In this episode, Charles Riser Jr., Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Paul Mitchell Temple Academies in Annapolis and Frederick, breaks down the federal rule changes that could affect cosmetology schools, student funding, and access to beauty education.
He explains why the wage metrics being used are flawed, how the data fails to reflect the real earning power of licensed professionals, and why the industry needs to get louder, more informed, and more involved.
📣🚨Submit your comment by Wed. May 20 - https://myaacs.org/submit-your-comment/
Key Takeaways:
🔅Understand what is actually being measured - The issue is not simply whether cosmetology graduates make money, but how the government is comparing graduate earnings against flawed high school graduate wage data.
🔅The data comparison is not apples to apples - Charles explains that the rule compares cosmetology graduates about three years out of school to high school graduates roughly fourteen years out, creating a distorted wage comparison.
🔅Part-time work changes the picture - Industry data shows many beauty professionals work part-time early in their careers, which can make annual income look lower even when hourly earning power is strong.
🔅Access to education is what is really at stake - If schools lose access to federal funding, students who rely on Pell Grants and federal loans may lose their pathway into cosmetology, barbering, aesthetics, and related trades.
🔅This impacts more than one school or one state - Charles explains that the issue could affect accredited cosmetology schools nationally, especially because accredited institutions train a large share of industry graduates.
🔅Do not confuse accountability with bad data - Holding schools accountable is one conversation, but using flawed wage metrics to determine program value creates a separate and serious problem.
🔅The industry needs a seat at the table - Regulations affecting licensure, education, sanitation, funding, and schools are being discussed whether beauty professionals are paying attention or not.
🔅One person can change policy - Charles gives examples of individual people influencing legislation, including mobile salons and blow-dry licensing in Maryland.
🔅Claiming tips matters beyond taxes - Underreporting income affects borrowing power, long-term financial stability, and the way the government measures the value of the profession.
🔅Take action before May 20 - Charles says the industry needs to submit comments before the May 20 deadline, contact representatives, and get loud before the regulation moves forward. If the rule goes into place in July, the first round of pass/fail data could come out shortly after, putting schools on a path toward monitoring and potential loss of federal funding.
Dive Deeper & Learn More
📣🚨Submit your comment by Wed. May 20 - https://myaacs.org/submit-your-comment/
SALON SPA AND BARBERSHOP GUIDE:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iHeQnVZoCNbe2f6BSZaT6qp1fI7_adaB/view
Intended for employers. This guide translates the same core issues into workforce language, focusing on hiring, time to earnings, hours worked, tips, flexibility, and the importance of access to accredited training programs for maintaining a worker pipeline. It also encourages employers to submit their own public comments.
MODERN SALON ARTICLE: https://www.modernsalon.com/1097189/americas-beauty-and-wellness-industry-under-threat-from-proposed-regulations-now
PBA LETTER TO Department of Education: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12atDVoND2zsluj9PVGpJJOMVrw35YMO3/view
2024 Salon Chain Compensation Study - https://www.qnityforschools.com/blog/new-chain-salon-study-reveals-critical-insights-beauty-school-educators
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