TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD FOR BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGY

Proposed Regulation

Title of Regulation: 18VAC41-20. Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations (amending 18VAC41-20-10, 18VAC41-20-100, 18VAC41-20-140, 18VAC41-20-160, 18VAC41-20-170, 18VAC41-20-180, 18VAC41-20-260, 18VAC41-20-270, 18VAC41-20-280; adding 18VAC41-20-35).

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-700.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

January 14, 2026 - 9 a.m. - Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, 9960 Mayland Drive, Board Room One, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23233.

Public Comment Deadline: February 13, 2026.

Agency Contact: Kelley Smith, Executive Director, Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8590, fax (866) 245-9693, or email barbercosmo@dpor.virginia.gov.

Basis: Section 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology to promulgate regulations necessary to ensure continued competency, prevent deceptive or misleading practices by practitioners, and effectively administer the regulatory system. Section 54.1-700.1 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the board to regulate cosmetologists as part of an interstate compact.

Purpose: The board protects the public welfare, in part, by establishing through regulation (i) the minimum qualifications of applicants for certification or licensure, provided that all qualifications are necessary to ensure either competence or integrity to engage in the profession or occupation; (ii) minimum standards to ensure continued competency and to prevent deceptive or misleading practices by practitioners; and (iii) requirements to effectively administer the regulatory system. The regulation and the minimum qualifications established for out-of-state cosmetologists are essential to protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public. The goal of the regulatory change is to enact the compact and facilitate the interstate practice and regulation of cosmetology with the goal of improving public access to, and the safety of, cosmetology services and reducing unnecessary burdens related to cosmetology licensure. Through the compact, the member states seek to establish a regulatory framework that provides for a new multistate licensing program, whereby the member states seek to provide increased value and mobility to licensed cosmetologists in the member states, while ensuring the provision of safe, effective, and reliable services to the public. As mandated by Chapter 281 of the 2024 Acts of the Assembly, this regulation establishes the regulatory framework for Virginia to issue multistate licenses in accordance with the provisions of the compact. The Commission for the Cosmetology Compact has not yet issued rules for member states. Therefore, the final regulation to implement the compact may not exactly match the emergency regulation. If the commission does not issue rules prior to the final, effective regulation becoming effective, the board may have to amend the regulation implementing the compact soon after promulgation.

Substance: The amendments (i) add definitions to the regulation related to the Cosmetology Compact (§ 54.1-700.1 of the Code of Virginia) and update other definitions to reflect the addition of the multistate cosmetology license; (ii) add provisions for the issuance of multistate cosmetology licenses to Virginia applicants and for the renewal and reinstatement of multistate cosmetology licenses issued by the board, including establishment of application fees; (iii) add provisions to allow multistate cosmetology license holders to qualify for certification as an instructor; and (iv) revise standards of practice provisions to make these provisions applicable to holders of multistate cosmetology license holders.

Issues: The primary advantage of the multistate license is that it significantly reduces burdens for Virginia cosmetologists who want to practice in other states participating in the Compact Commission. With this additional license, they can practice in other compact states by simply adhering to that state's laws and regulations. This means they won't need to apply for individual endorsements or reciprocity, which saves both money and time by avoiding lengthy application processing. Another advantage to the public is that cosmetologists practicing in Virginia under a multistate license will be held to the same standards of conduct as Virginia licensees, ensuring the board continues to protect public health, safety, and welfare. This action also reduces the burden on cosmetologists with a multistate license in their home state, as they will no longer need to endorse into Virginia or pay associated endorsement fees. This also may reduce unlicensed activity. Finally, an advantage to businesses in the Commonwealth is that by reducing licensing barriers, the compact makes it easier for cosmetologists to move and practice in Virginia, or for Virginia-licensed cosmetologists to work in other compact states. This can lead to a larger pool of available professionals, especially in areas with shortages, improving public access to cosmetology services. There are no identified disadvantages to the public.

One advantage to the Commonwealth is that by reducing licensing barriers, the compact makes it easier for cosmetologists to move and practice in Virginia. This can lead to a larger pool of available professionals, especially in areas with shortages, improving public access to cosmetology services and increasing revenue for the Commonwealth. There are no particular advantages to the agency; however, one disadvantage is that the board may experience a reduction in revenue from applicants for licensure from other states, though it will have revenue from cosmetologists who want to have a multistate license in Virginia. Any resulting decrease in revenue can be absorbed in the existing budget without any anticipated impact on current licensees or the operation of the board.

Department of Planning and Budget Economic Impact Analysis:

The Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) has analyzed the economic impact of this proposed regulation in accordance with § 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia and Executive Order 19. The analysis presented represents DPB's best estimate of the potential economic impacts as of the date of this analysis.¹

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. As a result of a 2024 legislative mandate, the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (board) proposes to amend the Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations (18VAC41-20) to facilitate the Commonwealth's membership in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (compact).

