Our association was built on a simple but powerful purpose: to support and elevate cosmetology education across Iowa, ensuring students—no matter where they livehave access to high-quality training and real opportunities to succeed. That kind of mission takes more than passion; it takes persistence, collaboration, and strong voices at the table where decisions are made.

That’s where Advocacy Strategies has been invaluable.

Their team doesn’t just understand policy—they understand people. They’ve taken the time to learn who we are as an association, what matters to our schools, and what’s at stake for the future of our profession. Because of that, they’ve helped us show up in meaningful ways—whether that’s navigating legislative changes, strengthening our advocacy efforts, or ensuring that our message is heard clearly and effectively.

What I appreciate most is that this work has never felt transactional. It feels like true partnership. Advocacy Strategies has stood alongside us, helping us protect the integrity of our industry while also pushing forward thoughtful solutions that support students, educators, and professionals alike.

Together, we’ve been able to elevate important conversations—about access, standards, and opportunity—and bring greater awareness to the vital role our schools play in communities across Iowa.

There’s still more work to do, but I’m confident that with partners like Advocacy Strategies, we are moving in the right direction.

Threase, Nick, Catherine, Connor and Jessica thank you—for your dedication, your insight, and your belief in what we do.

With appreciation,

Michelle Duncan President, Iowa Barber & Cosmetology Schools Association (IBCSA)

Most notably, IBCSA successfully worked with lawmakers to transition the state’s very limited Barber and Cosmetology Tuition Grant Program into the more expansive Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant Program in HF 2783. This change increases available funding to a statewide program funded at approximately $1.9 million while eliminating the school matching requirement that previously created inequities for students pursuing barbering and cosmetology careers. The result is greater access to financial assistance and a more equitable system for students across Iowa. This will be available after July, 1, 2026, through the schools.

IBCSA also successfully secured important language changes to apprenticeship and career training legislation in SF 2168. These amendments preserved alignment with federal Department of Labor apprenticeship standards ensuring no more loopholes are created for those wishing to enter the industry through this workforce development program.

Additionally, HF 2602 was approved by the Legislature and signed into law. The bill establishes licensure requirements for massage establishments in Iowa, taking effect July 1, 2026. While not directly impacting barber and cosmetology industry, the measure reflects continued legislative attention to professional licensure and consumer protection issues affecting the broader personal care industry.

Beyond these legislative accomplishments, IBCSA continues to work with the Iowa State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences on implementation of the establishment training programs, administrative rulemaking, and other regulatory matters affecting schools, instructors, and future professionals.

Thank you to our members who engaged throughout the session by providing feedback, meeting with policymakers, and helping advocate for the future of Iowa’s barbering and cosmetology professions.

Read the full 2026 Sine Die Legislative Report: https://advocacyiowa.com/sine-die/

I was pleased to be elected as the new Chair of the Board, with Stephanie Egeland elected as Vice Chair. The Board welcomed three new members: Benjamin Watt (Barber and Cosmetologist), Craig Hunt (Barber and Cosmetologist), and Stephanie Egeland (Instructor). The Public Member position remains vacant.

The Board approved the minutes from our February 16, 2026 meeting. We received reports from the Executive Officers (including a school inspection update), the Licensure Specialist, and DIAL Iowa Professional Health Programs. We also received a presentation from the Bureau of Iowa College Aid.

In a key regulatory action, the Board voted to file a Notice of Intended Action to amend Iowa Administrative Code 481 Chapters 940 through 945. These updates include changes to the Establishment Training Program rules pursuant to HF 711.

The Board reviewed the barber and cosmetology school license application submitted by Cornerkutz Barber College. After careful consideration, we denied the petitions for rule waivers related to the physical requirements for schools (specifically school size and on-premise laundry facilities required under Chapter 941). As a result, the Board denied the school license application in its entirety because the proposed facility did not meet the minimum standards set forth in the administrative rules.

The Board also reviewed additional rule waiver petitions, discussed legislative updates, and addressed complaints of unlicensed practice. Following an opportunity for public comment, we entered closed session to discuss confidential matters before returning to open session to take final action on those items.

