Minutes January 5, 2026 - Cosmetologists
Meeting
Monday, January 5, 2026
A meeting of the State Board of Cosmetologists was held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. via teleconference.
Board Member Attendees
Ms. Lisa Ennis, Chairperson
Ms. Rosalind Hosley, Cosmetologist Member Absent
Ms. April Kenney, Cosmetologist Member
Ms. Kelly Canty, Consumer Member
Mr. Maurice Fains, Cosmetologist Member
Ms. Katrina Lee, Esthetician Member
Ms. Kyra Jones, School Member
Other Staff Attendees
Ms. Nicole Fletcher, Executive Director
Ms. Breona Scott, Assistant Executive Director
Ms. Leslie Braxton, Licensing Supervisor Absent
Mr. Jacob Guy, Board Administrator
Mr. Kenneth Sigman, Advice Counsel
Ms. Peggy DallAcqua, Advice Counsel
Ms. Renee Robertson, Education Coordinator
Ms. Ashley Thompson, Reciprocity Coordinator
Agenda and Minutes
Quorum Announced, and Meeting Called to Order
A quorum was announced by Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis and the meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM.
Approval of Agenda
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion for approval of the January 5, 2026 agenda. Ms. April Kenney made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Kelly Canty, and the agenda was unanimously approved.
Approval of December 1, 2025, Minutes
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion to approve the minutes from the December 1, 2025 meeting. A motion was made by Ms. April Kenney to approve the previous Board meeting minutes which was seconded by Ms. Kelly Canty, and the motion unanimously passed.
New Business
A. RECAP OF DECEMBER 1, 2025 MEETING
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis provided a brief recap of December’s meeting. In December, Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher explained that foreign reciprocity certifications can sometimes be difficult for the administrative team to verify. After discussion, Board members voted unanimously in favor of requiring foreign reciprocity applicants to submit certification of their foreign credentials prepared by a company that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Board members also voted unanimously in favor of approving the use of word-to-word dictionaries for translation purposes during theoretical exams. Nguyet Nguyen was unanimously approved for a restart of the Apprentice Limited Nail Technician program. Advice Counsel Mr. Kenneth Sigman announced that regulations for the Eyelash Extension license and the Esthetics regulations were combined and are on track to be published December 26, 2025 in the Maryland Register. Assuming a smooth process, they both are expected to go final and be in place in March 2026. Lastly, Ms. Fletcher provided reminders regarding the Continuing Education and Domestic Violence Awareness training requirements that went into effect January 1, 2026.
B. COSMETOLOGY/ESTHETICIAN PRACTICAL EYELASH SECTION
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher introduced the topic stating that a series of meetings with PSI were held in December to discuss upcoming changes to testing. A question that came up during those meetings that Ms. Fletcher wanted to bring to the Board: Should the cosmetologist and esthetician practical examinations be altered to include some demonstration of performing eyelash services? SB1044 implemented in October 2025 added eyelash extension services to the definition of esthetic services. Ms. April Kenney spoke first offering her support for implementing such testing requirements. Ms. Kenney stated her belief that test takers should be assessed on any service that is permitted by the license that they intend to obtain. Each Board member spoke at some point during the discussion and there was a consensus that some changes should be made to incorporate an eyelash extension portion of examinations. Ms. Kyra Jones asked what such testing requirements look like, as eyelash extension services can vary in technique and involvement. Ms. Jones went on to question would cosmetology curricula need to be updated as well? There was a consensus among Board members that cosmetologist and esthetician applicants would need to be tested on the full scope of their licensure, but further discussion would be required to iron out some of the details of how that can be implemented into the testing process.
