The Department of Education is currently deciding whether to grant for-profit beauty schools "relief" from the AHEAD Framework—and the data is staggering.

According to a recent report, the "Do No Harm" rule is exposing a crisis: 80% of graduates from for-profit beauty schools fail to earn more than a typical high school graduate. We have until May 20, 2026, to tell the government to stop subsidizing these debt traps.

The Data: A Industry in Distress

The newest analysis of mid-2025 Department of Education data reveals why the industry is terrified:

• The Default Crisis: Out of 1,100 schools flagged for high loan distress, beauty schools account for nearly 40%.
• The Big Names are Failing: This isn't just "mom and pop" schools. Major chains - Paul Mitchell and Empire Beauty School locations - as high as 42**%** of students cannot pay their debt.
• The Earnings Gap: Taxpayers are essentially funding $20,000 programs that leave students with no path to paying back their loans.

The "Phantom Income" Myth

The industry’s lobbying group (AACS) claims 92.5% of schools will fail the "Do No Harm" test. Their only defense? Claiming that stylists "hide" all their money in cash tips. The Truth: They are asking the government to ignore the IRS and official wage data so they can keep charging $20k tuition for $12/hour outcomes. If the "tips" were that good, the loan non-payment rates wouldn't be at 42%.

The "Closure" Scare Tactic

Schools are "crying wolf," claiming they will shutter if the rule is enforced. This is a lie.

• Survival of the Fittest: High-quality programs where students actually succeed will be unaffected.
• Lower Tuition: If the government stops backing $20k loans for failing schools, they will be forced to lower tuition to $4k–$6k—the price point where community colleges already operate successfully.

Why it Matters: The Harm to Our Industry

When schools flood the market with graduates who are desperate to pay back $20k in debt, it drives down commission rates and wages for everyone. This isn't just about the students; it's about the survival of the craft.

🚨 HOW TO TAKE ACTION (Deadline: May 20, 2026)

Don't let lobbyists be the only voice the government hears. Tell the Dept of Ed to hold the line on the AHEAD framework.

1. GO TO:Regulations.gov - ED-2026-OPE-0100-0001
2. SELECT CATEGORY: Private/For-Profit Institution of Higher Education
3. SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT: Tell them that taxpayers shouldn't fund programs that leave 80% of students in a worse financial position than when they started.

Short on time? Ask an AI: "Write a 4,000-character public comment for the Dept of Ed explaining how the 'Do No Harm' rule and AHEAD framework close debt traps in beauty schools, citing the 80% failure-to-earn rate found by New America."

Stop the Debt Trap. Protect the Industry. Hold the Line.

I graduated cosmetology last year in September, I should’ve had my license by now but I failed the test two times now I have to start from square one I’m rereading the whole book I feel like I’ve forgotten everything I learned in school. It doesn’t help that I was probably the worst of my class I couldn’t do anything right and I was the only one who had retake the state board exam. I don’t understand anything about hair cutting color seems to be the only thing I’m somewhat decent at idk what to do

I booked an appointment at a cosmetology school for a set of polygels with design. My design is just paw prints and hearts, which can be challenging based on their experience.

I'm very patient and polite so I'm willing to work with whichever student I get. I just have some anxiety so I want to know what to expect.

I got a pedicure from them last week that was decent for the money but the gel never properly cured and the paint job was pretty bad. Needless to say, I took my shoes off and some of the polish went with them 😅

Not a big deal, I called the salon and explained what happened. I let them know I live 45 minutes away but had an appointment for my nails Tuesday and asked if they could be fixed then. I was told yes.

Random but I also asked if I could bring my own polish. I really didn't know a lot of the brands and the one she used was tacky/thick. I think that could have been some of the issue? Not sure but I have some DND colors I want to use. She said yes.

I got to thinking about it, I also have some polygel but no slip stuff or dehydrator. I do have DND top/base coat and a primer because my nails are usually a little oily. Could I bring the polygel too?

Last and most important question: Can I point out things I dislike with what specifically and ask for adjustments? I feel like it is reasonable to have honest feedback but I don't know how these students have to learn, their time, what the school demands, etc. I'm particularly worried about the shape and thickness. If they can't execute a design, I can simply just request no design and let them top coat to finish.

What's the opinion with this topic?

How do you even begin to start out as an independent stylist when you're new AND poor? Is it possible? I need advice on where to start first. I got licensed in January and ive been working at great clips for 5 months. I hate it. Its soul sucking and it takes the passion away because they treat you like machines. I have a salon im very interested in and I came into contact with them and they have chairs open. I worked hard on building a portfolio so I have that, at least. But Im just so lost. I have no idea where to start on the buisness side of things. Im practically clueless. I dont want to work at a chain salon for the rest of my life. But im concerned thats all im good for since I have no money, no buisness experience, and absolutley no support from parents. Is there anyone that has been in my shoes and been successful? Is there a buisness loan or grant I can apply for? What should I start saving for? I just feel like I need a clear plan and direction on what to do.

