TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD FOR BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGY

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology intends to consider amending 18VAC41-20, Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations; 18VAC41-50, Tattooing Regulations; 18VAC41-60, Body-Piercing Regulations; and 18VAC41-70, Esthetics Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to amend Body-Piercing Regulations (18VAC41-60) to establish rules for the licensure of body-piercing schools and ear-piercing schools. The amended regulation will (i) create qualifications for the licensure of schools, (ii) create qualifications for the certification of school instructors, (iii) establish curricula for body-piercing and ear-piercing school training programs, (iv) provide for standards for the operation of schools, and (v) provide for standards of practice for schools and instructors. These changes are mandated by Chapters 308 and 322 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly.

Additionally, the board intends to consider amending other board regulations to revise existing rules for the licensure and operation of licensed schools, including requirements pertaining to the inspection of schools, transferring of students, and addition of training programs.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

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

Public Comment Deadline: October 7, 2026.

Agency Contact: Tamika Rodriguez, Regulatory Operations Administrator, Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, 9960 Mayland Drive, Perimeter Center, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8590, fax (866) 245-9693, or email barbercosmo@dpor.virginia.gov.