Background. Chapter 281 of the 2024 Acts of the Assembly² entered the Commonwealth into the Compact. The compact is structured to create a multistate cosmetology license that functions similarly to a driver's license. It allows cosmetologists who hold an active, unencumbered single-state cosmetology license in a compact member state (which is the licensee's primary state of residence) to apply for a multistate license. A multistate license provides authorizations to practice in all compact member states without having to go through the licensure processes of each compact member state. Also, the compact explicitly states that "Active military members, or the spouses thereof, shall designate a home state where the individual has a current license to practice cosmetology in good standing. The individual may retain the home state designation during any period of service when that individual is on active duty assignment." To maintain public health and safety standards, each state must require a competency exam and completion of an education or training program to be eligible to join the compact. However, the compact preserves each compact member state's sovereignty by allowing each state to determine the number of education or training hours and competency exams required for licensure. The Cosmetology Compact Commission (commission) is the governing body comprised of the participating states who have joined the compact. The commission is responsible for creating bylaws and rules to administer and govern the compact. The commission's delegates are representatives from each state's licensing authority. The following states are current participants in the compact: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.³ The commission has not yet adopted bylaws and rules. The commission's website states it hopes to activate the compact for licensees in early 2026. The board's proposed amendments to the regulation (i) add a definition for compact,[4] and add multistate license to the definitions of licensee, reinstatement, and renewal (ii) insert a Virginia multistate license section that states, "After the compact begins issuing multistate licenses, an applicant must hold an active and unencumbered cosmetology license in Virginia and shall meet the requirements for a multistate license under the compact in effect at the time of the application. To renew a multistate cosmetology license in Virginia, a licensee must comply with rules adopted by the commission in effect at the time of renewal."; (iii) add to the qualifications for the cosmetology instructor certificate that the applicant could hold either a current Virginia cosmetology license or a multistate cosmetology license. Under the current regulation only the Virginia cosmetology license is accepted; (iv) establish a $50 fee for the initial multistate license application, a $50 fee for two-year renewal of the multistate license, and a $100 fee for reinstatement of the multistate license; (v) state that the expiration date for a multistate license will run concurrently with the Virginia cosmetology license; (vi) add references to multistate licenses and licensees in describing who shall receive renewal notices in describing what happens when an individual fails to renew a license within 30 days following the expiration date; into the procedures that apply for individuals seeking reinstatement if their license has been expired for more than two years; to the statements about having been regarded as continually licensed without interruption and therefore subject to the board's authority for actions performed prior to reinstatement; in the list of current display requirements for other license types; to comply with the existing sanitation and safety standards for shops, salons, and schools; (vii) allow the board to fine, suspend, revoke, refuse to renew or reinstate a multistate license that was issued in Virginia, as well as an authorization to practice cosmetology through a multistate license; (viii) provide the board with the discretion to deny an application for a multistate license; and (ix) allow the board to take disciplinary action against multistate licensees or applicants who have: attempted to obtain, obtained, renewed, or reinstated a multistate license issued in Virginia by false or fraudulent representation. failed to notify the board in writing within 30 days of the suspension, revocation, or surrender of the authorization to practice in a remote state, or if the authorization to practice in a remote state was the subject of disciplinary action in any jurisdiction.

Estimated Benefits and Costs. Currently, cosmetologists must have a regular license in each state in which they practice. If the licensure requirements in a cosmetologist's home state differ from the licensure requirements in an additional state where the cosmetologist wishes to work, then the individual may face substantial costs in time and money to meet the different requirements. Such different requirements would typically include education or training, and sometimes examination. The compact may save costs for cosmetologists who wish to work in a compact state other than their home state in three ways. Cosmetologists would only have to meet the licensure requirements in their home state. The potentially high costs in time and money of meeting the different requirements in the additional state would be saved. The time and hassle of applying, supplying qualifying documents, and waiting for responses would be saved. Also, if the multistate license fee is lower in the home state versus the regular license in the additional state, that fee difference would be saved. Cosmetology licensure fees for two years are as follows for the 10 current compact states:

State	Fee for Two Years of Regular Licensure
Alabama	$100
Arizona	$120
Colorado	$40
Kansas	$50
Kentucky	$100
Maryland	$28
Ohio	$65
Tennessee	$60
Virginia	$120
Washington	$66

Thus, as the Virginia multistate license would cost $50 for two years, Virginia cosmetologists seeking licensure in another compact state would save on fees in Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Washington. There would be no difference in fee for Virginia cosmetologists seeking licensure in Kansas, and the fees would be moderately higher for those seeking licensure in Colorado or Maryland. The other potential sources of savings would likely be greater than the moderately higher fees for Virginia cosmetologists seeking licensure in Colorado or Maryland. Cosmetologists in other compact states seeking licensure in the Commonwealth would save fees if their multistate license fee is lower than $120 for two years. The lower costs may help Virginia cosmetologists who live near the border states of Kentucky, Maryland, or Tennessee gain employment. The lower costs can also help military spouses who are licensed cosmetologists in the Commonwealth gain employment when their spouse is reassigned in or near a different compact state. Other Virginia cosmetologists who move to or near another compact state temporarily could similarly benefit. The lower costs may also make it easier for Virginia employers of cosmetologists to hire when there is a local shortage of cosmetologists. On the other hand, for Virginia-licensed cosmetologists the lower costs may effectively result in a moderate increase in competition within Virginia from cosmetologists from bordering compact states such as Kentucky, Maryland, or Tennessee. The lower costs may also result in some Virginia cosmetology salons (or other cosmetology employers) near Kentucky, Maryland, or Tennessee encountering greater competition in hiring if some instate cosmetologists newly consider working across the border. Overall, the compact likely would be a net positive in that it would help reduce geographic mismatch. There are likely some areas where there are more qualified cosmetologists than employment opportunities, and other areas where there are more available cosmetologist positions than qualified cosmetologists. By reducing the costs of working in another state, the compact would potentially overall help reduce unemployment and underemployment for cosmetologists and help reduce unfilled cosmetologist positions for employers.

