Together, our member schools—including American Hair Academy, Aveda Institute of Des Moines, Capri College, Faust Institute of Cosmetology, Iowa School of Beauty, La’James College Mason City, PCI Academy, and SOHO Hair Academy—collectively employ more than 250 professionals and produce approximately 80% of the state’s barber and cosmetology graduates each year. That is a remarkable testament to the depth and quality of education happening right here in Iowa.

Through advocacy, innovation, and strong support for our schools and their teams, we continue to uphold high ethical standards and promote professionalism within the barber and cosmetology industries. Our efforts—whether it’s legislative outreach, professional development, or resource sharing—are all directed toward one goal: launching confident graduates who will shape the future of the beauty, barber and wellness industry both in Iowa and beyond.

As your President, I am deeply committed to:

• Representing your interests in policy discussions and public education,
• Ensuring transparency and excellence through our legislative and state‑board partnerships,
• Providing valuable resources and education that support your staff and students,
• Fostering collaboration, unity, and knowledge-sharing across our diverse membership.

Please explore our Resources section for tools such as legislative trackers, licensing information, and guidance from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL). Sign up for our quarterly newsletter to stay informed on the latest news, training initiatives like HF 711, and IBCSA PAC advocacy efforts.

We appreciate your dedication to professional excellence, and we are here to support the growth and success of the beauty, barber and wellness industry. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to raising the bar in Iowa’s barbering and cosmetology education.

Here’s to a year of inspiration, collaboration, and outstanding achievement!

Warmly,

Michelle Duncan

President, IBCSA

Happy New Year to our students, licensed professionals, educators, and industry leaders—and cheers to a successful and promising 2026! As the second year of the 91st General Assembly begins, the Iowa Legislature gavels in on January 12, 2026, launching a 100-day session that will run through April. Advocacy Strategies is proud to continue representing the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Schools Association (IBCSA) at the Statehouse and looks forward to keeping you informed every step of the way.

What to Expect in 2026

For our industry, 2026 is expected to be a relatively quiet legislative year. No major policy initiatives impacting barbering or cosmetology are anticipated, largely because HF 711—the significant legislation allowing establishment training programs passed in 2025—is still moving through the administrative rules process. That work remains our primary focus to ensure it’s implemented correctly. We are also working with Education Appropriators to secure additional student aid for students we serve. 

This is also an election year, with high political stakes and added caution around advancing controversial legislation. Looking ahead, Iowa will also see a new Governor in 2027, which further contributes to a “pause” year as lawmakers consider longer-term political dynamics.

Political Landscape

Republicans continue to control state government, maintaining the trifecta, though they no longer hold a two-thirds supermajority in the Senate following recent special elections. In the House, Pat Grassley continues as Speaker, joined by Bobby Kaufmann as the newly elected Majority Leader. House Democrats are now led by Brian Meyer.

In the Senate, Republicans are led by Majority Leader Mike Klimesh and Senate President Amy Sinclair, while Democrats are led by Janice Weiner.

Budget Pressures Shape the Session

Budget realities will heavily influence the 2026 session. The Revenue Estimating Conference projects an 8.8% decline in state revenues in FY 2026, creating a significant gap between ongoing revenues and current spending commitments. Rising costs in Medicaid and K-12 education, combined with income-tax reductions and economic uncertainty, mean we expect lawmakers to scrutinize any bill with a fiscal impact.

Key Issues on the Docket

While barbering and cosmetology are not expected to be front and center, we are expecting the Legislature will spend considerable time on:

• Property tax reform
• Eminent domain and the CO₂ pipelines
• Water quality improvements
• Criminal justice proposals
• State budget constraints
• Workforce and higher-education reforms

Staying Engaged

Advocacy Strategies will continue as IBCSA’s lobbyists. Keep up to date on what the legislature is up to with the Weekly Updates posted online. Members are encouraged to review alerts, track activity, and reach out with questions. While we don’t anticipate major policy changes affecting your profession this year, staying informed ensures we are prepared to act quickly if needed.

