Iowa has dramatically transformed how barbers and cosmetologists can enter the profession by allowing apprenticeship training over costly schooling requirements.
At a Glance
- Iowa’s House File 711, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, allows aspiring barbers and cosmetologists to work under supervision after just two hours of sanitation training
- Previously, Iowa required 1,550 hours of formal schooling (reduced from 2,100 hours in 2023)
- Businesses must register with the state board and inform customers that services are performed by trainees
- The law enables immediate income while learning, with optional licensing after 2,000 practice hours
- Industry opinion is divided between concerns about lowered standards and praise for removing barriers to entry
First-of-Its-Kind Legislation Cuts Red Tape
Iowa has become the first state in the nation to allow aspiring barbers and cosmetologists to begin working without completing expensive and time-consuming formal education. House File 711, signed into law by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, creates a pathway for individuals to enter these professions through supervised on-the-job training rather than mandatory schooling. The groundbreaking legislation reduces entry barriers in an industry where licensing requirements have typically exceeded those of many health and safety professions.
Under the new law, individuals need only complete two hours of education on Iowa’s cosmetology and sanitation rules before they can start working under supervision. This represents a dramatic shift from the previous requirement of 1,550 hours of formal schooling, which itself was reduced from 2,100 hours just last year. The law aligns Iowa with a growing movement across 22 states looking to reduce occupational licensing requirements in the beauty industry.
Consumer Protections and Business Requirements
The legislation maintains several safeguards to protect consumers and uphold industry standards. Businesses participating in this apprenticeship model must register with Iowa’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Establishment owners remain responsible for ensuring proper training and skill development of their apprentices. Additionally, consumers must receive written notification that services are being performed by unlicensed individuals who are in training.
“This is a day to celebrate,” said IJ Director of Legislation Meagan Forbes. “This is the first law of its kind in the country to allow people to offer supervised barbering services without a license and is a great example of how to reduce government barriers in a responsible way.”
Licensed professionals who supervise trainees are designated as “responsible for ensuring education, training, skills, and competence of persons who provide services in the owner’s establishment.” This accountability structure aims to maintain quality while creating flexibility in how skills are acquired. After completing 2,000 hours of supervised practice, apprentices have the option—but not the requirement—to take the licensing exam.
Industry Divided on Impact
The new approach has sparked debate within the beauty industry. Some professionals express concern that removing formal education requirements could lower quality standards and potentially harm consumers. Madi Baxa, an Iowa salon owner, questioned the reasoning behind the change: “To see that 25% decrease and then also to hammer in on this apprenticeship program, it doesn’t make sense why we would lower our standards in the state of Iowa especially.”
The Professional Beauty Association has voiced opposition to the law, raising concerns about sanitation practices, client safety, and potential legal liabilities. Myra Irizarry Reddy of the association emphasized that “the current licensing process ensures beauty professionals are educated in sanitation, chemical safety, and client protection.” Others in the industry have countered this perspective, pointing out that licensing doesn’t necessarily guarantee quality service.
“If anyone had a bad haircut, which a lot of us have, I think we need to consider that it was given by a licensed cosmetologist or a licensed barber. So, the license doesn’t necessarily speak to quality or craftsmanship,” noted Lindsey Mollenhauer, highlighting that formal credentials don’t always translate to skill.
Model for Other States
Supporters view House File 711 as a model that other states should follow to reduce barriers to employment. The Iowa Barber Coalition, which advocated for the legislation, celebrated its passage as an important step toward industry reform. Craig Hunt, coalition member and owner of Universal Barbershop, stated, “This is the culmination of over a year of hard work from everyone involved.” The bill received substantial bipartisan support in the Iowa legislature.
The Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm that championed the bill, sees this as a significant victory in their broader campaign against excessive occupational licensing. Tom Solomon, IJ Activism Special Projects Coordinator, observed, “This was a bill that’s time has come. The bill was supported by people from all over the state and had overwhelming support from the legislature.” As Iowa implements this innovative approach, other states will likely watch closely to evaluate its success in balancing opportunity with consumer protection.
