Pennsylvania cosmetology licensing and apprenticeship regulations are misaligned with current industry practices, creating unnecessary barriers to apprenticeship pathways and contributing to student debt.

Pennsylvania’s cosmetology licensing system currently requires aspiring cosmetologists to complete 1,250 hours at a licensed school or 2,000 hours through an apprenticeship, under significantly more restrictive conditions than those applied to barber apprenticeships.

In contrast, barber apprentices in Pennsylvania may complete the same number of hours as barber school through a one-on-one apprenticeship under a licensed professional, while still demonstrating hands-on competency through examination.

Cosmetology licensure, however, is now based on a written exam only — yet cosmetology apprenticeships require substantially more hours, additional staffing, and overhead that make them impractical for most small, independent salons.

These rules limit access to viable apprenticeship pathways, contribute to student debt, and exclude experienced professionals from training the next generation in real-world settings.

We respectfully request that the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology and the Pennsylvania Department of State review and modernize cosmetology apprenticeship regulations to:

Align cosmetology apprenticeship hour requirements with school-based requirements
Reduce unnecessary staffing and structural barriers for small businesses
Allow experienced licensed professionals to supervise apprentices in practical, real-world environments
Expand access to supervised apprenticeship pathways alongside existing school options
This request does not seek to eliminate cosmetology schools, reduce public safety standards, or alter licensure examinations. It seeks only to ensure that apprenticeship pathways are fair, practical, and aligned with current licensing requirements.

Modernizing these regulations would benefit students, small business owners, and the public by improving workforce readiness while reducing unnecessary educational debt.

We urge regulators to review these inconsistencies and engage with licensed professionals to develop apprenticeship standards that reflect how the industry actually operates today.

If you’re comfortable, please consider noting in the comments whether you are a salon, spa, or barbershop owner; a licensed professional; a current or former student; or a member of the general public.