cosmetology licensing requirements

Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

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State Board of Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Spavelous wants to provide you with the most comprehensive information on the State Board of Cosmetology Licensing Requirements.

Getting a license can be complicated, so we made this easy guide to help you out.

It will tell you what rules you have to follow in your state if you want to become a hair stylist, makeup artist, nail technician, or other cosmetology job. We explain things like:

  • How you can contact the State Board for your State
  • How many hours of school you will have to complete
  • If you have to take special tests
  • If you will need to take Continuing Education classes

Introduction to Cosmetology Licensing

Cosmetology, a thriving industry in today’s world, encompasses various beauty and skincare practices. To ensure the safety and professionalism of individuals working in this field, state governments have established State Boards of Cosmetology. These boards regulate and oversee the licensing of cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, and other beauty professionals.

Understanding the Basics

Eligibility Criteria

Before embarking on your journey to become a licensed cosmetologist, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria set by your state’s Board of Cosmetology. While specific requirements may vary from state to state, common prerequisites often include:

  • Minimum age (usually 16 or 18 years)
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of an accredited cosmetology program

Formal Education

Completing a formal education program is one of the foundational requirements for obtaining a cosmetology license. These programs, offered by accredited beauty schools, cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Haircutting and styling
  • Nail care
  • Skincare and esthetics
  • Makeup application
  • Salon management

State-specific Training Hours

Each state determines the minimum number of training hours required to qualify for the licensing exam. Researching your state’s specific regulations is essential to ensure you meet these requirements. On average, cosmetology programs entail approximately 1,500 training hours.

The Licensing Exam

Upon successful completion of your cosmetology program, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam administered by your State Board of Cosmetology. This exam typically consists of two parts:

  1. Written Examination: This section assesses your theoretical knowledge of cosmetology practices, including safety procedures, sanitation, and relevant laws and regulations.
  2. Practical Examination: In this hands-on test, you’ll demonstrate your practical skills, such as cutting and styling hair, applying makeup, and providing skincare treatments.

Continuing Education

Once you’ve obtained your cosmetology license, the learning doesn’t stop there. Many states require licensed cosmetologists to participate in ongoing education to stay up-to-date with industry trends and safety protocols. These continuing education courses help professionals refine their skills and maintain their licenses.

Licensing Fees and Renewals

To become a licensed cosmetologist, you’ll need to pay various fees, including application, examination, and licensing fees. These fees can vary significantly from state to state, so it’s essential to budget accordingly. Additionally, cosmetology licenses typically need to be renewed periodically, with renewal requirements varying by state.

By providing you with this comprehensive guide on the State Board of Cosmetology Licensing Requirements, we aim to empower you with the knowledge needed to pursue your dreams in the field of cosmetology. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a licensed cosmetologist!

cosmetology licensing
Understanding your state’s specific requirements and regulations is crucial to ensure a smooth journey toward a successful career in cosmetology.

State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information For Each State

