Beginning in 2026, Maryland will require barbers and cosmetology professionals to complete domestic violence awareness training as part of the licensing and renewal process under House Bill 1547.
Under the new law, all applicants for an original license and all licensees renewing a license in barbering or cosmetology must complete at least one hour of domestic violence awareness training. The training may be offered either in person or virtually, but it must be completed through a Maryland Board approved provider. Courses taken outside of the approved provider list will not be accepted.
The requirement applies to a wide range of licensed professionals, including master barbers, barbers, limited barber stylists, senior cosmetologists, cosmetologists, limited hairstylists, limited estheticians, limited nail technicians, limited blow dry stylists, and limited eyelash extension technicians…