Businesses and Other Entities Affected. The 40,146 cosmetologists and the 4,742 cosmetology salons licensed in the Commonwealth as well as other employers of cosmetologists would be potentially affected by the compact.⁵ The Code of Virginia requires DPB to assess whether an adverse impact may result from the proposed regulation.⁶ An adverse impact is indicated if there is any increase in net cost or reduction in net benefit for any entity, even if the benefits exceed the costs for all entities combined. Participation in the compact enables cosmetologists licensed in Virginia to practice in other states. It would also likely increase the supply of cosmetologists who can practice in the Commonwealth, which brings more competition for jobs within Virginia. The increased competition resulting from the Compact may make it more difficult for some cosmetologists to find employment or preferred employment within the state. So, some cosmetologists may be worse off. Participation in the compact results from the legislation, and not the proposed amendments to the regulation. Thus, no adverse impact is indicated for the proposed amendments to the regulation.

Small Businesses⁷ Affected.⁸ Types and Estimated Number of Small Businesses Affected: According to the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, all 4,742 cosmetology salons meet the definition of small business. Costs and Other Effects: Some of the salons would potentially benefit from a greater supply of qualified cosmetologists from which to hire, while other salons could be worse off in they would face greater competition in hiring due to some qualified cosmetologists having additional realistic options as to where to work. Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact: As the compact is required by statute, there is no alternative method that reduces adverse impact.

Localities⁹ Affected.¹⁰ Localities that border other states or are near the border with other states may be particularly affected, as cosmetology is conducted in person and there would be shorter commute times between such localities and out-of-state locations. The proposed amendments do not affect costs for local governments.

Projected Impact on Employment. Joining the Compact may increase practical employment opportunities for Virginia licensed cosmetologists.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. To the extent that the supply of cosmetologists increases in the Commonwealth, hiring costs for employers may decrease. This would commensurately increase the value of the employing firms. The proposed amendments do not affect real estate development costs.

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¹ Section 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia requires that such economic impact analyses determine the public benefits and costs of the proposed amendments. Further the analysis should include but not be limited to: (1) the projected number of businesses or other entities to whom the proposed regulatory action would apply, (2) the identity of any localities and types of businesses or other entities particularly affected, (3) the projected number of persons and employment positions to be affected, (4) the projected costs to affected businesses or entities to implement or comply with the regulation, and (5) the impact on the use and value of private property.

² See https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?212+ful+CHAP0242.

³ See https://cosmetologycompact.org/compact-map/.

⁴ Compact is defined as the Cosmetology Compact (§ 54.1-700.1 of the Code of Virginia).

⁵ Data source: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

⁶ Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04 D: In the event this economic impact analysis reveals that the proposed regulation would have an adverse economic impact on businesses or would impose a significant adverse economic impact on a locality, business, or entity particularly affected, the Department of Planning and Budget shall advise the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Senate Committee on Finance. Statute does not define "adverse impact," state whether only Virginia entities should be considered, nor indicate whether an adverse impact results from regulatory requirements mandated by legislation.

⁷ Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04, small business is defined as "a business entity, including its affiliates, that (i) is independently owned and operated and (ii) employs fewer than 500 full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $6 million."

⁸ If the proposed regulatory action may have an adverse effect on small businesses, § 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include: (1) an identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the proposed regulation, (2) the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other administrative costs required for small businesses to comply with the proposed regulation, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparing required reports and other documents, (3) a statement of the probable effect of the proposed regulation on affected small businesses, and (4) a description of any less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the proposed regulation. Additionally, pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia, if there is a finding that a proposed regulation may have an adverse impact on small business, the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules shall be notified.

⁹ "Locality" can refer to either local governments or the locations in the Commonwealth where the activities relevant to the regulatory change are most likely to occur.

¹⁰ Section 2.2-4007.04 defines "particularly affected" as bearing disproportionate material impact.

Agency Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology concurs with the economic impact analysis prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget.

Summary:

Pursuant to Chapter 281 of the 2024 Acts of Assembly, the proposed amendments allow a cosmetologist who has obtained a multistate license through the Compact Commission the privilege to practice in the Commonwealth. The proposed amendments add provisions (i) for the issuance of multistate cosmetology licenses to Virginia applicants; (ii) for the renewal and reinstatement of multistate cosmetology licenses issued by the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, including establishment of application fees; and (iii) to allow multistate cosmetology license holders to qualify for certification as an instructor. Proposed amendments also revise standards of practice to make these provisions applicable to holders of multistate cosmetology license holders.