State Board Name / Address Phone / FAX Email / Website
Alabama Alabama Board of Cosmetology 800-815-7453 cosmetology@aboc.state.al.us
RSA Union Building, 100 N. Union St. #320, Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-1926 http://www.aboc.state.al.us
Alaska Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers 907-465-2547 susan_karlslyst@commerce.state.ak.us
P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811 907-465-2974 http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ/pbah.htm
Arizona Arizona Board of Cosmetology 480-784-4539 cadams@azboc.gov
1721 E. Broadway, Tempe, AZ 85282 480-784-4962 http://www.azboc.gov
Arkansas Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology 501-682-2168 cosmo@arkansas.gov
101 E. Capitol Ave. #108,
Little Rock, AR 72201		 501-682-5640 http://www.arkansas.gov/cos
California California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology 800-952-5210 barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov
2420 Del Paso Road #100,
Sacramento, CA 95834		 916-575-7281 http://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov
Colorado Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure 303-894-2563 barber-cosmetology@dora.state.co.us
1560 Broadway #1350,
Denver, CO 80202		 303-894-7693 http://www.dora.state.co.us/barbers_cosmetologists
Connecticut Connecticut Department of Public Health 860-509-7603 webmaster.dph@po.state.ct.us
410 Capitol Ave. MS #12 APP
P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134		 860-509-8457 http://www.ct-clic.com
Delaware Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering 302-744-4518 margaret_foreit@state.de.us
Cannon Bldg., Suite 203,
861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904		 302-739-2711 dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology/index.shtml
District of Columbia District of Columbia Barber and Cosmetology Board 202-442-4459 dcra@dc.gov
941 N. Capitol St. NE #7,
Washington, DC 20002		   http://www.dcra.dc.gov
Florida Florida Board of Cosmetology 850-487-1395 call.center@dbpr.state.fl.us
1940 N. Monroe St.,
Tallahassee, FL 32399		   http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/cosmo/cos_index.shtml
Georgia Georgia State Board of Cosmetology 478-207-2440  
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217 478-207-1363 http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/cosmetology/default.htm
Hawaii Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology 808-586-2696 barber_cosm@dcca.hawaii.gov
DCCA-PVL, Attn: BAR/COS,
P.O. Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96801		   http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/pvl/boards/barber
Idaho Idaho Board of Cosmetology 208-334-3233 cos@ibol.idaho.gov
1109 Main St. #220, Boise, ID 83702 208-334-3945 http://www.ibol.idaho.gov/cos.htm
Illinois Illinois Division of Professional Regulation 217-785-0800  
320 W. Washington St. 4th Floor, Springfield, IL 62786 217-782-7645 http://www.idfpr.com/dpr/WHO/cosmo.asp
Indiana Indiana State Board of Cosmetology Examiners 317-234-3031 pla12@pla.state.in.us
402 W. Washington St. W072, Indianapolis, IN 46204   http://www.in.gov/pla/bandc/cosmetology
Iowa Iowa Board of Cosmetology Examiners 515-281-4416  
321 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319   http://www.idph.state.ia.us/licensure/board_home.asp?board=cos
Kansas Kansas Board of Cosmetology 785-296-3155 kboc@kboc.state.ks.us
714 S.W. Jackson, Suite 100,
Topeka, KS 66603		 785-296-3002 http://www.kansas.gov/kboc
Kentucky Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetology 502-564-4262  
111 Saint James Court, Suite A,
Frankfort, KY 40601		 502-564-0481 http://www.kbhc.ky.gov/default.htm
Louisiana Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology 225-756-3404  
11622 Sunbelt Court,
Baton Rouge, LA 70809		 225-756-3410 http://www.legis.state.la.us/boards/board_members.asp?board=34
Maine Maine Office of Licensing and Registration Board of Barbering and Cosmetology 207-624-8689 barbercosm.lic@maine.gov
122 Northern Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345 207-624-8637 http://www.maine.gov/professionallicensing/professions/barbers/index.htm
Maryland Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists 410-230-6320 cos@dllr.state.md.us
500 N. Calvert St., Room 201,
Baltimore, MD 21202		   http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/occprof/cos.html
Massachusetts Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetologists 617-727-9940 kim.m.scully@state.ma.us
239 Causeway St., Suite 500,
Boston, MA 02114		 617-727-1627 http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/hd/index.htm
Michigan Michigan Board of Cosmetology 517-241-9288 bcslic@michigan.gov
P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, MI 48909 517-373-3085 http://www.michigan.gov/cosmetology
Minnesota Minnesota Board of Barber and Cosmetology Examiners 651-201-2742 bce.board@state.mn.us
2829 University Ave. SE #710, Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-617-2601 http://www.bceboard.state.mn.us
Mississippi Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology 601-987-6837  
3000 Old Canton Road, Suite 112, Jackson, MS 39296 601-987-6840 http://www.msbc.state.ms.us
