31, 83.50, 83.52, 83.54, 83.65, and 83.109; and an amendment to the rule chapter title, regarding the Barbering and Cosmetology program. The adopted rules implement House Bill (HB) 1560, Article 3, 87th Legislature, Regular Session (2021), which consolidates the barbering and cosmetology professions into a single Barbering and Cosmetology program, with new license types and standardized requirements for practitioners, establishments, and schools.
The adoption justification was published in the December 23, 2022, issue of the Texas Register (47 TexReg 8640) and is available online. The updated rule chapter will be available on the Secretary of State website upon its effective date of January 1, 2023.
TDLR has developed an online, interactive guide to explain how the changes resulting from HB 1560 will affect each license type for barbering and cosmetology.
Commission Adopts Rules
December 15, 2022
On December 6, 2022, the Commission voted to adopt rules for Barbering and Cosmetology at 16 TAC, Chapter 83. Although the official rule text will not be published in the Texas Register until December 23, 2022, the Department is providing the draft rule text (PDF) that was presented to and voted on by the Commission, to allow the public to view the changes before they take effect on January 1, 2023. Please note that if there are any discrepancies between this draft and the official text, the official text as published in the Texas Register will control.
Barber and Cosmetology Summit Presentation
December 1, 2022
The presentation files are now available from the Barber and Cosmetology Summits that took place in Dallas, Houston, McAllen and Austin during October and November 2022.
Download this presentation (PDF)
Licensee Guide to House Bill 1560 Changes
October 4, 2022
TDLR has received a number of questions about changes to the Barbering and Cosmetology licensing program, and have developed an online, interactive guide that may be helpful in explaining how these changes will affect specific types of licensees. The guide includes information about proposed rules changes that will implement the law that was passed in the 2021 legislative session and a link for those wishing to submit comments about the proposed rules (until October 24, 2022).
Proposed Rule Changes
September 27, 2022
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposes new rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 83, §§83.2, 83.31, 83.50, 83.65, and 83.200-83.202; the proposed amendments to existing rules at §§83.1, 83.10, 83.20-83.26, 83.28, 83.29, 83.40, 83.51, 83.70-83.74, 83.77, 83.78, 83.80, 83.90, 83.100-83.108, 83.110-83.115, and 83.120; and the proposed repeal of existing rules at §§83.31, 83.50, 83.52, 83.54, 83.65, and 83.109, regarding the Barbering and Cosmetology program. The proposed rules implement House Bill (HB) 1560, Article 3, 87th Legislature, Regular Session (2021), which consolidates the barbering and cosmetology professions into a single Barbering and Cosmetology program, with new license types and standardized requirements for practitioners, establishments, and schools. A summary of the combined changes can be viewed online.
The proposed rules were published in the September 23, 2022, issue of the Texas Register(47 TexReg 6039). The Department will accept comments on the proposal until October 24, 2022.
The Department encourages anyone interested in the Barbering and Cosmetology program to review the rule proposal online. Comments may be submitted electronically on the Department’s website.
Barber & Cosmetology Informational Summits
September 19, 2022
Join Us in McAllen, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin or Online
TDLR Staff will walk you through the merger process for the Barber & Cosmetology programs.
Big changes are ahead for the Barber and Cosmetology programs, and we know you have many questions. TDLR will be in your area to provide an overview of the changes and explain how they will impact you and your business.
Sessions will be held in person and virtual options will also be available. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your opinions and concerns about your industry.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
All BARBERS, COSMETOLOGISTS, COS/BAR STUDENTS, SCHOOL OWNERS, BAR/COS SHOP OWNERS & MANAGERS are welcome to join us later this fall!
