BETHESDA, Md. — For many, a trip to the salon or barber shop is more than just a haircut — it’s a rare moment of vulnerability and connection. Now, the state of Maryland is tapping into that unique “chair-side manner” to help combat domestic abuse.
Starting January 1, 2026, a new state law will require all Maryland barbers and cosmetologists to complete a mandatory one-hour training course on domestic violence awareness as a condition of their professional license.
A ‘Red Flag’ in the chair
For local barber Warren Martin, the new requirement isn’t just another box to check for the state; it’s a lesson he wishes he had years ago.
Inside his shop, Martin has seen thousands of faces. But one particular memory of a young boy brought in by his adoptive parents still haunts him…