In a recent meeting held by Texas Licensing on August 28, 2023, officials discussed significant updates regarding the training and enrollment processes for barber and cosmetology schools. The focus was on the distinct systems—referred to as "barber shears" and "cosmetology shears"—that schools must navigate to enroll students in various courses.

The meeting highlighted that barber schools currently operate under a separate system, limiting their ability to offer courses outside of traditional barbering. For instance, if a barber school wishes to expand its curriculum to include cosmetology courses such as manicures or eyelash extensions, they must apply for access to the cosmetology shears system. This process involves submitting course applications, after which the licensing team will create a cosmetology school license at no additional cost. This new access will enable barber schools to enroll students in a broader range of courses while still maintaining their existing barber programs.

Conversely, cosmetology schools looking to offer barber courses will also need to submit a specific application to gain access to the barber shears system. This dual-access approach ensures that both barber and cosmetology schools can diversify their offerings while adhering to regulatory requirements.

As the meeting concluded, attendees were reminded that further information and resources would be available on the Barber and Cosmetology web pages, providing a clear pathway for schools to navigate these changes. The updates aim to streamline the enrollment process and enhance educational opportunities for students across Texas, reflecting a commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of beauty and grooming education.