Under HB 15 60, TDLR will let establishments offer barbering and cosmetology under one license; new signage and sanitation rules take effect

TDLR program staff told summit attendees that the merger of barbering and cosmetology laws creates an option — not a requirement — for establishments to offer both services under a single license.

"A separate barbershop and cosmetology salon license will no longer be required to offer both barber and cosmetology services in the same establishment," Angela Sanders, cosmetology program specialist, said. She emphasized that the single-license approach is optional: businesses may keep separate shop/salon operations if they prefer.

Yvonne Lopez, licensing manager, outlined immediate posting requirements: human-trafficking signage — expanded from three to five languages — must be posted by Jan. 1, 2023, and a combined sanitation-rules posting will be required in all establishments. A printable PDF for the human-trafficking sign is available on TDLR's website.

Sean O'Neil, barber program specialist, described new display options for licenses, effective Jan. 2023: license holders may show a paper license with a photo at the workstation, keep it at reception, or display a digital image on a tablet or phone. O'Neil also noted a scope change in the new statute allowing class A barbers to remove "superfluous hair from a person's body" (body waxing). He said establishments will receive new establishment-license certificates on Sept. 1, 2023, when transitions take effect.

TDLR staff advised licensees to monitor the department's interactive web guide and to keep contact information current so that electronic inspection reports and license communications are received.