18VAC41-20-10. Definitions.

A. The following words and terms when used in this chapter have the meanings ascribed to them in § 54.1-700 of the Code of Virginia:

"Barber"

"Barbering"

"Barber instructor"

"Barbershop"

"Board"

"Cosmetologist"

"Cosmetology"

"Cosmetology instructor"

"Cosmetology salon"

"Master barber"

"Nail care"

"Nail salon"

"Nail school"

"Nail technician"

"Nail technician instructor"

"Physical (wax) depilatory"

"School of cosmetology"

"Wax technician"

"Waxing"

"Waxing salon"

"Waxing school"

B. The following words and terms when used in this chapter have the meanings ascribed to them in § 54.1-700.1 of the Code of Virginia:

"Authorization to practice"

"Commission"

"Encumbered license"

"Member state"

"Multistate license"

"Remote state"

C. The following words and terms when used in this chapter have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Apprenticeship program" means an approved cosmetology, barber, nail technician, or wax technician training program conducted by an approved registered apprenticeship sponsor.

"Barber school" means a place or establishment licensed by the board to accept and train students and that offers a barber, master barber, or dual barber/master barber curriculum approved by the board.

"Business entity" means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or any other form of organization permitted by law.

"Compact" means the Cosmetology Compact (§ 54.1-700.1 of the Code of Virginia).

"Clock hour" means a minimum of 50 minutes of supervised or directed instruction and appropriate breaks.

"Credit hour" means a combination of the number of hours in class each week and the number of hours per week in a laboratory by which a school may measure coursework. One unit of credit equals one hour of classroom or online study, two hours of laboratory experience, or three hours of internship or practicum or a combination of the three times the number of weeks in the term.

"Direct supervision" means that (i) a Virginia licensed barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician is present in the barbershop, cosmetology salon, nail salon, or waxing salon at all times when services are being performed by a temporary license holder or registered apprentice or (ii) a Virginia licensed and certified barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician instructor or a student instructor temporary license holder is present in the barber, cosmetology, nail technician, or wax technician school at all times when services are being performed by a student, student instructor, or temporary license holder.

"Each and every location" means, for the purposes of schools with multiple suites or classrooms, a single location is one that is enclosed under one roof and all classrooms or suites are within 500 feet of the main office.

"Firm" means any business entity recognized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Licensee" means any individual or firm holding a license or multistate license issued by the board.

"Post-secondary educational level" means an accredited college or university that is approved or accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

"Reasonable hours" means the hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; however, if the licensee is generally not substantially open to the public during the same hours, "reasonable hours" means the business hours when the licensee is open to the public.

"Reinstatement" means having a license, multistate license, or certificate restored to effectiveness after the expiration date has passed.

"Renewal" means continuing the effectiveness of a license, multistate license, or certificate for another period of time.

"Responsible management" means the following individuals:

1. The sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship;

2. The partners of a general partnership;

3. The managing partners of a limited partnership;

4. The officers of a corporation;

5. The managers of a limited liability company;

6. The officers or directors of an association; and

7. Individuals in other business entities recognized under the laws of the Commonwealth as having a fiduciary responsibility to the firm.

"Sole proprietor" means any individual, not a corporation, who is trading under that individual's own name or under an assumed or fictitious name pursuant to the provisions of §§ 59.1-69 through 59.1-76 of the Code of Virginia.

"Substantially equivalent exam" means an examination administered by the licensing entity that covers Virginia's scope of practice for that profession.

"Substantially equivalent training" means at least 80% of the required hours in Virginia and curriculum content covering Virginia's scope of practice for that profession.

"Virginia state institution" means any institution approved by the Virginia Department of Education or the Virginia Department of Corrections.

"Wet disinfection unit" is a container large enough to hold an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectant that is a bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal solution in which the objects to be disinfected are completely immersed.

18VAC41-20-35. Virginia multistate license.

After the compact begins issuing multistate licenses, an applicant must hold an active and unencumbered cosmetology license in Virginia and must meet the requirements for a multistate license under the compact in effect at the time of the application. To renew a multistate cosmetology license in Virginia, a licensee must comply with rules adopted by the commission in effect at the time of renewal. The applicant must also meet the requirements set forth in 18VAC41-20-20 A.

18VAC41-20-100. General requirements for an instructor certificate.

A. Any individual wishing to engage in instruction in barbering, master barbering, cosmetology, nail care, or waxing must meet the following qualifications:

1. The applicant must be in good standing as a licensed barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician and instructor, respectively, in every jurisdiction where licensed, certified, or registered. The applicant must provide a copy to the board of any disciplinary action taken in Virginia and all other jurisdictions at the time of application for certification since being previously licensed as a barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician. This includes monetary penalties, fines, probation, suspensions, revocations, surrender of a license or certification in connection with a disciplinary action, or voluntary termination of a license or certification.