Missouri Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners 573-751-1052 cosmo@pr.mo.gov
3605 Missouri Blvd.,
Jefferson City, MO 65102		 573-751-8167 http://www.pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp
Montana Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists 406-841-2335 dlibsdcos@mt.gov
301 S. Park 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620 406-841-2323 http://www.cosmetology.mt.gov
Nebraska Nebraska Health and Human Services 402-471-2117 kris.chiles@hhss.ne.gov
P.O. Box 95007, Lincoln, NE 68509 402-471-3577 http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/crl/mhcs/cosindex.htm
Nevada Nevada State Board of Cosmetology 702-486-6542 nvcosmbd@govmail.state.nv.us
1785 E. Sahara Ave. #255,
Las Vegas, NV 89104		 702-369-8064 http://www.cosmetology.nv.gov
New Hampshire New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics 603-271-3608  
2 Industrial Park Drive, Concord, NH 03301 603-271-8889 http://www.nh.gov/cosmet
New Jersey New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling 800-242-5846 askconsumeraffairs@lps.state.nj.us
124 Halsey St., Newark, NJ 07102 973-273-8035 http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nonmedical/coshair.htm
New Mexico New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists 505-476-4690  
2550 Cerrillos Road,
Santa Fe, NM 87505		 505-476-4665 http://www.rld.state.nm.us/b&c/Barber%20&%20Cosmo/index.htm
New York New York Division of Licensing Services 518-474-4429 licensing@dos.state.ny.us
80 S. Swan St. 10th Floor,
Albany, NY 12210		 518-473-6648 http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/cosmain.htm
North Carolina North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners 919-733-4117 nccosmo@nccosmeticarts.com
1201 Front St. #110, Raleigh, NC 27609 919-733-4127 http://www.nccosmeticarts.com
North Dakota North Dakota Board of Cosmetology 701-224-9800 cosmo@gcentral.com
P.O. Box 2177, Bismark, ND 58502 701-222-8756 http://governor.nd.gov/boards/boards-query.asp
Ohio Ohio State Board of Cosmetology 614-466-3834  
3700 High St., Columbus, OH 43207 614-644-6880 http://www.cos.ohio.gov
Oklahoma Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology 405-521-2441 bmoore@oklaosf.state.ok.us
2401 N.W. 23rd St. #84,
Oklahoma City, OK 73107		 405-521-2440 http://www.cosmo.state.ok.us
Oregon Oregon Board of Cosmetology 503-378-8667 ohla.info@state.or.us
700 Summer St. NE #320,
Salem, OR 97301		 503-585-9114 http://www.egov.oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/index.shtml
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology 717-787-7130 st-cosmetology@state.pa.us
2601 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA 17110   http://www.dos.state.pa.us/cosmet
Rhode Island Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing and Barbering 401-222-2827 gail.giuliana@health.ri.gov
3 Capitol Hill #105,
Providence, RI 02908		 401-222-1272 http://www.health.ri.gov/hsr/professions/hair_barb.php
South Carolina South Carolina Board of Cosmetology 803-896-4568 jonese@mail.llr.state.sc.us
110 Centerview Drive,
Columbia, SC 29210		 803-896-4484 http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/cosmetology
South Dakota South Dakota Cosmetology Commission 605-773-6193 cosmetology@state.sd.us
500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 605-773-7175 http://www.state.sd.us/dol/boards/cos
Tennessee Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology 800-480-9285 beverly.waller@state.tn.us
500 James Robertson Pkwy. 1st Floor, Nashville, TN 37243 615-741-1310 http://www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/cosmo/index.html
Texas Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation 800-803-9202 cs.cosmetologists@license.state.tx.us
920 Colorado, Austin, TX 78701 512-475-2871 http://www.txcc.state.tx.us/cosme
Utah Utah Cosmetology Board 866-275-3675  
160 E. 300 South,
Salt Lake City, UT 84111		 801-530-6511 http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/cosmetology.html
Vermont Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists 802-828-1134 kshangraw@sec.state.vt.us
26 Terrace St., Montpelier, VT 05609 802-828-2496 http://www.vtprofessionals.org/opr1/cosmetologists
Virginia Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology 804-367-8509 barbercosmo@dpor.virginia.gov
3600 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230 804-367-2475 http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/bnc_main.cfm
Washington Washington Department of Licensing 360-664-6626 plssunit@dol.wa.gov
405 Black Lake Blvd.,
Olympia, WA 98502		 360-664-2550 http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/cosmetology/index.html
West Virginia West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists 304-558-2924 larryabsten@wvdhhr.org
1716 Pennsylvania Ave. #7,
Charleston, WV 25302		 304-558-3450 http://www.wvdhhr.org/wvbc
Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing 608-266-2112 web@drl.state.wi.us
1400 E. Washington Ave. #112,
Madison, WI 53703		   drl.wi.gov/index.htm
Wyoming Wyoming Board of Cosmetology 307-777-3534  
2515 Warren Ave. #302,
Cheyenne, WY 82002		 307-777-3681 http://www.cosmetology.stat
       