The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for August 17, 2026.

To expand opportunities for engagement, we have launched a public page to complement our private community group, allowing us to share industry news, education, and updates with a broader audience. We are also exploring a members-only Discord channel to provide additional opportunities for networking, collaboration, support, and professional discussion.

As the Guild grows, we are seeking individuals interested in serving on our volunteer board of directors. Board service offers a meaningful opportunity to share ideas, contribute leadership, and help shape the future of our profession. If you are interested in becoming involved, we encourage you to reach out to Amanda at [email protected].

We are also excited to announce plans for a Guild Launch Event this fall. Students, licensed professionals, educators, and industry supporters are invited to attend and learn more about the Guild, our partnership with the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Schools Association, and opportunities to become involved in industry initiatives. The event will also provide an opportunity for attendees to share their perspectives on the future of the profession and the role of a trade association. Together, we will explore our core pillars of Community, Education, and Advocacy while engaging in meaningful conversations about the future of Iowa’s beauty industry.

Thank you to the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Schools Association for its continued partnership and support. Through collaboration, we can create stronger opportunities for education, advocacy, and professional connection across Iowa’s barbering and cosmetology community.

We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to building a stronger, more connected industry together.

SOHO Hair Academy is proud to be the only nationally accredited cosmetology school on the southwest corner of Iowa. Located in Council Bluffs—just minutes from downtown Omaha and I-80—we’re serving students from both sides of the river who are ready to build a real career in beauty.

Our campus was built to feel like a professional salon from day one. With a large, bright clinic floor, modern classrooms, and strong technology, we created a space where students learn by doing in a realistic, high-energy environment.

Founded and locally owned by an award-winning salon professional, SOHO is driven by a simple belief: everyone deserves a voice and the opportunity to build a successful, sustainable career. We go well beyond the minimum requirements in our 1,800-hour program, combining strong technical training with guest service, business skills, professional image, and real-world speed and efficiency. Students gain hands-on experience on the clinic floor, in mentor salons, and through our structured curriculum that prepares them to pass boards and thrive in their careers.

Right now we’re focused on growing a new generation of confident, skilled stylists who are proud to represent our region. We love what we do, and we’re always looking for the right students to join us.

If you know someone in western Iowa or the Omaha metro who is considering cosmetology and wants a modern, supportive, and professional experience, we would greatly appreciate your referral. We’re here to help students turn their passion into a rewarding career.

We’re honored to be part of the IBCSA community and look forward to building stronger connections with fellow schools across the state. Together, we can continue raising the standard for barber and cosmetology education in Iowa.

The Iowa Professional Health Programs (IPHP) is a confidential, non-disciplinary program designed to help licensed professionals address challenges related to mental health, substance use, stress, burnout, or other health concerns that could affect their ability to practice safely and successfully.

While many people associate these programs with Professional Licensing division also offers support regulated by DIAL.

doctors and nurses, Iowa’s for other licensed professionals

The program focuses on early intervention, treatment support, and recovery monitoring — with the goal of helping professionals continue their careers safely and successfully. DIAL describes the program as “confidential” and “non-disciplinary,” emphasizing support and accountability rather than punishment.

For barber and cosmetology schools and salon owners, this can be an important tool to know about. The beauty industry can be physically demanding and emotionally stressful. Long hours, financial pressure, client expectations, and personal challenges can all take a toll on professionals at every stage of their careers. As professionals in a management position, you may encounter situations where a student or employee appears to be struggling and needs help connecting with resources.

Programs like IPHP encourage professionals to seek support early, before challenges grow into larger problems affecting their health, employment, or licensure.

The program includes:

Confidential support and guidance Referrals for assessment or treatment Monitoring and accountability programs when appropriate Resources related to mental health, substance use, and professional wellness

Creating a healthy workforce is important for schools, salons, students, and clients alike. Simply knowing this resource exists may help someone take an important first step toward getting help.

To learn more about the Iowa Professional Health Programs, visit the DIAL website at dial.iowa.gov/licenses/health-professions/iowa-professional-health-programs.