C. ADVICE COUNSEL UPDATE
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher announced that due to internal restructuring, Advice Counsel Kenneth Sigman will no longer be serving the Board of Cosmetologists. Mr. Sigman has worked with the Board for about two and a half years, and has been a tremendous asset for both the administrative team and Board members. Mr. Sigman will continue working for the department in a different capacity. Mr. Sigman then took a moment to offer his gratitude and appreciation for his time working with the Board, as well as kudos to Ms. Fletcher for her commitment to serving the industry. Mr. Sigman then introduced his successor Ms. Peggy DallAcqua. Mr. Sigman and Ms. DallAcqua have been collaborating to get her up to speed, and Ms. DallAcqua then spoke briefly to share some about her background, as well as her excitement about taking on a new role.
D. APPRENTICE RESTART
Apprenticeship Coordinator Jacob Guy began by introducing Ms. Cameron Reid, formerly an Apprentice Limited Nail Technician from November 2023 - November 2024. Apprentice Limited Nail Technician licenses are not renewable and require approval from Board members for an individual to be granted the opportunity to restart. Ms. Reid had contacted the Board stating her interest in restarting the program, as no months of credit were reported during the original license timeframe. After introducing the applicant Mr. Guy asked Ms. Reid to explain to Board members why she was unable to complete training during her initial apprenticeship timeframe. Ms. Reid was joined by her sponsor Ms. Maryann Tran, who was also listed as her sponsor during the original license timeframe. Ms. Reid and her sponsor explained to Board members that there was a lack of understanding regarding properly reporting hours to the Board. Ms. Tran, the sponsor, stated that this was her first time sponsoring an apprentice since the Board moved away from mailed in paper reports. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher addressed the sponsor to clarify the process of reporting hours. It was explained that the sponsor is responsible for reporting apprentice hours to the Board monthly, using the portal on the Board’s website. Mr. Guy also stated that should the apprentice be granted approval for a restart they will receive further correspondence and instructions regarding the process of reporting apprentice credit. Ms. Fletcher then requested a motion to approve the apprentice restart for Ms. Cameron Reid. Ms. Lisa Ennis then made a motion to approve the apprentice for a restart, seconded by Ms. April Kenney. The motion passed with five votes in favor - Ms. Lisa Ennis, Ms. April Kenney, Ms. Katrina Lee, Ms. Kyra Jones, Mr. Maurice Fains, and one vote opposed - Ms. Kelly Canty.
Old Business
A. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
i. Eyelash/Esthetician Regulations Posted to Maryland Register - 12/26
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher offered an update on the announcement provided by Advice Counsel Mr. Kenneth Sigman at December’s meeting. Both the amendments to the Esthetic Services definition and the Eyelash Extension regulations were published December 26, 2025 in the Maryland Register for public consumption. Assuming a smooth process, they both are expected to go final and be in place in early March 2026. Ms. Fletcher then presented on the call how those who are interested could navigate the website to find the regulations. They can be found on the Board of Cosmetologist’s website by clicking Laws and Regulations on the menu on the left side, then clicking Proposed Regulations, then scrolling down to Cosmetologists.
ii. Domestic Violence Awareness Training
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher also reminded those on the call of HB1547, which requires the State Board of Cosmetologists, beginning January 1, 2026, to require as a condition for licensure or renewal of a license an applicant or a licensee to complete certain training in domestic violence awareness; requiring the Maryland Department of Labor to approve certain domestic violence awareness training that is offered in person and virtually, includes guidance on certain topics, and has a duration of at least 1 hour. Ms. Fletcher added the update that the one-hour Domestic Violence Awareness Training could be used to satisfy one hour of a required topic in welfare for the Continuing Education requirement. A list of approved providers is available on the Board of Cosmetologist’s website, and that list is growing as providers continue to submit curricula. Ms. Fletcher went on to clarify that this course will be a one time requirement for licensees to complete prior to their next renewal and original applicants to complete as a training requirement.
