As a member of the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences, I’m dedicated to transparency and education about our work. Below are answers to common questions about the board’s structure, purpose, and operations. This information is drawn from Iowa Code Chapter 147 and Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) rules under Agency 481, which govern professional licensing boards. 1. What is the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences? The Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences is a state regulatory body under the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL). Established through the merger…

During the 2025 Iowa Legislative Session, lawmakers passed House File 711, a bill creating a new pathway for individuals seeking to enter the industry to train in-house at a licensed establishment instead of attending a licensed school. While the intent was to help address workforce shortages, this law changes the traditional framework of professional training and licensing — and it’s important that industry professionals understand both the opportunities and risks before taking action. Implementation Timeline Although HF 711 took effect July 1, 2025, the law cannot be fully implemented until the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences adopts administrative rules. These rules…

When you think of Iowa’s barbering and cosmetology community, you probably picture the artistry, precision, and passion behind every cut, color, and style. A positive experience getting a new haircut or style has the power to send you back into the world feeling confident. Behind the scenes, actively shaping the future of this industry of personal empowerment is the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences Political Action Committee (IBCSA).  What is the IBCSA PAC?  For the last 15 years, the IBCSA has been the collective voice of Iowa’s barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, nail techs, instructors, beauty professionals, and industry partners.…

HF 711 isn’t a magical “bridge”—it’s a detour around professional standards that protect clients, stylists, and salon owners. 1. Quality Education Takes More Than Two Hours The “2-hour Laws & Sanitation” box-check is laughable. Real sanitation training is woven through hundreds of hours of instruction and supervised practice—not crammed into one afternoon. Cutting corners on sanitation risks client safety and public health. 2. Apprenticeships ≠ Free Labor Allowing salons to train unlicensed workers without robust oversight opens the door for exploitation: unpaid shampoo techs and floor sweepers, not true apprenticeships with structured curriculum and accountability. 3. Copyright Restrictions Don’t Disappear…

In addition to learning in one of the accredited schools across the state, some individuals need the opportunity to learn in an apprenticeship setting.  These programs provide a hands-on pathway for aspiring professionals to learn the trade while earning a wage. In Iowa, businesses can apply to offer apprenticeships under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program. Why Offer an Apprenticeship? Grow Your Workforce – Train employees to meet the specific needs of your business. Support the Industry – Provide future professionals with real-world experience. Requirements to Qualify To host an apprenticeship program, a licensed establishment must: Be a Licensed Establishment in…

The beauty and barbering industries are dynamic, constantly shaped by trends, technology, and client expectations. To keep pace with these changes, Iowa updated its training requirements. The new Barber-Cosmetology license now requires 1,550 hours, compared to the former 2,100 hours. Why the Change? Reducing hours wasn’t about lowering standards—it was about aligning Iowa with national trends and modern industry needs. Many states have already moved to 1,500–1,600-hour programs, and Iowa recognized the importance of keeping competitive while ensuring students are workforce-ready. Benefits for Students and the Industry Faster Entry into the Workforce – Students can complete their education and start building careers…

Since 1927, barbers and cosmetologists in Iowa operated under separate boards and licensing requirements. In 2022, a significant change reshaped our industry: the creation of a single Barber-Cosmetology license and one unified state board. Why the Merger Matters The decision to merge the two licenses and boards was more than just an administrative update. It reflects how the industry has evolved. Both barbers and cosmetologists share overlapping skills and services, and today’s clients expect professionals who are versatile and adaptable. Benefits for Professionals and Students Simplified Licensing – One license means less confusion and easier navigation for new professionals entering the field. Stronger…

Licensed professionals in the beauty industry care about your health and safety The following explains how the regulation of our industry protects the consumer and how licensed professionals are accountable for your health and safety. Q: What kinds of beauty professionals have licenses? A: Hair stylists, colorists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians and electrologists are licensed professionals. Q: Did you know a cosmetology license encompasses more than just hair? A: Throughout their education, licensed professionals study skin and scalp care, anatomy, biology, chemistry and science-based infection control. Q: Why is it important that your licensed beauty professional is properly educated and…

On Friday June 6th, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the following bills into law. Please click through to see all 6 pages:

ProBeauty.org has put together an amazing resource to help professional cosmetologists speak to their State Legislators. From their Website: These resources will guide you in communicating to legislators about bills that could deregulate the industry. Your Safety First: How the regulation of our industry protects the client Ladders of Engagement: Opportunities for advocacy in the pro beauty industry Deregulation 101: Learn the basics of deregulation legislation Communicating with Elected Officials: How to effectively advocate for your industry. You can download the toolkit directly HERE or view the contents below: Deregulation 101 Communicating with Elected Officials Opportunities for Advocacy

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) is a national, nonprofit trade association that represents beauty and wellness schools across the U.S. It’s essentially the industry’s hub for education, advocacy, and networking. Overview Founded: 1924 Membership: Includes cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and massage therapy schools—both private and public. Purpose: To advance the interests of beauty and wellness education, support schools in regulatory compliance, and strengthen the connection between students, educators, and the professional beauty industry. What AACS Does Advocacy Works with state and federal lawmakers to influence policies affecting cosmetology education (such as licensing requirements and financial aid eligibility).…

How IBCSA Helped Modernize and Protect Iowa’s Barbering and Cosmetology Industry The Iowa Barber and Cosmetology School Association (IBCSA) is proud to reflect on the progress our industry has achieved over the past five years. What began as proposals to reduce training hours and eliminate licensure ultimately led to a more constructive outcome—modernizing Iowa’s barbering and cosmetology code, which had gone nearly a century without change. The sweeping reforms enacted during the 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions streamlined outdated processes, cut unnecessary red tape, and brought Iowa’s standards in line with today’s industry and workforce needs—all while preserving the integrity…