Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

 

GDForum ID: 2763

Description of Proposed Guidance Document Changes

The Board for Barbers and Cosmology (the Board) has reviewed and voted to repeal the following guidance documents that are no longer necessary: 1. Guidance Document 6640: Master Barber Applicants who have Already Completed Training Equivalent to the Master Barber Curriculum. The guidance provides that applicants who completed a Board approved 1,500 hour barbering program, 3,000 hour registered barber apprenticeship, or a Department of Education barbering program and who passed the barbering examinations prior to December 11, 2017 meet the training and examination requirements for the master barber license as established 18 VAC 41-20-20. Applicants who completed a Board approved 1,500 hour barbering program, 3,000 hour registered barber apprenticeship, or a Department of Education barbering program, but who were unable to take the barbering exam prior to December 11, 2017 meet the training requirements for the master barber license as established 18 VAC 41-20-20, but will need to pass the master barber examinations in order to qualify for the license. The guidance is being repealed because the guidance is outdated and no longer necessary. 2. Guidance Document 7843: Cosmetology Licensees Completing Training Prior to Straight Razor Requirement. The guidance provides that cosmetologists who obtained their license before September 1, 2024, are eligible to perform straight razor shaving since it falls within the scope of practice, but cosmetologists without formal instruction in straight razor shaving should ensure they have proper instruction prior to performing the service. According to 18VAC41-20-280.1, cosmetologists who perform straight razor shaving without the appropriate training may be subject to disciplinary action. No further action is needed for a cosmetologist that became licensed prior to the change in the cosmetology curriculum if the individual does not intend on performing straight razor shaving. Licensed cosmetology schools may employ licensed and certified barber or master barber instructors to provide training on straight razor shaving on face and neck in a cosmetology school. The guidance is being repealed by the Board because the guidance is no longer necessary due to changes to the Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations (18VAC41-20) adopted by the Board as part of General Review of Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations (Action 6339/Stage 10871.)

 

Guidance Document(s) for this Comment Forum

Document ID	Document Title	Current Document	Proposed Document	Revised Proposed
6640	Master Barber Applicants who have Already Completed Training Equivalent to the Master Barber Curriculum	Old Version Removed	To Be Deleted		Deleted on 12/1/2025
7843	Cosmetology Licensees Completing Training Prior to Straight Razor Requirement	Old Version Removed	To Be Deleted		Deleted on 12/1/2025

 

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