Minutes Monday, September 14, 2026 - Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Meeting - Cosmetologists

A meeting of the State Board of Cosmetologists was held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. via teleconference for members of the public. Board members attended the meeting in person at 100 S. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201.
Board Member Attendees
Ms. Lisa Ennis, Chairperson
Ms. April Kenney, Cosmetologist Member
Ms. Kelly Canty, Consumer Member
Ms. Yasmine Young, Cosmetologist Member
Ms. Katrina Lee, Esthetician Member
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
Ms. Daniece Jefferson, Board Administrator
Mr. Kenneth Sigman, Advice Counsel
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 10:14 A.M.

Approval of September 14, 2026 Agenda
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion for approval of the August 3, 2026 agenda. Ms. Katrina Lee made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. April Kenney, and the agenda was unanimously approved.
Approval of August 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion to approve the minutes from the August 3, 2026 meeting. Ms. April Kenney made a motion to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Ms. Katrina Lee, and the motion unanimously passed.
New Business
A. Recap of August 3, 2026 Meeting
Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis provided a recap of the August 3, 2026 Board meeting, noting several key topics discussed, including updates to the Board’s administrative staff; a request from Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher regarding cosmetology schools converting clock hours to credit hours, for which the Board requested additional information. There was one approved apprentice restart request; and one reciprocity case. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher provided an update regarding the newly approved Sponsor List, which is available on the Department’s website.
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher also provided an overview of proposed legislation establishing an inactive license status for barbers and cosmetologists. The Department of Workforce Development requested the Board’s input regarding examination requirements for registered apprenticeships and hairstylist examination eligibility. The Board also discussed whether 11th-grade students should be permitted to sit for the hairstylist examination prior to completing their cosmetology program. Executive Director Ms. Fletcher provided updates regarding gainful employment reporting requirements, the esthetician scope of practice, and the RFP for testing vendors. Lastly, Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis noted that one curriculum was approved. Additional information regarding each of the items discussed will be available on the Board’s website.
B. Apprentice Restart
Board Administrator Daniece Jefferson presented the Apprentice Restarts by first calling Ms. Tiffany Tang to confirm her presence with her sponsor. Ms. Tang appeared before the Board to request permission to restart her Nail Technician apprenticeship. Following discussion of the circumstances of the request, the Board confirmed that Ms. Tang understood that restarting her apprenticeship would result in the loss of any hours earned under her current license, and Ms. Tang confirmed that she understood. Ms. Lisa Ennis first requested a motion to approve Ms. Tang’s apprenticeship restart. Ms. Kelly Canty made the motion to approve, and Ms. Yasmine Young seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Hong Danh was also scheduled to appear before the Board regarding a request to restart her cosmetology apprenticeship; however, Hong Danh was absent.
C. Eyelash Approval Program
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher provided an update regarding the Board-approved Eyelash Extension Technician programs and noted that the Board has received numerous inquiries regarding approved programs and training requirements. Ms. Fletcher explained that the required 100-hour training program must be completed through a program approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). As of September 14, 2026, four approved programs are available: Top Curl Beauty Academy, MIA Beauty Institute, Shawntay’s School of Creative Nails, and Pro Skin Academy, which was most recently approved in late August. Ms. Fletcher advised that completion of one of these approved 100-hour programs is required to qualify to sit for the State examination and obtain an Eyelash Extension Technician license.
Ms. Fletcher also reminded individuals currently providing eyelash services who are not licensed as an Esthetician or Cosmetologist to apply online for the temporary Eyelash Extension Technician license. The temporary license application will close on December 31, 2026, and the fee is $11. Ms. Fletcher encouraged individuals providing eyelash services to obtain the temporary license to avoid an interruption in their ability to provide services while completing the required training. She further clarified that individuals providing services from a private space must have an individual license, and the location must also have a valid salon permit.
D. Texture-Inclusive Curriculum & Examination Standards
Ms. Yasmine Young introduced the topic of Textured Inclusive Curriculum and Examination Standards. She discussed whether Maryland’s current cosmetology curriculum and examination standards adequately prepare students to work with a full range of hair textures. The Board discussed current curriculum and examination standards, practices in other states, and the need to identify potential gaps in textured hair education. The Board agreed to begin a research and fact-finding process regarding the current standards.
Old Business

Request for Reconsideration of The Estheticians Scope of Practice
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher presented a request for reconsideration of the Board’s previously approved Esthetician Scope of Practice document regarding the classification of brow lamination and lash lift services. Following a review of the applicable statute and discussion with counsel, it was determined that brow lamination and lash lift services are permissible within the Esthetician scope of practice. Ms. Fletcher proposed revising the existing document by moving brow lamination and lash lift from the prohibited services section to the permitted services section. Following discussion, Ms. Nicole Fletcher requested a motion to approve the proposed changes. Ms. Lisa Ennis made the motion to approve, and Ms. Kelly Canty seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Katrina Lee raised a concern regarding whether the device type or needle depth determines if micro-needling falls within an Esthetician’s scope of practice. Legal Counsel Mr. Kenneth Sigman clarified that the service must remain within the one-millimeter depth limitation and that the device must be one that can be purchased with an Esthetician license; devices requiring medical licensure are outside the Esthetician’s scope. Following Mr. Kenneth Sigman’s clarification, the Board reached a clear understanding on the matter.
Complaint Committee Member
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher opened the floor for Board members to volunteer to serve on the Complaint Committee along with Ms. Kelly Canty. Ms. Kyra Jones volunteered to join the Committee. Meetings are held at 9:00 a.m. on the same day as Board meetings.
Legislative Updates
Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher reported that the two departmental proposals discussed at the previous meeting—Inactive License Status legislation and Registered Apprenticeship Program legislation—will no longer be pursued. The Inactive License Status legislation will not move forward at this time. The Registered Apprenticeship Program legislation is no longer necessary because an existing Workforce Development program already provides for registered apprenticeship programs. Ms. Fletcher explained that the Board may consider regulations in the future to support the use of a registered apprenticeship program for cosmetology industry training.

Inspection Summary

Ms. Leslie Braxton presented the Board with an Inspection Summary containing data collected from July 30–September 11, 2026. The Board reviewed the inspection data presented.

Inspection Summary for September 2026 Board Meeting
*Data collected from July 30, 2026 to September 11, 2026

48	New shop applications processed
11	New shops pending inspections - to be assigned
2	Complaints received
3	Complaints open / to be assigned
23	Complaints - Inspections completed
185	Inspections conducted
67	Inspections passed
94	Inspections failed
24	Failed new shop Inspections
9	Failed late renewal inspections
10	Failed complaint Inspections
8	Failed per board Inspections
43	Failed routine Inspections
17	Closed at time of inspection
7	Permanently closed
1	Full time Inspectors on staff (conducts inspections 5 days/week)
2	Per diem Inspectors on staff (conducts inspections 1 day/week)

Public Comment
Ms. Mylene Nine requested clarification regarding brow lamination, lash lifting, brow tinting, and lash tinting services, and was advised that these services remain permitted within the applicable scope of practice. Ms. Wyvonnie Gilbert asked whether discussions regarding natural hair would require braiders to obtain a license. The Board clarified that the discussion concerned cosmetology curriculum and ensuring cosmetologists are trained to work with various hair textures, and was not related to licensing braiders or regulating natural hair services.
Adjournment
Ms. Ennis asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Yasmine Young requested approval of the motion, and Ms. Katrina seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.