TDLR Cracks Down: What Every Nail Salon Owner Must Know About Texas Licensing in 2025
- Antionette Mays-Salami
- Aug 23
- 3 min read
Wondering how licensing regulations and enforcement might influence your salon operations this year? The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is continually updating regulations and enforcement practices, so it's crucial to stay updated on the changes impacting nail salons and cosmetology businesses.
Is TDLR Updating Its Rulebook?
Yes. In March 2025, TDLR released proposed amendments to 16 TAC Chapter 83, which regulates barbers and cosmetologists. These revisions are intended to:
Eliminate obsolete transition regulations
Reorganize the content and clarify definitions
Simplify licensing requirements for establishments and schools
Update terminology, signage, and curriculum standards
You can review the full proposals here.
How Is Continuing Education Changing in 2025?
If you are renewing your manicurist license, note that the continuing education (CE) requirements have been revised:
For those who have held their license for less than 15 years, you must still complete 4 hours every two years. This must cover sanitation, human trafficking awareness, and elective subjects.
For license holders of 15 years or more, starting September 1, 2025, you will need to complete 1 hour in sanitation and 1 hour in human trafficking awareness, with the two elective hours no longer required.
What Does TDLR’s 2025–2029 Strategy Mean for Salon Owners?
TDLR’s newly released Strategic Plan for 2025‑2029 highlights key priorities that may impact operators over time:
Upgrading licensing systems to enhance efficiency
Enhancing enforcement against unlicensed or unauthorized medical services
Increasing career and technical education opportunities, including potential apprenticeship programs
Continuing anti-human‑trafficking efforts through enforcement and outreach
These initiatives indicate a shifting regulatory landscape—moving towards more digitized systems and more focused oversight.
Are Inspections Getting More Focused?
TDLR inspections are comprehensive, usually unannounced, and encompass:
Evaluating sanitation, sterilization, ventilation, chemical management, licensing, and documentation
Providing written reports detailing any violations—establishments inspected must address issues promptly to avoid possible penalties
This implies that even if you run your operations responsibly, it's crucial to understand inspection procedures and know how to swiftly rectify any problems.
What Do These Developments Mean for Your Salon?
Have you ensured compliance with the updated CE regulations before renewing your license?
Do your salon's documentation, signage, and practices adhere to the clarified standards?
Are you prepared for digital licensing, possible audits, or future staffing through apprenticeships?
Is your business ready to promptly address any issues highlighted in an inspection report?
The evolving regulations and enforcement strategies of TDLR indicate a shift towards a more contemporary, compliance-focused environment for cosmetology businesses, such as nail salons. Keeping informed about CE requirements, emerging rule changes, and inspection processes can assist in guiding legal and operational decisions in 2025.
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Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations change—consult a qualified attorney or regulatory advisor about your specific situation.