Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
 
Board
Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
 
chapter
Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations [18 VAC 41 ‑ 20]
 
Guidance Documents
 
Chapter Information
Description None entered
State Authority 54.1-201
Federal Authority None entered
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation None entered
Meetings See all meetings (13) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Kelley Smith  / Executive Director
Address: 9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233
Email Address: barbercosmo@dpor.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)367-8590    FAX: (866)245-9693    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Cosmetology Compact Amendment Proposed Comment period is underway and will end on 02/13/2026.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
General Review of Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/01/2025.
Board for Barbers and Cosmetology Fee Adjustment Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/01/2025.
Temporary License Extension Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/15/2024.
Lower Cosmetology Training to 1,000 Hours Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2024.
Easing licensing requirements for grandfathered licensees failing to renew licensure Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/01/2023.
Fee Reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2022.
Bathroom Requirements for Facilities Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/01/2022.
Elimination of Antibacterial Soap Requirement Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/01/2022.
Amendments to Incorporate Changes from Marijuana Legalization
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/01/2021.
Transfer Hours Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/07/2022.
Exception to Training Requirement Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/01/2021.
Extend Temporary Fee Reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2020.
Reduction in License Display Requirements Fast-Track Comment period complete, but objections were filed.
Update of disinfectant terminology Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/10/2020.
Reduce Barber Entry Requirements to Implement Two-Tier Licensing Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/01/2019.
Temporary Fee Reductions 2018-20
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/01/2018.
Esthetics instructors teaching wax programs Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/01/2018.
Fee Decrease Barber/Cosmo 2016-18
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2016.
Amendments to Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations 2012 Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/01/2017.
Fee Decrease Barber/Cosmo
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/01/2014.
Amend 18VAC41-20-280 attempted to obtain Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/01/2013.
Fee Adjustment Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2011.
Promulgate Board for Barbers and Cosmetology Rules and Regulations Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/01/2003.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Amendment to the instructor training program Proposed Stage withdrawn on 09/26/2025 after the comment period had ended.
Align barber curriculum with scope of practice Fast-Track Stage withdrawn on 12/15/2017 before DPB completed its review.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
10/10/2023 Agency Completed Retain As Is
9/24/2019 Agency Completed Retain As Is
11/9/2015 Agency Completed Retain As Is
9/21/2011 Agency Completed Amend
12/19/2008 Agency Completed Amend