Mississippi seeks public input on new barbering and cosmetology rules

The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering is collecting public comments through June 22 on proposed temporary rules that could influence health, safety, and business practices in the industry. The rules are part of ongoing efforts to establish standards following delays caused by legislative confirmation challenges.

For Hattiesburg barber Bonnie Holloway, the process signifies progress after two years of uncertainty. Holloway, who co-owns The Dapper Man Studio with Crystal McCormick, opened her shop just before the state’s merger of its cosmetology and barbering boards in 2024. Since the board resumed operations, Holloway said she has seen positive signs. “So far, so good,” she said. “We’ve actually had a board member come by and introduce himself, which has never happened before.”

The board was created after Mississippi combined its separate cosmetology and barbering agencies in 2024. However, delays occurred during the legislative session when the Senate did not confirm Gov. Tate Reeves’ appointees. Without confirmation, the board lost quorum and couldn’t finalize rules or conduct regular business. Catherine Bell, executive director of the board, said the confirmed members were approved early in the 2026 legislative session, allowing the board to operate again. “That enabled the board to get up and running and start to do all of the things that need to get done,” Bell said.

Since resuming work, the board has addressed licensing issues, including setting passing scores for exams and removing the practical test to focus more on individual learning. The board also began developing new rules, with the first, Chapter 11, addressing health and safety standards for shops and licensees. Bell noted that public feedback led to substantial revisions of these regulations before their release.

Bell emphasized the importance of public input, encouraging licensees and industry members to review the proposed rules and submit comments before the deadline. Comments can be emailed, mailed, or delivered to the board office. The board plans to review all submissions after June 22 and determine if further adjustments are necessary. For Holloway, seeing the industry’s oversight rebuild is a positive sign for the future. “I think it’s headed in the right direction,” she said.

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