ICYMI, the Department of Education (DOE) is proposing to establish “a postsecondary education accountability framework that will break the cycle of low return on investment for students and taxpayers.” The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), and others, including John Paul Dejoria, believe this will remove access to financial aid for students seeking a career in the professional beauty industry.
Taking to their website, PBA published the following: “PBA stands with students and believes federal policy should strengthen, not restrict, student access to career pathways and growing workforce opportunities.”
The DOE is accepting public comments on the proposed rules on or before May 20, 2026 and will “consider and may make changes to the proposed regulations in response to substantive comments.” Relatedly, PBA wrote to DOE directly and wants its members, and the wider industry, to take action, mobilizing to make comment.
The Tease reached out to Leslie Perry, PBA’s CEO, for further comment. Read on for her statement, demystifying what’s being proposed and why pros should act.
“Licensed professionals should care about this because every one of us working in this industry started somewhere. For many people, the opportunity to go to beauty school and pursue licensure was only possible because financial aid existed.
This industry changes lives. I’ve seen it in my own family. My mom built a career and business behind the chair. My sister built a business at 19 years old. I know there are future professionals out there right now who deserve that same opportunity.
Even if someone no longer personally needs financial aid, I think we all have a responsibility to care about protecting the pathway for the next generation. Talent, passion, and work ethic should determine who succeeds in this industry, not whether someone can afford tuition upfront.
And for salon owners, this directly impacts the future workforce. Schools are where future licensed professionals begin building the skills, professionalism, and confidence our industry depends on.”
If you would like to make a comment to the DOE, use this form.
