05/18/2026
The federal government is on the verge of shutting down 92% of cosmetology schools in America—by the Department of Education's own numbers.
American Salon walked through what is happening, why it matters, and how to act before the May 20 deadline.
The new federal test compares brand-new licensed stylists, barbers, estheticians, nail techs, and massage therapists to high school graduates in their late 20s and early 30s who already have years of work experience. It ignores tips. It ignores part-time schedules. It ignores the years it takes to build a full clientele. And it ignores the wage gaps in an industry that is overwhelmingly women, heavily Black, Latino, and Asian American, and 98% small business owners.
"I could train 100% of my graduates, with 100% pass rate and 100% placement rate, yet I could fail," said AACS Vice Chair Stacy Wells.
Congress and President Trump already protected this industry in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last July. The Department of Education is moving forward anyway.
"You choke this pipeline of talent and everybody's going to feel it," Wells said. "From manufacturers and distributors to business owners and landlords and the people sitting in the chair.”
The public comment period closes May 20. File yours at myaacs.org/submit-your-comment/
Read the full American Salon story: [https://www.americansalon.com/education/beauty-industry-rallies-against-harmful-new-federal-policy]