Upon review of the applicant's prior disciplinary action, the board, in its discretion, may deny certification to any applicant that the board deems unfit or unsuited to engage in the instruction of barbering, cosmetology, nail care, or waxing;

2. The applicant must hold and maintain a current Virginia cosmetology license, multistate cosmetology license, a current Virginia barber, master barber, cosmetology, nail technician, or wax technician license, respectively;

3. The applicant must complete one of the following qualifications:

a. Pass a course in teaching techniques at the post-secondary educational level; or

b. Pass an instructor examination administered by the board or by a testing service acting on behalf of the board; and

4. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant must disclose all felony convictions in Virginia and all other jurisdictions since being previously licensed as a barber, master barber, cosmetologist, wax technician, or nail technician within 10 years of the date of application.

The board, in its discretion, may deny certification to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Certified instructors may teach in any profession in which they hold the underlying license.

18VAC41-20-140. Fees.

The following fees apply. All fees are nonrefundable and will not be prorated.

FEE TYPE	AMOUNT DUE	WHEN DUE
Individuals:
Application	$120	With application
License by Endorsement	$120	With application
Multistate License	$50	With application
Renewal:
Barber	$120	With renewal card prior to expiration date
Master Barber	$120	With renewal card prior to expiration date
Cosmetologist	$120	With renewal card prior to expiration date
Nail Technician	$120	With renewal card prior to expiration date
Wax Technician	$120	With renewal card prior to expiration date
Multistate License	$50	With renewal card prior to expiration date *Licensees with a cosmetology and a multistate license must complete separate renewal processes for each license.
Reinstatement	$240* *includes $120 renewal fee and $120 reinstatement fee	With reinstatement application
Multistate License	$100* *includes $50 renewal fee and $50 reinstatement fee	With reinstatement application *Licensees with a cosmetology and a multistate license must complete separate reinstatement processes for each license.
Instructor Certificate:
Application	$140	With application
License by Endorsement	$140	With application
Renewal	$45	With renewal card prior to expiration date
Reinstatement	$90* *includes $45 renewal fee and $45 reinstatement fee	With reinstatement application
Facilities:
Application	$220	With application
Renewal	$220	With renewal card prior to expiration date
Reinstatement	$440* *includes $220 renewal fee and $220 reinstatement fee	With reinstatement application
Schools:
Application	$250	With application
Add Program	$120	With application
Renewal	$250	With renewal card prior to expiration date
Reinstatement	$500* *includes $250 renewal fee and $250 reinstatement fee	With reinstatement application

18VAC41-20-160. Renewal required.

A license or certificate issued under this chapter expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. A multistate license expiration date will run concurrently with the Virginia license.

18VAC41-20-170. Notice of renewal.

The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation will send a renewal notice to the licensee, Virginia multistate licensee, or certificate holder outlining the procedures for renewal. Failure to receive this notice, however, does not relieve the licensee, Virginia multistate licensee, or certificate holder of the obligation to renew.

18VAC41-20-180. Failure to renew.

A. When an individual who holds a license, Virginia multistate license, or certificate or a business entity fails to renew a license or certificate within 30 days following the expiration date, the licensee, multistate licensee, or certificate holder who intends to remain licensed or certified must pay the reinstatement fee.

B. When an individual who holds a license, multistate license issued by Virginia, or certificate or a business entity fails to renew a license or certification within two years following the expiration date, reinstatement is no longer possible. To resume practice:

1. The former licensee, Virginia multistate licensee, or certificate holder must apply for licensure, Virginia multistate licensure, or certification as a new applicant and must meet all current entry requirements for each respective license or certificate. An individual who holds an active multistate license in a member state is exempt from this requirement.

2. An individual previously licensed in Virginia for a minimum of three years must submit a new application and pass the required examination.

C. When a licensed school fails to renew its license within 30 days following the expiration date, the licensee must pay the reinstatement fee.

1. After 180 days, the school must submit a reinstatement application and provide (i) the reasons for failing to renew prior to the expiration date and (ii) a notarized statement that all students currently enrolled or seeking to enroll at the school have been notified in writing that the school's license has expired. All of these materials shall be called the application package. Reinstatement will be considered by the board if the school consents to and satisfactorily passes an inspection of the school. Pursuant to 18VAC41-20-130, upon receipt of the reinstatement fee, application package, and inspection results, the board may reinstate the school's license or require requalification.

2. If the reinstatement application package and reinstatement fee are not received by the board within six months following the expiration date of the school's license, the board will notify the testing service that prospective graduates of the unlicensed school are not acceptable candidates for the examination. Such notification will be sent to the school and must be displayed in a conspicuous manner by the school in an area that is accessible to the public. No student will be disqualified from taking the examination because the school was not licensed for a portion of the time the student attended if the school license is reinstated by the board.

D. The date a renewal fee is received by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, or its agent, will be used to determine whether the requirement for reinstatement of a license, Virginia multistate license, or certificate is applicable.

E. When a license or certificate is reinstated, the licensee or certificate holder will be assigned an expiration date two years from the date of the last day of the month of reinstatement.

F. When a Virginia multistate license is reinstated, the multistate license will be assigned an expiration date concurrent with the expiration date of the Virginia cosmetology license.

G. A licensee, Virginia multistate licensee, or certificate holder that reinstates a license, Virginia multistate license, or certificate will be regarded as having been continuously licensed or certified without interruption. Therefore, a licensee, Virginia multistate licensee, or certificate holder will be subject to the authority of the board for activities performed prior to reinstatement.