As always, thank you for your engagement and trust—we look forward to working with you throughout the 2026 Legislative Session. ~Threase & Nick

IBCSA is pleased to share an important update on the administrative rules creating the new Establishment Training Program authorized under HF 711 from the 2025 legislative session. This program represents a significant change in how future professionals may enter the barbering and cosmetology workforce, and IBCSA has been fully engaged to ensure the rules are fair, balanced, and protective of both trainees and consumers.

On November 3, 2025, IBCSA formally submitted written recommendations to the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Licensing Board regarding the noticed rules to Chapters 157 and 272C implementing HF 711. In that correspondence, IBCSA thanked the Board for its very thorough work on the noticed rules and praised the rules as thoughtful and comprehensive while offering targeted refinements to strengthen accountability, clarity, and trainee protections.

A public hearing was held on November 4, 2025 to allow for public input. Michelle Duncan presented IBCSA’s recommendations and several other stakeholders attended, including barbers who have been working in tandem with the Institute for Justice (IFJ). IFJ expressed opposition to the rules as initially proposed, arguing they were inconsistent with legislative intent and overly burdensome. They also indicated their intention to engage legislators regarding their concerns. IBCSA, however, took a different approach—recognizing the Board’s effort to build a workable program while recommending specific adjustments to improve implementation and fairness without undermining the integrity of professional training.

IBCSA’s recommendations focused on ensuring strong documentation standards, clear supervision requirements, transparent trainee protections, and appropriate accountability for establishments participating in the program. At the same time, the Association emphasized that the program must not be confused with a school setting and must preserve the value and rigor of licensed education pathways. These principles are central to maintaining high standards across Iowa’s barbering and cosmetology professions.

On December 17, 2025, the Board approved the revised rules, incorporating the majority of IBCSA’s recommendations. This was an important and positive outcome for the Association. It reflects the Board’s willingness to collaborate and demonstrates the impact of thoughtful, professional advocacy on behalf of schools, students, and educators.

The next step in the process is review by the Administrative Rules Review Committee (ARRC). We expect the rules to be formally noticed for ARRC consideration in January, with review scheduled for the February 9, 2026 ARRC meeting at 10:00 a.m. At that meeting, all stakeholders will have the opportunity to speak in support or opposition of the rules.

IBCSA remains committed to working collaboratively with the Board, legislators, and stakeholders to ensure the Establishment Training Program is implemented in a way that is fair, equitable, and responsible. We will keep you updated on these rules as they continue to move through the process.

IBCSA is pleased to share an update from the most recent Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Licensing Board meeting, where members addressed board appointments, examination changes, updated rules, and enforcement matters affecting professions statewide.

Board Appointments and Vacancies

The Board discussed several upcoming changes to its membership. Ashley Haack recently welcomed a baby and will not be returning to the Board next year. Cindy Hummel will conclude her service following the February 2026 meeting due to term limits. Two additional vacancies—one barber/cosmetology position and one public member position—remain unfilled. Threase Harms, with Advocacy Strategies, will follow up with the Governor’s Office regarding the timeline for appointments. Individuals interested in serving are encouraged to apply through iappoint.iowa.gov. Advocacy Strategies is available to assist applicants with letters of support. 

Examination and Licensing System Updates

The Board received updates on changes to the National Interstate Council (NIC) examinations for aesthetics and nail technology, effective January 1, 2026. Updates include expanded gel-related content for nail technology and revised topic sequencing for the esthetics examination. The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) also provided an overview of its work to develop a consolidated licensing system that may standardize renewal processes, cycles, and fee structures across boards. Legislation to implement these changes is still being drafted.

Legislation and Rules

Draft legislation was discussed that would establish licensure for massage therapy establishments as a tool to address illicit activity and human trafficking. The Board also granted two restricted cosmetology license waivers to experienced barbers who encountered barriers with skin and nail exam components due to language challenges and curriculum transitions.

