Subcommittee advances bill to add trichology training to cosmetology curriculum

The Subcommittee on Professional and Occupational Licenses of the Regulated Industries Committee voted to advance House Bill 684, amending an internal date and recommending the measure to the full committee. The bill would require trichology (hair and scalp health) instruction to be added to cosmetology training and licensure requirements.

Connie Judge, a licensed cosmetologist and certified trichologist who founded the National Trichology Training Institute in Stockbridge, Georgia, told the panel the measure responds to a growing problem. "Approximately 70,000,000 Americans, including 20,000,000 women, who are currently battling hair loss," Judge said, arguing schools currently provide only "teaser" coverage of scalp disorders and chemical safety.

Judge and Shera Smith, a licensed cosmetologist, instructor and certified trichologist, described gaps they say exist in beauty college curricula and in instructors' ability to teach trichology. Smith told the committee she has had students come to class seeking trichology training: "There is a lot of hair loss out here," she said, adding that current coursework does not prepare students to identify or respond to scalp disorders.

Under the bill as discussed in the subcommittee, instructors would complete 50 hours of trichology training and students would receive 30 hours of instruction; witnesses told members those hours could be infused within existing 1,500-hour programs rather than lengthening total program time. The State Board of Cosmetology reviewed the materials, witnesses said, and "gave us their full blessing" to include the curriculum.

Several members raised enforcement and resource questions. Representative Williams thanked the sponsor but asked whether the bill addressed unlicensed "kitchen" cosmetologists and how enforcement would occur; she cited concerns about long-term health risks associated with some relaxer products and urged appropriations involvement to fund more inspectors. Chairman McDonald and other members noted that current inspectors cover multiple industries and are stretched thin, which could limit enforcement of any new standards.

Procedurally, legislative counsel recommended correcting an internal date in the bill (striking 06/30/2025 and inserting 06/30/2026); the subcommittee adopted that amendment by voice vote. Representative Williams moved a "do pass" recommendation to send House Bill 684 to the full committee; the motion carried on a voice vote and the chair announced the bill was moved forward.

Votes at a glance: The subcommittee approved the amendment to correct the date by voice vote (counts not specified) and approved a "do pass" recommendation for House Bill 684 as amended by voice vote (counts not specified).

The bill now goes to the full Regulated Industries Committee for further consideration.