G. H. A licensee or certificate holder that fails to reinstate a license or certificate will be regarded as unlicensed or uncertified from the expiration date of the license or certificate forward. Nothing in this chapter divests the board of its authority to discipline a licensee, multistate licensee, or certificate holder for a violation of the law or regulations during the period of time for which the individual was licensed or certified.

18VAC41-20-260. Display of license.

A. The responsible management for each shop, salon, or school must ensure that all current licenses, multistate licenses, and certificates issued by the board are displayed in plain view of the public either in the reception area or at individual work stations of the shop, salon, or school. Duplicate licenses, multistate licenses, and certificates must be posted in a similar manner in every shop, salon, or school location where the regulant provides services.

B. The responsible management for each shop, salon, or school must ensure that no employee, licensee, student, or apprentice performs any service beyond the scope of practice for the applicable license.

C. All licensees, multistate licenses, certificate holders, and temporary license holders must operate under the name in which the license, certificate, or permit is issued.

D. Unless also licensed as a cosmetologist, a barber or master barber is required to hold a separate nail technician or wax technician license if performing nail care or waxing.

E. Proof of apprenticeship registration issued by the applicable agency of the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (VDWDA) must be displayed in plain view of the public either in the reception area or at individual work stations of the shop or salon. The apprentice sponsor must require each apprentice to wear a badge clearly indicating status as a VDWDA registered apprentice.

18VAC41-20-270. Sanitation and safety standards for shops, salons, and schools.

A. Sanitation and safety standards.

1. Any shop, salon, or school where barber, master barber, cosmetology, or nail or wax services are delivered to the public must be clean and sanitary at all times.

2. Mobile shops and salons must be stationary while providing services, and may not operate where prohibited by local ordinance.

3. Compliance with these rules does not confer compliance with other requirements set forth by federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations as they apply to business operation, physical construction and maintenance, safety, and public health.

4. Licensees and multistate licensees must take sufficient measures to prevent the transmission of communicable and infectious diseases and comply with the sanitation standards identified in this section and must ensure that all employees likewise comply.

B. Disinfection and storage of implements.

1. Each barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, and wax technician must have a wet disinfection unit at the individual's station and must meet the standards in the definition of wet disinfection requirements. A wet disinfection unit must have a cover to prevent contamination and any disinfection solutions must be used according to manufacturer's directions.

2. Disinfection of multiuse implements constructed of hard, nonporous materials, such as metal, glass, or plastic, that the manufacturer designed for use on more than one client, including clippers, scissors, combs, and nippers, is to be carried out in the following manner prior to servicing a client:

a. Remove all foreign matter from the object, utilizing a brush if needed. Drill bits are to be soaked in acetone and scrubbed with a wire brush to remove all foreign matter;

b. Wash thoroughly with hot water and soap;

c. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel;

d. Fully immerse implements into wet disinfectant solution for a minimum of 10 minutes; and

e. After immersion, rinse articles, dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel, and store in a clean, predisinfected, and dry cabinet, drawer, or sealed covered container, or leave instruments in a wet disinfection unit used according to manufacturer's directions.

3. Single-use items designed by the manufacturer for use on no more than one client should be discarded immediately after use on each individual client, including powder puffs, lip color, cheek color, sponges, styptic pencils, nail care implements, or disposable razors. The disinfection and reuse of these items is not permitted and the use of single-use items on more than one client is prohibited.

4. For the purpose of recharging, rechargeable clippers may be stored in an area other than in a closed cabinet or container. This area must be clean and the cutting edges of any clippers are to be disinfected.

5. Electrical clipper blades must be disinfected before and after each use. If the clipper blade cannot be removed, the use of a spray or foam used according to the manufacturer's instructions will be acceptable, provided that the disinfectant is an EPA-registered disinfectant that is bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal, and that the entire handle is also disinfected by wiping with the disinfectant solution.

6. All wax pots must be cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant that is bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal and with no sticks left standing in the wax at any time. The area immediately surrounding the wax pot must be clean and free of clutter, waste materials, spills, and any other items that may pose a hazard.

7. Foot tubs, whirlpool units, air-jetted basins, pipe-less units, and non-whirlpool basins used in the performance of nail care must be maintained in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. They must be cleaned and disinfected immediately after each client in the following manner:

a. Drain all water and remove all debris;

b. Clean the surfaces and walls with soap or detergent to remove all visible debris, oils, and product residue and then rinse with water;

c. Disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant that is bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal in accordance with manufacturer directions for pedicure units; and

d. Wipe dry with a clean towel.

