February 2026

If you hold a barbering or cosmetology license, continuing education (CE) isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a professional safeguard tied directly to your ability to renew your license. Both the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) include sanitation, safety, and laws/rules as key CE focus areas because everyday practice carries real risks to public health and compliance. Below is what you need to know — with official state board citations.

If you’re licensed in barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, nails, or specialty services, here’s the straight answer: in many states, you cannot renew on time without completing state-approved continuing education (CE)—and the rules are not the same everywhere. Some states require CE every renewal cycle, some require specific topic hours (sanitation, laws, human trafficking, etc.), and others have

There are so many types of shampoos on the market, and every stylist has seen shelves full of bottles promising moisture, shine, volume, repair, or strength. But shampoo isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each type is designed to meet a specific hair or scalp need—and knowing the difference is essential for both professional success and state board exams.

Preparing for your beauty state board exam can feel overwhelming. Between juggling school, work, family responsibilities, and real life, many students unknowingly make mistakes that sabotage their chances of passing—even when they’re talented, motivated, and capable. Here’s the truth: most people who don’t pass the first time didn’t fail because they weren’t skilled enough. They