TX Cosmetology/Barbering Board

SHEARS System Relaunch Provides Cosmetology Schools Full Access

TDLR announced that the SHEARS system will relaunch on Monday, October 21, 2024, restoring full access for all licensed cosmetology and barbering schools to track student educational hours. Schools will continue reporting core hours under the core permit and specialty hours under the specialty permit until a streamlined enrollment process is implemented in November. Additional FAQs and live training sessions will be provided to help schools navigate the system.

SHEARS Enrollment Reporting Changes for Schools

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has updated enrollment and hours reporting procedures in the SHEARS system for cosmetology and barbering schools. Schools must now enroll and report Class A Barber and Cosmetology Operator students who enrolled after July 1, 2024 under one permit, with the core permit removed from the system. Other course types continue to report as before. Schools should note an IT display issue affecting some screens that does not impact actual student hours or exam eligibility.

New Continuing Education Requirements for Barbers and Cosmetologists Effective September 2025

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's Cosmetology and Barbering Board announced new continuing education requirements effective September 1, 2025. Licensees licensed fewer than 15 years must complete 4 hours of CE (1 hour sanitation, 2 hours barbering/cosmetology topics, 1 hour human trafficking prevention). Licensees with 15 or more years of licensure must complete 2 hours (1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking prevention). Individuals holding both a barber and cosmetology license may use CE completed for one license to satisfy requirements for the other.

Barbering & Cosmetology Advisory Board Summit - November 3, 2025

TDLR announces the Barbering & Cosmetology Advisory Board Summit on November 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will cover licensing examinations, curriculum, and related topics. Attendees may participate virtually via WebEx or in person at TDLR North Campus, Room 125E, 1106 Clayton Lane, Austin TX 78723. The Advisory Board's regular meeting follows at 1 p.m. the same day.

Class A Barber Initial License Available Online

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) announced that Class A Barber students who completed their training at licensed Texas Barbering and Cosmetology schools can now submit initial license applications online after passing the written examination. The new online application portal is accessible through TDLR's website.