C. General sanitation and safety requirements.

1. Service chairs, wash basins, sinks, bowls, workstations and workstands, and back bars as necessitated by the services performed, must be clean;

2. The floor surface in all work areas must be of a washable surface other than carpet;

3. All furniture, fixtures, walls, floors, windows, and ceilings must be clean and in good repair and free of water seepage and dirt. Any mats must be secured or must lie flat;

4. A fully functional bathroom in the same building with a working toilet and sink must be available for clients. There must be hot and cold running water. Fixtures must be in good condition. The bathroom must be lighted and sufficiently ventilated. There must be soap and clean single-use towels or hand air-drying device for the client's use. Laundering of towels is allowed, space permitting. The bathroom must not be used as a work area or for the open storage of chemicals. For facilities newly occupied after January 1, 2017, the bathroom must be available for client use and must adhere to all sanitation requirements of this chapter;

5. Electrical cords must be placed to prevent entanglement by the client or licensee, and electrical outlets must be covered by plates;

6. All sharp tools, implements, and heat-producing appliances must be in safe working order at all times, safely stored, and placed so as to prevent any accidental injury to the client or licensee;

7. The salon area must be sufficiently ventilated to exhaust hazardous or objectionable airborne chemicals, and to allow the free flow of air; and

8. Adequate lighting must be provided.

D. Articles, tools, and products.

1. Clean towels, robes, or other linens must be used for each patron. Clean towels, robes, or other linens must be stored in a clean, predisinfected, and dry cabinet, drawer, or nonairtight covered container. Soiled towels, robes, or other linens must be stored in a container enclosed on all sides including the top, except if stored in a separate laundry room;

2. Whenever a haircloth is used, a clean towel or neck strip must be placed around the neck of the patron to prevent the haircloth from touching the skin;

3. Soiled implements must be removed from the tops of work stations immediately after use;

4. Any multiuse article, tool, or product that cannot be disinfected by full immersion as specified in subdivision B 2 of this section or cleaned according to manufacturer's recommendation, including natural hairbrushes or neck dusters, is prohibited from use;

5. Lotions, ointments, creams, and powders must be accurately labeled and kept in closed containers. A clean spatula, other clean tools, or clean disposable gloves must be used to remove bulk substances such as creams or ointments from jars. Sterile cotton or sponges must be used to apply creams, lotions, and powders. Cosmetic containers must be covered after each use;

6. For nail care, if a sanitary container is provided for a client, the sanitary container must be labeled and implements must be used solely for that specific client. Disinfection must be carried out in accordance with subdivisions B 1 and B 2 of this section;

7. No substance other than a sterile styptic powder or sterile liquid astringent approved for homeostasis and applied with a sterile single-use applicator must be used to check bleeding; and

8. Any disposable material making contact with blood or other body fluid must be double-bagged, labeled as a biohazard, and disposed of in a closed receptacle.

E. Chemical storage and emergency information.

1. Shops, salons, schools, and facilities must have in the immediate working area a binder with all Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provided by manufacturers for any chemical products used;

2. Shop, salons, schools, and facilities must have a blood spill clean-up kit in the work area that contains at minimum latex gloves, two 12-inch by 12-inch towels, one disposable trash bag, bleach, one empty spray bottle, and one mask with face shield or any Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved blood spill clean-up kit;

3. Flammable chemicals must be labeled and stored in a nonflammable storage cabinet or a properly ventilated room; and

4. Chemicals that could interact in a hazardous manner (e.g., oxidizers, catalysts, and solvents) must be labeled and separated in storage.

F. Client health guidelines.

1. All employees providing client services must cleanse their hands with a soap product prior to providing services to each client. Licensees shall require that clients for nail care services must cleanse their hands immediately prior to the requested nail care service;

2. An artificial nail must only be applied to a healthy natural nail;

3. A nail drill or motorized instrument must be used on the artificial nail surface only;

4. No shop, salon, school, or facility providing cosmetology or nail care services will have on the premises cosmetic products containing hazardous substances that have been banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in cosmetic products;

5. No product will be used in a manner that is disapproved by the FDA; and

6. All regulated services must be performed in a facility that is in compliance with current local building and zoning codes.

G. In addition to any requirements set forth in this section, all licensees and temporary license holders must adhere to regulations and guidelines established by the Virginia Department of Health and the Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Division of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

H. All shops, salons, schools, and facilities must immediately report the results of any inspection of the shop, salon, or school by the Virginia Department of Health as required by § 54.1-705 of the Code of Virginia.

I. All shops, salons, schools, and facilities must maintain a self-inspection form on file to be updated on an annual basis, and kept for five years, so that it may be requested and reviewed by the board at its discretion.

18VAC41-20-280. Grounds for license or certificate revocation, suspension, or probation; denial of application, renewal, or reinstatement; or imposition of a monetary penalty.

The board may, in considering the totality of the circumstances, refuse to issue, renew, or reinstate any license, multistate license issued in Virginia, or certificate, or authorization to practice cosmetology through a multistate license; impose a monetary penalty; place a license or certificate on probation with such terms and conditions and for such time as the board may designate; suspend a license or certificate for a stated period of time; or revoke a license or certificate issued under the provisions of Chapter 7 (§ 54.1-700 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter if it finds that the licensee, multistate licensee, certificate holder, temporary license holder, or applicant:

1. Is incompetent or negligent in practice or unable, as a result of any mental or physical condition, as those terms are generally understood in the profession, to skillfully and safely (i) practice as a barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician, or (ii) operate a shop, salon, or school;