iii. Continuing Education
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher then offered a reminder regarding legislation going into effect January 1, 2026, requiring all Cosmetology licensees to complete six hours of Continuing Education as a condition of license renewal. The date to come into compliance is specific to each licensee, and will be a licensee’s first license expiration date on or after January 1, 2026. Licensees will be required to complete two Continuing Education hours on the subjects of Health, Safety, Welfare, Sanitation and/or Board Laws and Regulations, and four hours of elective courses concerning business, the practice of cosmetology, esthetics, and nail techniques, or product knowledge. Upon completion of the courses, licensees should be provided with certificates of completion that should be retained by the licensee because they may be subject to an audit. With the exception of courses taken through Milady, course providers will supply the Board with proof of completion, and should provide notice to the licensee once they have done so. Ms. Fletcher encouraged licensees to allow for up to 14 business days for this to occur before reaching out for confirmation. For credits obtained through Milady, the licensee will be responsible for emailing certifications to the Board with their registration number and attached proof of completion. The Board of Cosmetologists’ website includes comprehensive information regarding Continuing Education legislation and requirements, a list of approved providers, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
B. CURRICULUM APPROVAL
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis announced the curriculum submissions that have been approved since December’s Board meeting. These approvals include: Aveda Institute Maryland, located in Bel Air, MD, approved for an Eyelash Extension program. Revolutionary Institute of Beauty, located in Oxon Hill, MD, approved for an Eyelash Extension program. Reign Institute of Beauty, located in Waldorf, MD, approved for an Esthetics and Eyelash Extension program. Please note that the schools have not yet been approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to begin courses offerings at this time.
C. INSPECTION SUMMARY
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher provided the Inspection Summary for today's meeting. The data was collected from November 26, 2025 - December 31 2025.
33 New shop applications received
21 New shops pending inspections - to be assigned
1 Complaints received
2 Complaints - open / to be assigned
6 Complaints - inspections completed
101 Inspections conducted
55 Inspections passed
33 Inspections failed
9 Failed - new shop inspections
10 Failed - late renewal inspections
3 Failed - complaint
2 Failed - per board inspections
9 Failed routine inspections
4 Closed at time of inspection
9 Permanently Closed
1 Full time inspectors currently on staff (conducts inspections 5 days/week)
3 Per diem inspectors currently on staff (conducts inspections 1 day/week)
Public Comment
Sid Saab: Mr. Saab spoke at January’s meeting to ask for clarity regarding a timeline for final approval of SB1044 regulations, as well as the Eyelash Extension license regulations. Advice Counsel Mr. Kenneth Sigman responded that he expects this to be in the first week of March, and clarified that the regulations will not go through another voting process. Mr. Saab then asked about cosmetologists performing eyelash services. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher replied that a Cosmetologist license scope of practice encapsulates all aspects of cosmetology, so even though the bill does not explicitly state that cosmetologists are granted this ability, it is understood that they may perform esthetic services. Finally, Mr. Saab asked how schools were able to have Eyelash Extension program curricula reviewed and approved before the regulations have been finalized. Ms. Fletcher responded that the standard is in place, and the test is ready to go.
Eric Julius Frazier:Mr. Frazier joined the meeting to ask about a specific situation that he is in. Mr. Frazier has been a Senior Cosmetologist for many years and decided to complete a barbering apprenticeship so that he could obtain that license and use a straight razor. Mr. Frazier also is passionate about teaching the next generation and asked if there was any way around the 15 month work experience requirement for him to test to become a Master Barber which would allow him to sponsor apprentices. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher was understanding of the situation however, these requirements are written into statute and must go through the legislative process in order to be changed. Mr. Frazier then inquired about the process of having an eyelash extension training program curriculum approved. Ms. Fletcher clarified that the curricula being approved are coming from existing private career schools, and the process for becoming an approved private career school goes through Maryland Higher Education Commission. Lastly, Mr. Frazier asked about increasing the number of apprentices that a Senior Cosmetologist can train at one time to three, as is the case for Master Barbers. Ms. Fletcher again stated that such a change would require a statutory change and would have to be pushed back to the next legislative session. Ms. Kelly Canty then offered her thoughts that she agreed with Mr. Frazier, stating that it would be great to have that extra spot to offer training to another interested individual, however, she would need to look into the statute before committing to a stance on the matter. Ms. Canty added that the limit is likely stricter for cosmetologists due to the scope of practice encapsulating much more than a barbering license.
