Bill would add 30 hours of trichology instruction to barber and cosmetology training

An unnamed sponsor presented House Bill 684 to require 30 hours of trichology instruction in barber and cosmetology schools, describing trichology as "the hair science, the study of hair loss and scalp disorders." The sponsor said the change would be incorporated into existing training and would not increase the total hours required for licensure.

The presenter said the change is a response to increased reports of unexplained hair loss seen in salons after the pandemic and listed risk factors that salon professionals should be able to recognize, including cancer recovery, medication effects, autoimmune disease, thyroid conditions and chemical treatments. The sponsor credited a former industry colleague, Connie Judge, with bringing the topic forward and said Georgia could lead the nation in "safe, informed" beauty education.

Representative Williams and other members asked whether the measure would add hours; the sponsor replied, "No additional hours will be needed. It can be infused in the current curriculum." The committee did not record an immediate vote on HB 684 during the Rules meeting.