Topics include:
- How the Legislature combined the Barber and Cosmetology programs
- Advisory Board changes
- Updates on the inspection process
- Deregulation of certain licenses
- New license types for:
- Individual practitioners
- Establishments
- Schools
| City | Date | Times | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| McAllen | Oct 24, 2022 | 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
Wyndham Garden McAllen at La Plaza Mall 1921 South 10th Street, McAllen, Texas 78503 |
| Dallas/Fort Worth | Nov 7, 2022 | 9 a.m. to 11:30am or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
Hurst Convention Center 1601 Campus Dr., Hurst TX 76054 |
| Houston | Nov 13, 2022 | 9 a.m. to 11:30am or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
San Jacinto College 13735 Beamer Rd. Houston, TX 77089 |
| Austin/Virtual Session | Nov 14, 2022 | 9 a.m. to 11:30am or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
TDLR North Campus Location 1106 Clayton Ln., Suite 125E, Austin TX 78723 |
Distance Education Temporary Provisions Expire November 1st
August 3, 2022
On March 12, 2020, March 31, 2020, and May 21, 2020, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) enacted temporary distance education provisions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These temporary provisions allowed licensed schools to offer distance education because many schools could not provide in-person classes under state or local COVID-19 restrictions.
TDLR’s temporary provisions allowing licensed schools to offer distance education will end on November 1, 2022.
Barber and Cosmetology schools will need to follow the current provisions in the laws and rulesfor the approval to offer distance education.
If you have any questions, please contact the Education & Examination Division.
Thank you,
Education & Examination Division
Barbering and Cosmetology Instructor Examinations Available Until Aug. 31, 2022
July 8, 2022
Students who are currently enrolled in a barbering or cosmetology instructor course have until August 31, 2022, to take and pass the instructor exam.
House Bill 1560(87thTexas Legislature) eliminated the barber and cosmetology instructor license, and TDLR will no longer offer the barber and cosmetology instructor examinations starting on September 1, 2022.
Individuals are no longer required to have instructor licenses to teach courses in a licensed barber or cosmetology school in Texas. Individuals teaching courses at a licensed barber or cosmetology school in Texas must have a TDLR barbering or cosmetology license in the specialty area they will be teaching. Individuals with a Class A Barber license or Cosmetology Operator license may teach all methods of barbering or cosmetology.
Help Us Determine Where Our Informational Summits Will Be Held
July 6, 2022
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will host several Informational Summits to provide updates regarding the Barber and Cosmetology programs.
Please participate in our pollno later than July 22, 2022, to help us determine where we will hold these meetings, which will topics such as:
- new law updates;
- new license classifications;
- new establishment requirements; and
- new school requirements.
Remember, this poll will close on July 20, 2022.
Barbering and Cosmetology Instructor License Renewals
June 16, 2022
On or after 09/01/2022, when you attempt to renew your instructor license, TDLR will instead issue a comparable license that allows you to continue to provide services and instruction within the scope of your license. For more information about this change, please see: Teacher Training and Professional Development at Licensed Schools.
TDLR Class A Barber, Cosmetology Operator, Esthetician and Manicurist Exams Now Available in Korean and Simplified Chinese
May 3, 2022
TDLR is pleased to announce that starting on May 1, 2022, we will begin offering the following examinations in Simplified Chinese and Korean:
- Texas Manicurist Written Examination
- Texas Esthetician Written Examination
- Texas Cosmetology Operator Written Examination
- Texas Class A Barber Written Examination
These additional language offerings will reduce the burden of costly translation services and allow candidates to sit for their examinations in their native languages. TDLR is committed to expanding testing options for all candidates and industries we serve.
Beware Of People Posing As TDLR Inspectors
April 26, 2022
Inspectors for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will never request or accept money under any circumstances while calling, visiting or conducting an inspection.
Real TDLR inspectors will:
- introduce themselves;
- show their State of Texas employee ID card;
- provide their contact information upon request; and
- provide their TDLR business card upon request.
Real TDLR inspectors cannot and will not:
- accept payment for license fees;
- request money for violations; or
- charge for inspections.
If someone posing as a TDLR employee approaches or calls you, please contact TDLR and law enforcement immediately. Impersonating a public servant is a third-degree felony in Texas.
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Important Notice for All Barber Technician Licensees and Schools
January 25, 2022
House Bill 1560 was passed during the 87th Texas Legislative Session and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 15, 2021. Section 3 of the bill provides that barber technician, barber technician/manicurist and barber technician/hair weaver specialty licenses will transition to new license types no later than September 1, 2023. Barber technicians will transition to holding esthetician licenses, barber technician/manicurists will become esthetician/manicurists, and barber technician/hair weavers will hold esthetician/hair weaving specialist licenses.