2. Is convicted of fraud or deceit in the practice or teaching of barbering, master barbering, cosmetology, nail care, or waxing, fails to teach the board-approved curriculum as provided for in this chapter, or fails to comply with 18VAC41-20-210 H when making an assessment of credit hours awarded;

3. Attempts to obtain, or has obtained, renewed, or reinstated a license, certificate, or temporary license, or multistate license issued in Virginia by false or fraudulent representation;

4. Violates, induces others to violate, or cooperates with others in violating, any of the provisions of this chapter or Chapter 7 (§ 54.1-700 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia or any local ordinance or regulation governing standards of health and sanitation of the establishment in which any barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician may practice or offer to practice;

5. Offers, gives, or promises anything of value or benefit to any federal, state, or local employee for the purpose of influencing that employee to circumvent, in the performance of his duties, any federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing barbering, master barbering, cosmetology, nail care, or waxing as defined in § 54.1-700 of the Code of Virginia;

6. Fails to respond to the board or any of its the board's agents or provides false, misleading, or incomplete information to an inquiry by the board or any of its the board's agents;

7. Fails or refuses to allow the board or any of its the board's agents to inspect during reasonable hours any licensed shop, salon, or school for compliance with provisions of Chapter 7 (§ 54.1-700 et seq.) or this chapter;

8. Fails to produce upon request or demand of the board or any of its the board's agents any document, book, record, or copy thereof in a licensee's, certificate holder's, temporary license holder's, applicant's, or responsible management's possession or maintained in accordance with this chapter;

9. Fails to notify the board of a change of name or address in writing within 30 days of the change for each and every license, certificate, or temporary license;

10. Makes any misrepresentation or publishes or causes to be published any advertisement that is false, deceptive, or misleading;

11. Fails to notify the board in writing within 30 days of a final action or disciplinary action taken against any license, registration, certificate or, temporary license, or authorization to practice cosmetology in a remote state in any jurisdiction by a local, state or national regulatory body;

12. Has been convicted or found guilty, regardless of the manner of adjudication in Virginia or any other jurisdiction of the United States, of any felony, there being no appeal pending therefrom or the time for appeal having elapsed. Review of convictions shall will be subject to the requirements of § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia;

13. Fails to inform the board in writing within 30 days of pleading guilty or nolo contendere or being convicted or found guilty regardless of adjudication of any convictions as stated in subdivision 12 of this section;

14. Allows, as responsible management of a shop or salon, a person who has not obtained a license, multistate license, or a temporary license to practice as a barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician unless the person is duly enrolled as a registered apprentice;

15. Allows, as responsible management of a school, a person who has not obtained an instructor certificate or a student instructor temporary license to practice as a barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician instructor;

16. Fails to take sufficient measures to prevent transmission of communicable or infectious diseases or fails to comply with sanitary requirements provided for in this chapter or any local, state, or federal law or regulation governing the standards of health and sanitation for the practices of barbering, master barbering, cosmetology, nail care, or waxing, or the operation of barbershops, cosmetology salons, nail salons, or waxing salons; or

17. Fails to comply with all procedures established by the board and the testing service with regard to conduct at any board examination.

FORMS (18VAC41-20)

Barber or Master Barber Instructor Examination and License Application, A450-1301_EXLIC-v22 (rev. 12/2025)

Nail Technician Instructor Examination and License Application, A450-1206_07EXLIC-v23 (rev. 12/2025)

Wax Technician Instructor Examination and License Application, A450-1214_15EXLIC-v22 (rev. 12/2025)

Cosmetology Instructor Examination and License Application, A450-1201_04EXLIC-v25 (rev. 12/2025)

Temporary Permit Application, A450-1213TEMP-v3 (rev. 12/2021)

License by Endorsement Application, A450-1213END-v21 (rev. 12/2025)

Individuals – Reinstatement Application, A450-1213REI-v16 (rev. 8/2025)

Salon, Shop, Spa, and Parlor License and Reinstatement Application, A450-1213BUS-v20 (rev. 12/2025)

Salon, Shop, and Spa Self-Inspection Form, A450-1213_SSS_INSP-v2 (eff. 5/2016)

Instructor Certification Application, A450-1213INST-v22 (rev. 12/2025)

Student Instructor Temporary Permit Application, A450-1213ST_TEMP-v5 (rev. 12/2025)

School License Application, A450-1213SCHL-v24 (rev. 12/2025)

School Reinstatement Application, A450-1213SCHL-REIN-v13 (rev. 12/2025)

School Self-Inspection Form, A450-1213_SCH_INSP-v5 (eff. 1/2022)

Licensure Fee Notice, A450-1213FEE-v13 (rev. 8/2025)

Change of Responsible Management Application, A450-1213CRM-v6 (rev. 12/2021)

Training Substitution Form, A450-1213TR_SUB-v1 (rev. 10/2021)

Training Verification Form, A450-1213TR-vs1 (eff. 5/2022)

Experience Verification Form, A450-1213EXP-v2 (eff. 7/2022)

Barber-Cosmetology Universal License Application, A450-1213ULR-v3 (rev. 8/2025)

Change of Instructor Application, A450-1213SCI-v1 (eff. 12/2025)

Multistate Cosmetology Compact License Application