Cosmetology schools and licensees urge board to oppose bill cutting training hours

School owners, instructors and licensed cosmetologists told the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology on March 24 they oppose Assembly Bill 225 (2025), which would reduce required cosmetology training hours, and the board voted to oppose the bill after hearing public comment.

Speakers representing cosmetology schools and institutes expressed concerns that cutting hours would reduce students’ exposure to practical skills, infection-control instruction and the breadth of subject matter needed for safe practice. "1600 hours is appropriate for the course of study to make sure that the individual student is able to grasp all the subject matters that they will be actually servicing their clients," said Gwen Bremo of Expertise Cosmetology Institute. Other commenters voiced similar warnings: Tricia Faust described long experience as an instructor and aesthetician and said reduced hours would "do an extreme disservice to the students and the public," while Danita Holly (Euphoria Institute) and Sandy Dunham (Academy of Hair Design) emphasized safety, sanitation and readiness for industry expectations.

A licensed cosmetologist, Radiance Bryant, said her training at higher clock hours prepared her for practice and that she opposed lowering requirements. Members of the board discussed the public testimony, noting Nevada’s current 1,600-hour cosmetology requirement and the board’s expedited reciprocity processes for applicants. After deliberation the board carried a motion to oppose Assembly Bill 225.

The board recorded the vote as "motion carried" and staff reiterated procedures for submitting written comments to the inspection email by 5 p.m. the same day. The board’s formal position will be transmitted as part of its legislative interactions per established practice.