TDLR will provide advance notice for transitioning technician licenses to new license types at a later date. Until this transition occurs, licensed technicians who are eligible for renewal should continue to renew their technician licenses.
Schools are required to continue reporting hours for students currently enrolled in a barber technician, barber technician/manicurist or a barber technician/hair weaver specialty course, until further notice. If a student does not want to complete the course, they should submit the proper withdrawal request to the school. Schools must provide refunds to students for unused tuition based on the current laws and rules.
Effective immediately, schools may no longer enroll students in the barber technician, barber technician/manicurist or barber technician/hair weaver courses through SHEARS. Student permit applications submitted to TDLR by mail will be returned. Students who are currently enrolled in technician courses will be eligible to take the technician exams upon successful completion of the technician courses and if they pass the exams, may still be issued a technician license.
Please sign up for email updates to be notified when the transition to new license types will take place.
New Human Trafficking Awareness Signs Required No Later Than January 1, 2022
November 9, 2021
Beginning January 1, 2022, all cosmetology businesses- including specialty salons, mobile salons, and schools– and all massage establishmentsand massage schoolsare required by Texas law to display a sign with information about available services and assistance to victims of human trafficking, including information on how to report suspicious activity to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The sign has information in five languages.
TDLR has created a sign for you to download and use:
Download the human trafficking sign
This requirement was put into place by the 87th Texas Legislature in 2021. Please download the signand display it in your business. The sign must be placed in a prominent location where it can be seen by the public.
Background
House Bill 3721, which went into effect on September 1, 2021, requires all cosmetology businesses and massage establishments and schools to display a sign concerning services and assistance to victims of human trafficking. The signs, which had already been required, now must also include information on reporting suspicious activity to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The signs must be displayed no later than January 1, 2022.
More information on how to combat human trafficking:
Notice to Instructors on Renewals
October 6, 2021
House Bill 1560 was passed during the 87th Texas Legislative Session and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 15, 2021. Section 3 of the bill eliminates barber and cosmetology instructor licenses no later than September 1, 2023. TDLR will provide advance notice of the date for transitioning instructors to new license types at renewal. Until this transition occurs, licensed instructors who are eligible for renewal should continue to renew their instructor licenses. Please sign up for email updatesto be notified when this transition will take place.
Teacher Training and Professional Development at Licensed Schools
September 29, 2021
Individuals are no longer required to have instructor licenses to teach courses in licensed barber or cosmetology schools in Texas.
Individuals teaching courses at a licensed barber or cosmetology school in Texas must have a TDLR barbering or cosmetology license in the specialty area they will be teaching. Individuals with a Class A Barber license or Cosmetology Operator license may teach all methods of barbering or cosmetology.
TDLR will no longer recognize the completion of an instructor course or award any credit for instructor courses. Students who were enrolled in an instructor course prior to September 1, 2021, can decide whether they want to complete the course.
Schools cannot offer credit for completing any professional development teacher training programs for teachers who teach barber or cosmetology courses and TDLR will not award any credit for completing these courses.
Will TDLR provide a certificate of approval for instructor courses?
No. Beginning September 1, 2021, TDLR certificates of approval will only reflect courses that lead to a state license to offer services. Because TDLR will no longer approve instructor courses, those courses will no longer be reflected on certificates of approval.
Can licensed schools continue to offer barber and cosmetology instructor courses?
Yes; however, if schools offer professional development teacher training programs, TDLR will not award any credit for completing the training.
What are the requirements or qualifications for a person to teach barber or cosmetology in a licensed school?
HB1560 eliminated the barber and cosmetology instructor license, allowing licensed schools more flexibility in hiring teachers for barbering and cosmetology courses.
After September 1, 2021, a licensed school may employ a person to teach if the person holds a TDLR license to perform the acts of barbering or cosmetology that the person will be teaching. An instructor license is no longer required to teach barbering or cosmetology.
