At The Salon Professional Academy, we are committed to empowering future professionals in the beauty, barbering, and wellness industries. Right now, our students—and the future of our industry—need your voice.
What’s Happening?
A proposed federal rule, often referred to as the “Do No Harm” test, could significantly impact financial aid eligibility for many beauty and wellness programs. If passed as written, this rule may limit access to education for thousands of aspiring professionals.
Why This Matters
Financial aid plays a critical role in making education accessible. Without it, many students may not have the opportunity to pursue careers in cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, or massage therapy.
This proposed rule does not fully reflect how careers in our industry actually work:
- Short-term measurement vs. long-term success
Graduates are evaluated just four years after completing school, rather than recognizing the long-term growth of beauty careers. - Entrepreneurial career paths are overlooked
Many professionals are self-employed or business owners, where income builds over time and may not reflect early success. - Flexible work is misrepresented
Part-time work is common—and often a choice—in our industry, yet the rule does not account for this. - Disproportionate impact on women
With the industry being over 90% female, this metric may unintentionally widen existing wage gaps.
How You Can Help
Submitting a comment is quick, easy, and makes a real impact.
Deadline: May 20, 2026
Time: Just 3–5 minutes
No expertise needed
Steps to Submit Your Comment
- Click the official comment submission link Click Here To Submit
- Type or upload your comment
- Select “Private/For Profit Institution of Higher Education” in the category box
- Complete the identity verification and submit
What Should You Say?
Keep it simple and authentic—your voice matters. Even 2–3 sentences can make a difference.
You might include:
- Why this rule feels unfair or inaccurate
- How it could impact your education, career, or business
- Why financial aid is important to you or your team
Example (for inspiration only):
“I work in the beauty industry, and this rule does not reflect how our careers actually work. Many professionals are part-time or self-employed, and earnings grow over time. This rule could reduce access to education and hurt our workforce and the future of our industry.”
Every Voice Counts
Decisions like this are shaped by public feedback. Whether you’re a student, graduate, educator, salon owner, or supporter of the industry—your perspective matters.
Let’s come together to protect access to education and the future of the beauty and wellness industry.
Submit your comment before May 20, 2026.