I am almost done with my hours in Utah at Paul Mitchell. Tomorrow is my last day to complete 1600 hours.

So far I’ve had such a horrible experience with the school, teachers and staff especially. Today, a job recruiter came in and I was blown away from how the school would allow him to pitch the job here. Kinda was my last straw in talking good about the school. I know that cosmetology school sucks for majority of people. I would like to know if people have had similar experiences along with me and my friends that have graduated, and to hopefully share some advice/good things about being done!!

Thank you 💕💕 <3

hello! i'm currently in cosmetology school in Texas, right now at about 700 hours.
my plan is to move to California with my partner once i finish school and get my license, and just go through the motions of transferring my license from TX to Cali.
the thing is, i didn't realize California did not require the practical state board exam... and i don't know about everyone else, but i HATE the practical state board (lol) and i've been dreading it all along- more than the written test for some reason.
if i'm going to be immediately transferring my cosmo license to california after graduating, is there even any reason to take the state board practical exam?

i can't decide which would be the best option for me to take- finishing my cosmo license here in texas and take the practical state board exam (blagh)
OR get my cosmo license in cali, since i'm moving there immediately anyways, and they don't require me to take it at all. i'm not sure which path makes most sense for my situation.

(sorry if i'm kind of clueless about all of this, i'm a good bit younger than a lot of the other students at my school and the teachers haven't been the best resources for questions like this)
if anybody else has transferred their license / hours to another state, or any kind of wisdom for this situation, your advice would be very very appreciated :)!! thank you reddit lol

I’m curious about this. I’m wondering what led to your personal interest in cosmetology.

Hi all, I'm looking for suggestions to minimize my exposure to VOCs in the salon when working with chemicals like perm solution, lightener, haircolor, etc. If anyone has one that they use and like, please let me know!

I need urgent advice please. I dont know what to do, i’ve been in cosmetology school for almost 2 years (i started in night time classes so id be able to start slow and work with my learning disabilities) and I am burnt out in every way physically and mentally right now. because of this, I’m now chronically ill. It started with me first transferring to another school after being in cosmetology school A for a year and 8 months. The reason why I made this transfer was because I was getting sexually harassed and stalked by a classmate at school A. school A wasn’t doing anything about it and after multiple reports i transferred to school B. I’ve been school B for almost 4 months now yet they still want me to stay because they need more in-house hours in order for me to graduate. But the thing is I’ve run into recent medical issues that I’ve caused me to become physically crippled by the symptoms and I am not able to properly take care of myself as I normally am when I’m at school because of the long hours forced on me. These long hours were also a contributor to me getting sick. I was told by school B that they would be able to drop my hours from 1500 to 1200 but then they decided to turn around today and tell me that they won’t be able to complete that request because I need more in-house hours even though I’ve already been in school for almost 2 years. I’m so close to just dropping out. I’m so physically exhausted. Should I just give up? Is this my body telling me that this isn’t meant for me maybe I’m just not cut out for this. I don’t know. I’ve lost all of my will to keep going. I’ve faught so long and hard for this and I still need to be there for another three months. I’m just so tired.

i don’t have an interest in hair, more so makeup i’m self taught and do mostly editorial and sfx makeup, is it possible to work in fashion or film without a license? is it possible to just get certified in makeup instead of getting my license ?

I don’t want to talk specifically about the exact location but it’s in a midsized city in the northeast. It’s really my only option for night school as I have a fulltime job. I currently make good money but my specific job is quickly getting eaten up by AI and it’s becoming more and more difficult to find roles. I’m also sick of corporate world, it’s not for me. So I’m trying to pivot to something I could do more locally and I enjoy being creative and being more social.

I don’t want to give up my job right away as I make a lot more than I would initially as a stylist and would like to keep saving as long as possible. My husband can and is willing to support me those first few years as a working hairstylist as I know it’ll be low paying especially at the start compared to what I made before.

PM is not cheap but really my only option to keep my job during school and overall I did like the highly professional vibe. My biggest concern is paying 15k out of pocket (I don’t qualify for financial aid and don’t want pay interest loans when I have the money and no my state doesn’t have any community colleges with a cosmetology program) and I just want to be sure finding employment won’t be impossible out of school. I’m currently running into that issue now with my current job that I had to earn a bachlors degree for so I’m extra cautious.

What was your experience? Especially in 2024-now given the economy. I do live in an area with a high concentration of salons so I don’t know if that’s a good or bad sign lol

at cosmetology school, I clocked in my friend who was running late, she showed like 4 min late and my teacher found out and said that I committed a crime and that I will be suspended and may receive further punishment. Am I going to be sacrificed to cosmetology gods? help