Here in the state of Utah a new law goes into effect JANUARY 1ST 2026 entailing major changes to our industry. Many licenses are being transitioned into just permits and other licenses vetoed completely. We have compiled all the details of this upcoming law change, and how it will effect you as a customer. Lets start with a list of licenses that will still be vaild as of January 2026
- Cosmetology License
- Biggest change with this license is the required hour changes from 1600 hours to 1250 hours.
- Master Esthetics License -The master esthetics will be the only license regarding skin going forward. Required 600 hours.
- Master Barbering or Master Hair Design License -This would be separate from the current cosmetology program. Does not include esthetics or nails. Required 1000 hours.
- Nail Technology License -Stays as is. Required 300 hours.
- Lash and Brow License -New license included into the law. This will include arching eyebrows by tweezing or waxing, tinting eyelashes or eyebrows, facial waxing, perming eyelashes or eyebrows, and applying eyelash or eyebrow extensions. Required 270 hours.
Now that we have gone over the valid licenses ,here are a list of licenses that will be vetoed.
- Basic Esthetics license -They have removed the Basic licensing (grandfathering in those who have a current standing license. You will not be effected and still able to renew as usual.) As of Jan 1 2026, you may apply for a Basic Esthetics permit.
- Barbering License -They have removed the original Barbering License (grandfathering in those who have a current standing license. You will not be effected and still able to renew as usual.) As of Jan 1 2026, you may apply for Barbering permit or Master Barbering license.
One of the biggest changes we are going to see is the creation on permits here in the state of Utah. These are strictly permits NOT licenses, and they are non transferable from state to state. Here are a list of eligible permits going into effect.
- Basic Esthetics Permit -You will NOT be considered an Esthetician. This will include basic esthetics such as cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exercising, applying oils, antiseptics, clays or masks, and manual extraction, including a comedone extractor and Manual hair removal. Required 200 hours.
- Barbering Permit -This will include hair safety requirements and basics of barbering. Required 130 hours.
- Chemical Hair Permit -This will include bleaching, tinting, coloring, relaxing, permanent waving, or similarly treating the hair of the head of an individual. Required 260 hours.
- Facial Hair Removal Permit -This will include cleansing, applying oil and antiseptics, and manual hair removal on the face. Required 50 hours.
- Hair Cutting Permit -This includes cutting, clipping, or trimming the hair of the head of an individual by using scissors, shears, clippers, or other appliances; engaging in draping, shampooing, scalp treatments, basic wet styling, and blow drying; hair fusing and extensions. Required 150 hours.
With all of these changes, what does this mean for you as a customer? Here at Grassroots we pride ourselves on being a salon and spa of LICENSED stylists + estheticians who have dedicated their time to schooling and continued education. That will not change going forward, we are committed to providing the highest quality services at each visit.