Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Comments

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Board for Barbers and Cosmetology

Guidance Document Change: This guidance document currently provides guidance to regulated parties and the public regarding the implementation of the 1,000-hour cosmetology curriculum which became effective on September 1, 2024. The document establishes protocols for students already enrolled in a 1,500-hour cosmetology curriculum and outlines school responsibilities in meeting the 1,000-hour cosmetology program requirements. On September 29, 2025, the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (“the Board”) amended this guidance to implement changes made to the Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations (18VAC41-20) as a result of the Board’s General Review of the Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations (Action 6339/ Stage 10871). The regulatory change (i) revised the cosmetology curricula while keeping the minimum training requirement of 1,000 hours; (ii) revised the barber curricula and reduced the minimum required training hours from 1,100 hours to 750 hours; (iii) revised the master barber curricula and reduced the minimum required training hours from 400 hours to 250 hours; and (iv) revised the dual barber/master barber curricula and reduced the minimum required training hours from 1,500 hours to 1,000 hours. The regulatory changes will become effective December 1, 2025. The amended guidance does not impose any new requirements. Please refer to the ORM review form for additional information.

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12/5/25 5:11 pm

Commenter: Natasha Greene, Paul Mitchell the School Roanoke

Barber Program Hour Changes Request for Completion Extension

I am writing on behalf of Paul Mitchell The School Roanoke in Roanoke, Virginia. My name is Natasha Greene and I serve as the Campus/Education Leader as well as a licensed Cosmetology Instructor and Master Barber Instructor. I have been actively involved in shaping our students’ educational experience and preparing them for successful careers in the beauty and barbering industries.

When cosmetology hour requirements were reduced in 2024, we inquired about any expected changes to barbering hours and were informed that no reductions were planned. Unfortunately, we now find ourselves facing yet another unexpected and challenging situation. This recent change to barbering hour requirements was made without sufficient notice, leaving no time for proper announcements, planning, or preparation.

As a result, several of our part-time students will be unable to complete their required hours by the July deadline. These students are frustrated and discouraged, as the reduction in hours does not appear to take into account the needs of those currently enrolled, who must still learn and demonstrate all required practical skills and competencies—now within a significantly shortened timeframe. The abruptness of this change has created unnecessary stress and has the potential to compromise the quality of their training.

On behalf of our students and our institution, I respectfully request that an extension be granted for current barbering students. Allowing additional time would ensure they can complete their assignments, practical requirements, and state competencies thoroughly and confidently, without the pressure of unrealistic time constraints.

Please consider the impact this situation has on our future barbers and provide them the opportunity to complete their education properly and without undue hardship.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Natasha Greene

CommentID: 238480