The Board formally noticed the rules implementing HF 711 and reviewed revisions adopted following the public hearing. The majority of IBCSA’s recommendations were incorporated, reflecting the value of continued engagement and professional advocacy. Advocacy Strategies will speak in support of the rules as they move forward.

Complaints and Applications

One contested case was heard in closed session, with a decision expected at a future meeting. Several complaints involving unlicensed practice resulted in civil penalties. The application for Corner Cuts Barber College in Dubuque was reviewed but not approved due to facility deficiencies and inconsistent square footage reporting.

The Cosmetology Guild of Iowa, established in 2012, already had an association presence and an engaged social media platform. That visibility helped bring attention to what was happening as the law rapidly reshaped the professional landscape. During this time, we worked to understand and share information as quickly as possible, but we lacked the depth of knowledge and infrastructure needed to keep pace with how fast things were unfolding. We didn’t know where to turn and just kept on making the best of what we had to work with. 

Then, almost on cue, the universe stepped in.

We received a message, and the Guild was fortunate to be invited into an organization that already had systems, experience, and advocacy infrastructure firmly in place. Being welcomed into that space was grounding, reassuring, and genuinely inspiring. We were honored to be asked to be part of the advocacy movement.

By bringing us into the fold and openly sharing information, taking the time to educate us on the legislative process and the details surrounding HF 711, we were able to carry factual, accurate information back to Iowa’s cosmetologists and barbers. Through the Guild and our social media platforms, that information spread quickly and effectively. Transparency replaced speculation, and clarity replaced confusion.

After the law passed and the initial chaos settled, the work continued. We were asked to join the advocacy program with a focus on outreach: connecting with professionals across the state, helping interpret evolving information, and ensuring our industry had access to reliable guidance. Throughout that process, we were consistently met with patience, kindness, and a strong sense of community.

What stands out most about this partnership is its commitment to education and collaboration. There has been a sincere willingness to teach, guide, and support, not only us, but the broader industry we serve. This partnership is not about control or competition; it is about strengthening Iowa’s barbering and cosmetology community through shared knowledge and mutual respect.

Together, the Guild and the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Schools Association are helping build a more informed, connected, and resilient industry, one better prepared to face change and advocate for its future.

Cosmetology Guild of Iowa

While full membership is geared toward accredited schools (offering direct benefits like a collective voice in legislative and regulatory matters, free annual continuing education for instructors from top national trainers, quarterly networking meetings with other school owners and professionals, and access to shared best practices and industry partners), the associate membership category provides a valuable way for related individuals, businesses, or organizations to get involved.

Becoming an associate member of IBCSA lets you align with and support Iowa’s vibrant cosmetology and barbering education sector without operating a school yourself. Here’s why it’s worth signing up:

• Show your support and stay connected — Join a network dedicated to advancing beauty education and the professionals it produces. Associate members gain visibility within the community of school owners, instructors, and industry stakeholders who collaborate regularly.
• Access industry insights and updates — Tap into the association’s resources, news, events, and information hub covering topics like state regulations, legislative developments (e.g., recent bills like HF 711), statistics, and FAQs on the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences.
• Contribute to advocacy — Help sustain a strong voice at the statehouse on issues impacting education standards, student opportunities, and the future of the beauty industry in Iowa.
• Build relationships — Participate in or follow the quarterly meetings and connections that foster collaboration and shared success among members.

Whether you’re an industry supplier, a professional in the field, an educator outside of member schools, or simply passionate about supporting quality cosmetology training in Iowa, associate membership is an affordable and impactful way to be part of something bigger. Since 1961, IBCSA has been the collective voice for excellence in this field—joining as an associate extends that legacy.

Ready to get involved? Head to www.ibcsa.org/membership/ to explore options and sign up today. Your support helps launch confident, skilled graduates who shape Iowa’s beauty industry and beyond!