Beginning January 1, 2026, Maryland law requires certain beauty professionals to complete domestic violence awareness training as part of the licensing or license renewal process.

This requirement was created through House Bill 1547 (HB1547) and applies to several licensed professions regulated by the Maryland Department of Labor.

The purpose of the law is to help professionals recognize signs of domestic violence and respond appropriately when clients may be experiencing abuse.

Because barbershops and salons often develop long-term relationships with clients, professionals in these environments may notice warning signs that others may not see.

 Source: Maryland Board of Barbers Licensing Information

Who Must Complete the Training

The domestic violence awareness training requirement applies to several licensed beauty professionals in Maryland, including:

• Barbers
• Cosmetologists
• Estheticians
• Nail technicians
• Beauty school students preparing for licensure

Individuals should confirm current licensing requirements with the Maryland Department of Labor or the appropriate licensing board.

New Domestic Violence Awareness Training Requirement

Under Maryland House Bill 1547 (HB1547), barbers and cosmetologists must complete domestic violence awareness training as part of licensing or license renewal.

This law was created to help professionals recognize signs that someone may be experiencing abuse and respond in a safe and supportive way.

Beauty professionals often build long-term relationships with their clients. Because of this trusted environment, they may be in a position to notice warning signs of abuse and help connect individuals with appropriate resources.

The training requirement helps ensure professionals understand:

• common signs of domestic violence
• how to respond safely if someone discloses abuse
• how to connect individuals with support services

Who Must Complete the Training

The domestic violence awareness training requirement applies to many licensed beauty professionals in Maryland, including:

• Barbers
• Cosmetologists
• Estheticians
• Nail technicians
• Beauty school students preparing for licensure

Individuals should confirm with the Maryland licensing board if they are unsure whether the requirement applies to their specific license.

How to Complete the Required Training

Many professionals choose to complete the training through online domestic violence awareness courses designed for beauty professionals.

Online courses allow participants to:

• complete the training at their own pace
• learn practical information relevant to their profession
• receive a certificate of completion after finishing the course

Maryland Domestic Violence Awareness Training for Barbers and Cosmetologists

If you need to complete the Maryland Domestic Violence Awareness Training requirement, you can take the training online and receive your certificate after finishing the course.

The course is designed specifically for Maryland beauty professionals and includes practical guidance on recognizing and responding to domestic violence.

You can complete the Maryland Domestic Violence Awareness Training for Barbers and Cosmetologists online here.