For many clients, an appointment is much more than a beauty service. A licensed service provider often becomes a trusted confidant, listener, mentor, and friend. People share their victories, struggles, dreams, and life experiences while sitting in a chair. Professionals in this industry create safe and welcoming environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. In a world that often feels disconnected, these relationships matter more than ever.

The impact of beauty, barbering and wellness extends far beyond the salon, spa or barbershop. Consider the teenager preparing for a first job interview, the bride getting ready for her wedding day, the cancer survivor regaining confidence during and after treatment, or the individual overcoming personal challenges who simply wants a fresh start. In each of these moments licensed professionals play an important role in helping people step into the next chapter of their lives with pride and confidence.

This industry also creates opportunities for economic growth and personal success. The career paths available empower individuals to build rewarding futures. Many professionals become business owners, educators, mentors, platform artists, and industry leaders. They get to combine their passion with financial independence while serving their communities. Few careers offer the unique blend of flexibility, creativity, and entrepreneurship that this industry provides.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of beauty, barbering and wellness is its accessibility. People from all walks of life can enter the profession and build meaningful careers through dedication, training, and hard work. The industry welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, talents, and aspirations. It provides opportunities not only to earn a living but also to make a genuine difference in the lives of others.

The influence of this profession can be seen in every community. Barbershops, salons and spas serve as gathering places where conversations happen, relationships are built, and local culture thrives. They are often pillars of their neighborhoods, providing encouragement, inspiration, and support to generations of clients and families.

As technology continues to change the way we work and communicate, the value of human connection becomes even more important. No app, algorithm, or machine can replace the personal touch of a skilled service provider. The ability to make someone feel confident, understood, and cared for remains one of the most powerful services any professional can offer.

The beauty, barbering and wellness industry deserves recognition not only for its artistic talent and technical expertise but also for its profound impact on society. Every haircut, color service, shave, style, facial, massage, or treatment is an opportunity to uplift another person. Behind every chair is a professional with the ability to transform not just appearances, but lives.

That is what makes this industry so extraordinary. It is not simply about beauty. It is about empowerment. It is about confidence. It is about connection. And most importantly, it is about helping people become the best version of themselves.

Celebrating the licensed professionals who help others look and feel their best,

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

Several key issues remain under discussion, including:

• Supervision: The number of trainees one trainer may supervise at a time.
• Course of Study: Requirements for the establishment owner to provide and maintain the trainee’s required course of study.
• Paid vs. Unpaid Hours: How many training hours may be paid versus unpaid.
• Consumer Disclosure: Requirements for clearly notifying customers that services are being provided by an individual who is in training and is not yet licensed.

IBCSA continues to closely monitor the rulemaking process and advocate for clear, consistent standards that protect students, consumers and the integrity of Iowa’s licensed barbering and cosmetology professions.

Looking Ahead to the 2027 Legislative Session

The IBCSA Legislative Committee is currently developing the Association’s 2027 Legislative Agenda. We anticipate another active session and expect that protecting the integrity and value of professional barbering and cosmetology licensure will remain a priority. The Committee will continue evaluating potential issues and identifying opportunities and challenges for Iowa’s schools, students and licensed professionals.

Watch for the final 2027 IBCSA Legislative Agenda in the December newsletter.

The Board approved the minutes from the May 18, 2026 meeting and received reports from the Executive Officers, Assistant Attorney General Sammie Leo, and Licensure Specialist Melly Beckler. Legislative updates were also provided.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the ongoing rules process in regards to the Establishment Training Program. The Board had previously filed a Notice of Intended Action at the May meeting to amend Iowa Administrative Code 481 Chapters 940–945 (including the Establishment Training Program rules related to HF 711). The Governor’s office returned recommendations for changes to the proposed rules. After hearing public feedback, the Board was unable to reach consensus on those recommended changes. The Board will schedule additional time in the near future to further discuss the proposed revisions so the rules can be re-noticed.

The Board considered two petitions for rule waiver. One petition, seeking a waiver of the examination passing-score requirement under Chapter 940.3, was granted. The petitioner had taken and passed a Barber board examination under the standards in effect at the time of testing, but did not apply for licensure until after the Barber and Cosmetology boards had merged and new examination requirements and passing-score thresholds had been adopted. Under those specific circumstances, the Board granted the waiver. The second petition was withdrawn by the petitioner in anticipation of the Board’s forthcoming adoption of rules implementing HF 711.

No school or establishment license applications were pending for review. The Board reviewed several complaints of unlicensed practice and took appropriate action based on the evidence presented. A contested case hearing scheduled for the afternoon did not proceed due to a last-minute settlement agreement being reached.

Following public comment, the Board entered closed session to address confidential matters and returned to open session to take final action on those items. The meeting adjourned with the next regular meeting scheduled for November 2, 2026.

