Recent discussions around the federal "Do No Harm" rule have raised questions across the beauty education community.
While the rule applies to many career education programs, some beauty schools and industry organizations have expressed concerns about how it could affect access to federal financial aid and, ultimately, the future beauty workforce.
To better understand the topic, we invited John Russell, President & CEO of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), to join the Wax Talk and More by Perron Rigot podcast. In this episode, he explains what the rule is, why it has become a topic of discussion, and what it could mean for beauty schools, students, and licensed professionals.
What is the "Do No Harm" rule?
The "Do No Harm" rule is a federal accountability standard tied to career education programs that receive Title IV federal financial aid.
Under this framework, eligible programs must demonstrate that graduates earn more than comparable workers with only a high school diploma. Programs that repeatedly fail to meet the required benchmark could lose access to federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans.
The rule applies across a wide range of career education programs, not just those in the beauty industry.
Why is the beauty industry paying attention?
Many careers in esthetics and cosmetology develop differently from more traditional professions.
New graduates often begin with modest earnings while they:
- Build a loyal clientele
- Gain experience
- Grow their business
- Earn income through commissions, gratuities, retail sales, or self-employment
Some beauty educators and professional organizations believe these career paths may not be fully reflected by measurements based primarily on early-career earnings. Others support the rule as a way to improve transparency and accountability for students investing in career education.
Like many policy discussions, there are different perspectives, which is why it's important to hear directly from those involved.
Why does this matter to beauty professionals?
Although the rule primarily affects educational institutions, its impact could extend beyond the classroom.
If access to federal financial aid changes for some schools, it could influence:
- Student enrollment
- Access to beauty education
- The future pipeline of licensed estheticians and cosmetologists
- Workforce availability across the industry
For educators, school owners, students, and licensed professionals alike, it's a conversation worth understanding.
Listen to the conversation
Rather than relying on headlines or social media discussions, we encourage you to hear directly from someone closely involved in beauty education.
In this episode of Wax Talk and More by Perron Rigot, John Russell, President & CEO of AACS, discusses:
- What the "Do No Harm" rule is
- Why it has generated discussion within the beauty industry
- How it could affect beauty schools and students
- What beauty professionals should know moving forward
🎙 Listen to the full episode here.
Final thoughts
The "Do No Harm" rule is part of a broader conversation about career education, student outcomes, and the future of licensed professions.
Whether you're a student, educator, school owner, or practicing esthetician, understanding the issues shaping our industry helps you stay informed and engaged.
As our Training Director, Cali VanAelst, explains:
"I've spent my career training estheticians and watching them build successful businesses. Very few reach their full earning potential in their first year. Our industry is unique. Many of the most successful professionals spend years developing loyal clientele, expanding their skills, and eventually becoming educators, product developers, or business owners. As discussions about educational accountability continue, it's important that the beauty profession has a seat at the table."
– Cali VanAelst
Frequently asked questions
What is the "Do No Harm" rule?
The "Do No Harm" rule is a federal accountability standard that applies to certain career education programs receiving Title IV federal financial aid.
Does it only affect beauty schools?
No. The rule applies to many career education programs, although it has prompted discussion within the beauty education community.
Why is the beauty industry paying attention?
Some educators and industry organizations believe early-career earnings may not fully reflect how esthetics and cosmetology careers develop over time, while others view the rule as an important accountability measure.
Where can I learn more?
Listen to the Wax Talk and More by Perron Rigot podcast featuring John Russell, President & CEO of AACS, for an in-depth discussion of the topic.
