Minutes March 2, 2026 -Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Meeting - Cosmetologists
Monday, March 2, 2026
A meeting of the State Board of Cosmetologists was held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. via teleconference.
Board Member Attendees
Ms. Lisa Ennis, Chairperson
Ms. April Kenney, Cosmetologist Member
Ms. Kelly Canty, Consumer Member
Mr. Maurice Fains, Cosmetologist Member Absent
Ms. Katrina Lee, Esthetician Member Absent
Ms. Kyra Jones, School Member
Vacant, Cosmetologist Member
Other Staff Attendees
Ms. Nicole Fletcher, Executive Director
Ms. Breona Scott, Assistant Executive Director
Ms. Leslie Braxton, Licensing Supervisor
Mr. Jacob Guy, Board Administrator
Ms. Peggy Dall'Acqua, Advice Counsel Absent
Mr. Kenneth Sigman, 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 10:01 AM.
Approval of Agenda
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion for approval of the March 2, 2026 agenda. Ms. April Kenney made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Kelly Canty, and the amended agenda was unanimously approved.
Approval of February 2, 2026, Minutes
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion to approve the minutes from the February 2, 2026 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 FEBRUARY 2, 2026 MEETING
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis provided a brief recap of the February Board meeting. Last month the Board voted to appoint Ms. Katrina Lee to the Esthetician Scope of Practice Committee. This Committee seeks to comprise a list that clearly outlines permissible services which licensed estheticians are eligible to practice, as the definition has recently been altered. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher also announced that the public comment period for both the Eyelash Extension license regulations and the Esthetician regulations had ended. Both regulations are expected to be in effect beginning in March. Ms. Fletcher also provided a synopsis for each of the bills in the 2026 legislative session which could impact the Board of Cosmetologists. Ms. Fletcher then announced that the Eyelash Technician exam and Test Taker Guide would be made available on February 26, 2026. More details can be found in the meeting minutes which will be posted on the Board of Cosmetologist’s website.
B. APPRENTICE RESTART
The individual scheduled Apprentice Restart was not present for March's meeting.
Old Business
A. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
i. Eyelash/Esthetician Regulations Update - 3/2/26
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher informed everyone that both the Eyelash Extension License regulations and the Esthetician Regulations went into effect March 2, 2026. Ms. Fletcher clarified that these are two separate regulations that are on the same timeline due to a discrepancy which caused them to be pulled from the Maryland register and resubmitted together.
ii. Legislative Session 2026 - Current Bills
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher announced that in addition to the bills discussed during last month’s meeting which will affect the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing as a whole, HB1025 will directly impact the Board of Cosmetologists. Ms. Fletcher further explained that this bill’s intent is to clarify any language in previous bills that could be misinterpreted. Specifically, the original Eyelash Extension license bill was not clear that passing a theory and practical exam in order to obtain licensure was a requirement, which is not consistent with the standards of the Board. HB1025 is written to explicitly state that requirements for licensure include both 100 training hours, and the successful completion of a theory and practical examination.
B. TEMPORARY EYELASH TECHNICIAN LICENSE UPDATE
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher reminded those on the call that the Board is moving forward with offering a temporary Eyelash Extension License to individuals who are interested in providing such services. Ms. Fletcher explained that the effective date of the bill requiring licensure to provide services did not allow sufficient time for individuals to come into compliance. The temporary license is tentatively expected to be available April 1, 2026, as the administrative team continues to test out the application process. The temporary license will be made available until December 31, 2026, and anyone who fails to obtain it will be forced to cease operations until they have completed training and testing to earn the permanent license. The cost for the temporary license will be $11, and further updates will be posted to the Board’s website as they become available.
C. CURRICULUM APPROVAL
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher stated that there are no curriculum approvals to announce for March’s meeting. There is one curriculum currently under review.
D. INSPECTION SUMMARY
Licensing Supervisor Ms. Leslie Braxton provided an Inspection Summary for today's meeting. The data was collected from December 31, 2025 - February 25, 2026.
63 New shop applications received
13 New shops pending inspections - to be assigned
2 Complaints received
0 Complaints - open / to be assigned
3 Complaints - inspections completed
163 Inspections conducted
88 Inspections passed
64 Inspections failed
12 Failed - new shop inspections
9 Failed - late renewal inspections
1 Failed - complaint
8 Failed - per board inspections
34 Failed - routine inspections
6 Closed at time of inspection
1 Permanently Closed
1 Full Time Inspectors Currently on Staff (conducts inspections 5 days/week)
3 Per diem Inspectors Currently on Staff (conducts inspections 1 days/week)
Public Comment
Courtney Hare: Ms. Hare inquired about the expected turnaround time for applications for the temporary eyelash extension license. In response Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher stated that it should be no different than any of the other licenses offered by the Board of Cosmetologists, 1-2 business days. This is contingent on the applicant's answers to specific questions on the application, however, that would not impact the processing time drastically assuming the applicant provides any requested documentation in a timely manner.
Samara Hasberry: Ms. Hasberry asked a question regarding the license term for the temporary Eyelash Extension License. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher answered the question stating that the license term would be for one year, and licensees would have the ability to renew the license for one additional year if they are able to provide the Board with substantial evidence that they are currently training and progressing towards the permanent license.
Manara Harwood: Ms. Harwood stated that she is a licensed esthetician via reciprocity from Virginia. Ms. Harwood asked if there is a Do’s and Don’ts list available outlining the scope of practice, as regulations can vary from state to state. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher responded that the Board frequently receives similar inquiries, and the Board has recently started the Esthetician Scope of Practice Committee. The Committee will seek to provide clarification as legislation changes have recently been implemented, and a list will be made available for public consumption. In the meantime, the definition of the license and a general overview can be found on the Maryland General Assembly website. Ms. Harwood followed up asking where an inspection checklist could be found as she is preparing to open a new shop. Ms. Fletcher showed how to navigate Laws and Regulations on the Board’s website and stated that individuals can always contact the Board via email for such information. Ms. Harwood then inquired about the turnaround time for New Shop applications. Ms. Fletcher stated that the turnaround time for the administrative team is not long, and in most cases where the process is delayed it is due to incorrect documentation being submitted, or the applicant is unresponsive. It was also recommended that new shop applicants obtain and send in Use and Occupancy permits before submitting an application to the Board. For zoning documentation to be approved, it must state the exact address of the business, and explicitly state use for cosmetology and/or barbering services. Each local zoning district has a different process, and applications are only active for 30 days. If the correct documentation is not provided within the active application window, the application will be denied.
Angela Wigglesworth: Ms. Wigglesworth asked if the Board is considering implementing a Master or Senior level license for Limited Nail Technicians. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher replied that there have been surface level discussions in the past, but it is not something that the Board has ever seriously considered to her knowledge. Ms. Wigglesworth advocated for the implementation of such a license, stating that there are varying levels of skill and knowledge when it comes to providing nail services, and she does not want the license to be seen as any lesser than other Cosmetology licenses. Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis was supportive of Ms. Wigglesworth’s position, and agreed regarding the importance of having qualified nail technicians in the cosmetic industry.
Vonnie Gilbert: Ms. Gilbert followed up stating that there used to be a Manager's license offered in Maryland, and that has since been replaced by the Senior Cosmetologist license.
Adjournment
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:37 A.M. Ms. Kelly Canty made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. April Kenney, and then was unanimously approved.
APPROVED BY:
on April 6, 2026.