Marriah Jones: Ms. Jones asked for clarity regarding using a Domestic Violence Training course as a Continuing Education credit. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher clarified for Ms. Jones that only Domestic Violence Awareness training taken through Milady could be counted for credit, and it may only be applied as one out of the two credit hours for required topics. Ms. Jones then asked if there was any update to be provided regarding a previously held meeting with Maryland Higher Education regarding approval timelines. Ms. Fletcher informed Ms. Jones that MHEC plans to stick to their estimated timeline of 60 to 90 for program modifications for existing schools, whereas new schools can expect the process to take roughly 9 to 12 months. Ms. Fletcher added that following approval, school programs should allow 90 days for MHEC to update their website.
Francene Lobban: Ms. Lobban asked for clarification regarding what the Board is looking for in reviewing curricula for eyelash extension programs. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher responded that curriculum standards are being guided by content outlined in Milady, as well as content that is going to be on the examination. The examination is going to closely mirror the theoretical and practical portions of the exam currently given in Texas. An official curriculum checklist is currently being created and is expected to be available shortly. Ms. Lobban also asked about the inspection process, and specifically if shop owners are notified prior to an inspection taking place. Ms. Fletcher responded that the Board coordinates with new shops in scheduling their initial inspection. After that, any inspection related to complaints, late renewals, or routines are not scheduled, and inspectors will arrive without providing any notice. Ms. Fletcher further clarified that when a shop is closed at the time of inspection, the salon goes back in queue and the inspection team will go back out at a later date.
Mary Paulino: Ms. Paulino asked for clarification on the school approval process and the order in which the process should take place. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher responded that the curriculum review process with the Board is not quite as extensive as the approval process with Maryland Higher Education Commission for the school itself. Ms. Fletcher added that many interested providers will come to the Board with their curriculum first, in order to check that box and show MHEC that their curriculum is approved. Ms. Fletcher also added that schools could not begin teaching until they have received approval from both agencies. Ms. Paulino followed up asking about the purpose of the upcoming PSI meeting on January 12, 2026. Ms. Fletcher informed Ms. Paulino that the meeting is meant to cover the changes to testing that will be implemented on February 26, 2026. Two meetings will be held on that date, one for educators working within schools, and one for sponsors of apprentices. Each meeting will cover the exact same content.
Sharon Ray: Ms. Ray referred back to the agenda item in New Business regarding the possibility of adding eyelash extension services to the examinations for cosmetologists and estheticians. Specifically, Ms. Ray was curious as to how this would affect teaching curricula for those training programs. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher stated that the discussion among Board members today was the preliminary step in adding eyelash services to the exam process. The training curricula would need to be adjusted should new portions be added to the exam, however, details still need to be ironed out.
London Proctor: Ms. Proctor spoke at January’s meeting looking for information regarding her status in her school’s approval process. Ms. Fletcher stated that her curriculum had been approved by the Board, and reiterated that the approval process for new schools through the Maryland Higher Education Commission is estimated to take approximately 9 to 12 months.
Marriah Jones: Ms. Jones asked for clarification regarding a comment made previously about eyelash examinations closely mirroring what applicants in Texas are currently tested on. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher responded that educators could use the Test-Taker Guide (available on PSI’s website) that is currently available to help guide them in establishing a curriculum, since the exam is expected to be very similar. Additionally, Ms. Jones asked if the Board will be honoring reciprocity for the newly established Limited Eyelash Extension license. Ms. Fletcher stated that this is under consideration, and further conversation is to come.
Adjournment
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:29 A.M. Ms. Katrina Lee made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Maurice Fains, and then was unanimously approved.
APPROVED BY:
on February 2, 2026.