Chart Cosmetology Licensing Requirements By State

State Cosmetologist Barber Esthetician Nail Tech. Electrologist Instructor
Alabama 1500 hours 1000 hours 1500 hours 750 hours – 1500 hours
Alaska 1650 hours 1650 hours 350 hours 250 hours – 600 hours
Arizona 1600 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 400 hours – 500-650 hours
Arkansas 1500 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 600 hours – 600 hours
California 1600 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 400 hours 600 hours –
Colorado 1800 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 600 hours – –
Connecticut 1500 hours 1000 hours – – 600 hours –
Delaware 1500 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 300 hours 300 hours 250-500 hours
District of Columbia 1500 hours – 125 hours 350 hours – –
Florida 1200 hours 1200 hours 260 hours 240 hours 320 hours –
Georgia 1500 hours 1140-1500 hours 1000 hours 525 hours – 500-1000 hours
Hawaii 1800 hours 1500 hours 550 hours 350 hours – 600 hours
Idaho 2000 hours 900-1800 hours 600 hours 400 hours 500 hours Varies
Illinois 1500 hours 1500 hours 750 hours 350 hours 600 hours 500-1000 hours
Indiana 1500 hours 1500 hours 700 hours 450 hours 300 hours 1000 hours
Iowa 2100 hours 2100 hours 600 hours 325 hours – 1000 hours
Kansas 1500 hours 1500 hours 1000 hours 350 hours 500 hours 300-450 hours
Kentucky 1800 hours 1500 hours 1000 hours 600 hours – 1000 hours
Louisiana 1500 hours 1500 hours 750 hours 500 hours 600 hours 500 hours
Maine 1500 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 200 hours 600 hours 1000-1500 hours
Maryland 1500 hours 1200 hours 600 hours 250 hours 600 hours –
Massachusetts 1000 hours 1000 hours 300 hours 100 hours 1100 hours –
Michigan 1500 hours 1800 hours 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours 300-500 hours
Minnesota 1550 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 350 hours – 2700 hours
Mississippi 1500 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 350 hours – 750-2000 hours
Missouri 1500 hours 1000 hours 750 hours 400 hours – 300-600 hours
Montana 2000 hours 1000-1500 hours 650 hours 400 hours 600 hours 650-1300 hours
Nebraska 2100 hours 2100 hours 600 hours 300 hours 600 hours 925 hours
Nevada 1600 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 500 hours 500 hours 500-1000 hours
New Hampshire 1500 hours 800-1500 hours 600 hours 300 hours 1100 hours 500-800 hours
New Jersey 1200 hours – 600 hours 300 hours 600 hours 500 hours
New Mexico 1600 hours 1200 hours 600 hours 350 hours 600 hours 1000 hours
New York 1000 hours Varies 600 hours 250 hours – 2000 hours
North Carolina 1200-1500 hours 1528 hours 600 hours 300 hours 600 hours 320-800 hours
North Dakota 1800 hours 1550 hours 600 hours 350 hours 600 hours 160-960 hours
Ohio 1500 hours 1800 hours 600 hours 200 hours 600 hours 1000-1800 hours
Oklahoma 1500 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 600 hours 600 hours 300-1000 hours
Oregon 1700 hours 1100 hours 500 hours 600 hours 600 hours 2000 hours
Pennsylvania 1250 hours 1250 hours 300 hours 200 hours – 500 hours
Rhode Island 1500 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 300 hours 650 hours 300 hours
South Carolina 1500 hours – 450 hours 300 hours – 45-750 hours
South Dakota 2100 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 400 hours – 1012 hours
Tennessee 1500 hours 1500 hours 750 hours 600 hours 600 hours 300 hours
Texas 1500 hours 1500 hours 750 hours 600 hours – 500-750 hours
Utah 1600 hours 1000-1500 hours 600 hours 300 hours 600 hours 400-3000 hours
Vermont 1500 hours 1000-2000 hours 300 hours 150 hours – 3000 hours
Virginia 1500 hours 1500 hours 600 hours 150 hours – –
Washington 1600 hours 1000 hours 600 hours 600 hours – 500 hours
West Virginia 1800 hours 1200-1500 hours 750 hours 400 hours – 5000 hours
Wisconsin 1550 hours 1000 hours 450 hours 300 hours 450 hours 150-2000 hours
Wyoming 1600 hours 1000-1250 hours 600 hours 400 hours –  

Continuing Education Requirements By State

  • If the State is not listed, there currently is no requirement
State Continuing Education Requirement
Alabama Required for masters and instructors
Arkansas Required for instructors only
Florida Required every 2 years
Georgia Required every 2 years
Illinois Required every 2 years
Iowa Required every 2 years
Kansas Required for instructors only
Kentucky Required yearly
Louisiana Required every 2 years
Maine Required for instructors only
Minnesota Required for instructors only
Mississippi Required for instructors only
Missouri Required for instructors only
Montana Required for instructors only
Nebraska Required every 2 years
Nevada Required for instructors only
New Hampshire Required for instructors only
New Mexico Required for instructors only
New York Not required
North Carolina Required yearly
North Dakota Required for instructors only
Ohio Required every 2 years
South Carolina Required yearly
Tennessee Required for instructors only
Texas Required before license expiration
Vermont Required for instructors only

Conclusion

In conclusion, the path to becoming a licensed cosmetologist involves a series of steps, from meeting eligibility criteria to completing formal education, passing the licensing exam, and participating in continuing education. Understanding your state’s specific requirements and regulations is crucial to ensure a smooth journey toward a successful career in cosmetology.

 

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