Licensed schools will be responsible for verifying that teachers hold the appropriate barbering or cosmetology license for the courses they will be teaching. Schools may also determine what other qualifications they want to require for those teachers being hired to teach at their school. TDLR will not award any credit for completing a professional development teacher training program offered by licensed barber or cosmetology schools.
New Provisions for Teaching Barbering & Cosmetology in Licensed Schools
August 30, 2021
ATTENTION Schools and Students:
After September 1, 2021, you are not required to hold an instructor license to teach barbering or cosmetology in a licensed school.
HB1560 eliminated the barber and cosmetology instructor licenses which allows licensed schools more flexibility in hiring teachers for barbering and cosmetology courses.
A licensed school may only employ a person to teach if the person holds a TDLR license to perform the acts of barbering or cosmetology that the person will teach.
For example:
- A person who holds a Class A Barber license, may teach allmethods of barbering.
- A person who holds a Cosmetology Operator license, may teach allmethods of cosmetology.
- However, a person who holds a Manicure license, may teach onlythe services a licensed manicurist may perform.
TDLR will discontinue issuing Barber and Cosmetology instructor licenses no later than September 1, 2023.
Please sign upfor email updates to receive the latest information about upcoming barber and cosmetology program changes, rule proposals, and public meetings.
If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Education & Examination Division
Important Updates Regarding Instructor Courses and Students
August 18, 2021
ATTENTION Schools and Students: House Bill 1560 was passed during the 87th Texas Legislative Session (2021) and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 15, 2021. Section 3 of the bill eliminates the barber and cosmetology instructor license.
Schools are required to continue reporting hours for students currently enrolled in a barber or cosmetology instructor course, until further notice. If a student does not want to complete the course, they should submit the proper withdrawal request to the school. Schools must provide refunds to students for unused tuition based on the current laws and rules.
HB 1560 Update: Instructor Licensing
August 9, 2021
What is going to happen to current Barber and Cosmetology instructor licenses? Will I be issued a different license?
Current instructor licenses will remain valid until expiration. TDLR will discontinue issuing Barber and Cosmetology instructor licenses no later than September 1, 2023. At this time, no specific date has been identified. This change will occur as TDLR begins to administer a combined Barbering and Cosmetology program.
TDLR will announce a date soon for transitioning instructors to new license types at renewal. Eligible licensed Barber or Cosmetology instructors who submit a renewal application and fee will receive the license(s) equivalent to their field(s) of instruction, if they don’t already have them. If you have a current Cosmetology Operator, Class A Barber, or specialty license - in addition to your instructor license - you can continue to teach using that license after your instructor license expires.
Who can teach in Barber and Cosmetology in schools after September 1, 2021?
Effective September 1, 2021, a school may employ someone to provide instruction if the person holds a TDLR license to perform the acts of barbering or cosmetology for which the person will provide instruction. For example, a person who holds a Class A Barber license may teach allmethods of barbering and a person who holds a Cosmetology Operator license may teach allmethods of cosmetology. However, a licensed Manicurist may teach onlythe services a licensed manicurist may perform.
A licensed school may offer instruction in the course curriculums which have been approved by the department. A licensed school must have at least one person on the school’s premises to instruct for every 25 students.
Update on House Bill 1560
July 30, 2021
House Bill 1560was passed by the 87th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 15, 2021. Section 3 of the bill eliminates some barber and cosmetology license types and consolidates the existing barbering and cosmetology laws into one combined chapter – Chapter 1603.
- Applicable barber and cosmetology rules will remain in effect until the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopts new rules.
- Effective September 1, 2021, the practices that previously required a wig specialty license will be deregulated, and a license will no longer be required for an individual to perform those services.
- All other current license types will remain valid until expiration.
- TDLR has until September 1, 2023, to implement the new requirements of HB 1560.
Please sign upfor email updates to receive the latest information about upcoming barber and cosmetology program changes, rule adoptions, and public meetings.
Advisory Board Meetings
October 31, 2022
The Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board met October 31, 2022 via videoconference. The meeting was archived and is available on TDLR’s YouTube channel. The agenda and staff reports are available online.