The barbering and cosmetology industry continues to evolve in 2026 as states introduce new education requirements, licensing reforms, public-safety training, and interstate mobility options. This guide covers states A–M, outlining laws taking effect in 2026 and proposed or pending legislation that barbers, cosmetologists, and shop owners should be aware of.
Disclaimer: This article is informational only. Always verify requirements with your state licensing board.
To view laws for states N-Z, click here
Alabama
New Laws Effective in 2026
- No major cosmetology or barbering laws take effect in 2026
- Alabama remains a member of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact
- No continuing education (CE) is required for license renewal
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Possible reintroduction of bills to regulate makeup artists and lash/brow technicians
- Board-proposed rules allowing up to 50% online (hybrid) education
- Removal of additional retraining hours after multiple failed licensing exams
Alaska
New Laws Effective in 2026
- No new barber or cosmetology laws effective in 2026
- Existing licensing requirements remain in place
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- SB 145: Streamlining licensing and easing restrictions for applicants with criminal histories
- SB 4: Proposed limited “non-chemical barbering” license and a standalone hair-braiding license
- Ongoing discussion around deregulating low-risk services
Arizona
New Laws Effective in 2026
- No new laws enacted for 2026
- Arizona already allows broad out-of-state license recognition
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Prior 2025 attempt to fully deregulate barbering and cosmetology failed but signals continued interest
- Potential future reductions in training hours
- Possible exam and apprenticeship reforms
Arkansas
New Laws Effective in 2026
- Temporary cosmetology license fee reductions expire, returning fees to normal levels
- Cosmetology schools may now administer practical exams in-house
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Updated regulation of permanent makeup and cosmetic tattooing
- Possible exam fee caps and curriculum clarifications
- Minor sanitation and administrative rule updates
California
New Laws Effective in 2026
- Reduced training hours fully implemented:
- Cosmetologists: 1,000 hours
- Barbers: 1,000 hours
- Hairstylists (non-chemical): 600 hours
- Written exam only (no practical exam)
- Booth-renter classification affected by labor law changes
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- AB 625: Would deregulate shampooing, blow-drying, and basic styling
- Possible future domestic violence awareness training
- Continued refinement of mobile salon regulations
Colorado
New Laws Effective in 2026
- Colorado enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact
- New disclosure requirements for medical-aesthetic services
- No continuing education mandate
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Potential reduction of cosmetology training hours
- Expanded apprenticeship pathways
- Optional fingerprint background checks for applicants
Connecticut
New Laws Effective in 2026
- Textured hair education required in barber and cosmetology programs
- Improved license endorsement for out-of-state professionals
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Possible adoption of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact
- Discussion of deregulating blow-dry styling services
Delaware
New Laws Effective in 2026
- No significant barber or cosmetology law changes
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Monitoring interstate compact developments
- Minor regulatory updates possible
Florida
New Laws Effective in 2026
- CE exemption for licensees with 10+ years and no discipline
- Fully online license renewal system
- Continued sanitation and safety enforcement
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- HB 1461: Licensing streamlining and reciprocity reforms
- Potential expansion of mobile and off-site services
Georgia
New Laws Effective in 2026
- No major cosmetology or barber law changes
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Compact participation discussions
- Scope-of-practice clarifications for esthetics and grooming services
Hawaii
New Laws Effective in 2026
- No new barber or cosmetology laws
- High training hour requirements remain
- No continuing education mandate
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Discussion around reducing required training hours
- Possible advanced esthetics license concept
- No deregulation initiatives underway
Idaho
New Laws Effective in 2026
- No new laws enacted
- Minimal licensing and renewal requirements continue
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Continued interest in deregulating low-risk services
- Possible future participation in the Cosmetology Compact
Illinois
New Laws Effective in 2026
- Mandatory skin cancer (melanoma) detection training
- Cross-licensing flexibility for instructors
- No reduction in training hours
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Proposed 1,000-hour hairstylist license
- Possible Compact adoption
- Ongoing domestic violence awareness requirements
Indiana
New Laws Effective in 2026
- No major changes
- No CE required
- Licensing structure remains stable
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Possible blow-dry and makeup service exemptions
- Compact participation discussions
Iowa
New Laws Effective in 2026
- Salon-based apprenticeship (“establishment training”) programs
- Mobile salons already authorized
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Possible future hour reductions
- Scope clarifications for advanced esthetics
Kansas
New Laws Effective in 2026
- Cosmetology Licensure Compact enacted
- Hair braiding remains deregulated
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Proposed reduction of cosmetology training hours
- Scope clarification for esthetics devices
Kentucky
New Laws Effective in 2026
- No major changes
- Compact membership already in place
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Mobile salon licensing proposals
- Hair braiding deregulation discussions
Louisiana
New Laws Effective in 2026
- 1,000-hour Hair Design license
- Minimum barber school age lowered to 16
- Expanded eligibility for homeschool graduates
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Possible further hour reductions
- Instructor licensing modernization
- Mobile salon proposals
Maine
New Laws Effective in 2026
- Textured hair education required
- Compact membership active
- Improved license endorsement rules
Proposed & Pending Legislation
- Possible domestic violence awareness training
- Discussion of cosmetology apprenticeships