At the top of the ticket, Iowa voters will elect a new governor following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ decision not to seek another term, creating the state’s first open gubernatorial race since 2006. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is also not seeking reelection. Together, those decisions mean Iowa will have open races for governor and U.S. Senate in the same election for the first time since 1968.

In the governor’s race, Republican Zach Lahn faces Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand. A recent Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey offers a snapshot of the race. Conducted August 2–4 among 712 likely Iowa voters, the poll found Sand with 48% support and Lahn with 43%, while 7% were undecided. Among independent voters, Sand received 58% support compared with 32% for Lahn.

Iowa’s open U.S. Senate race is also receiving statewide attention. Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson is running against Democratic State Rep. Josh Turek. Emerson found Hinson with 48% support and Turek with 45%, with 6% undecided. The poll also found the economy to be the top issue for 38% of respondents, followed by health care at 19%, threats to democracy at 11%, and education at 10%.

Iowa’s congressional races will add another important element to the ballot. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts are receiving national attention this election cycle. All three are included on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s target list, while independent election ratings currently view the 1st and 3rd Districts as tossup races and the 2nd District as competitive. The 2nd and 4th Districts are both open seats, guaranteeing Iowa will send at least two new members to Congress next year.

There will also be significant activity at the Statehouse. All 100 seats in the Iowa House of Representatives are up for election, along with 25 of the 50 seats in the Iowa Senate. Those races will help determine the makeup of the next Iowa General Assembly.

With Election Day drawing closer, now is a good time for Iowans to make a plan to vote. The voter pre-registration deadline is Monday, October 19, although eligible Iowans may also register on Election Day. Voters can review their registration, confirm their polling location, and learn about available voting options.

With open statewide offices, closely watched congressional contests, and legislative races across Iowa, the 2026 election will give voters an important opportunity to choose the leaders who will represent their communities in the years ahead.

Education remains one of our primary focuses. We are compiling a list of local educators interested in partnering with the Guild for future educational events. If you teach a class or have an area of expertise you would like to share with Iowa beauty professionals, please reach out and tell us more about it.

Advocacy is also an important part of our mission. Through our partnership with IBCSA, we are staying informed about legislation, licensing, administrative rules, and other issues that may affect Iowa’s cosmetology and barbering industries. The Guild will continue supporting IBCSA’s advocacy efforts by helping share accurate information and important updates with professionals throughout the state.

We are excited about this next chapter and look forward to building a stronger, more informed, and better-connected professional community across Iowa.

If you are interested in volunteering with our online presence or being considered for a future educational event, please contact us through Messenger on the Cosmetology Guild of Iowa Facebook group or public page.

Great Clips partnership with IBCSA supports and elevates cosmetology education and helps connect students with real-world training and career support that carries them well beyond graduation.

That partnership matters because it keeps Great Clips connected to the students who will shape the future of the hair industry in Iowa. Working alongside IBCSA member schools gives Great Clips insight into what students need as they move from the classroom into their first chair, and it gives students and instructors a direct line to a brand that’s actively investing in their success. That relationship shows up in real, tangible ways across the state: from scholarship support that eases the financial pressure of tuition, to salon opportunities in Iowa communities where graduates can put their license to work right away, to a training environment built to help new stylists and barbers grow into confident professionals. For IBCSA schools, that means a trusted partner at the table. For students, it means a clearer, more supported path from graduation to a lasting career.

The Great Scholarship Program

 One way Great Clips supports IBCSA students is through the Great Scholarship Program. The program helps offset tuition costs, with students able to apply for a scholarship of up to $5,000 — an amount that can make a real difference as students work toward a professional license.

Great Clips, Inc. funds the Great Scholarship Program. Each year, up to 22 students across the United States and Canada receive a scholarship of up to $5,000 each. There are two application periods annually: the Fall period runs March 2 – September 1, and the Spring period runs September 2 – March 1.

To apply, students visit jobs.greatclips.com/scholarship-application, complete the scholarship application form, and submit a response to the question: “What is exciting to you about a career in the cosmetology or barbering industry and why?”

Great Clips also runs the Great Tools Giveaway, offering high school students interested in cosmetology or barbering a chance to win a professional tool kit valued at $250 — a small but meaningful boost for students just starting to build their kits.

With hairstylist and barber employment projected to grow faster than average through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Great Clips has emphasized building a strong pipeline of new talent — meaning many graduates of our member programs find real, immediate opportunity within the brand’s salons after they walk the stage.

For students weighing their options after graduation, Great Clips represents a path that combines training, flexibility, and room to grow — right here in Iowa and beyond. The IBCSA is proud to spotlight members like Great Clips that continue to invest directly in the future of our industry.