Committee hears bill to add trichology training to barber and cosmetology programs

A presenter described House Bill 684 as legislation to require 30 hours of trichology instruction—"the hair science, the study of hair loss and scalp disorders"—in barber and cosmetology schools. The sponsor, who identified industry experience as an instructor and technician, said the training is needed because salon professionals often encounter clients with unexplained hair loss from illness, medication, stress or autoimmune disease but may not be trained to recognize warning signs.

The presenter emphasized the amendment is not a criticism of industry professionals but a measure to "strengthen" and modernize education by infusing trichology into existing curriculum hours; she said "No additional hours would be needed" and that the content can be placed within current training. The presenter cited post-pandemic increases in hair shedding and listed risk factors including cancer survivors, thyroid patients, diabetes, dialysis patients, lupus and chemical exposures.

Representative Williams confirmed in committee that the bill, as presented, would not increase the total required hours for students because the material would be incorporated into existing instruction rather than appended as extra hours. No formal vote or motion on HB 684 was recorded during the meeting.