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:
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:
- Written Examination: This section assesses your theoretical knowledge of cosmetology practices, including safety procedures, sanitation, and relevant laws and regulations.
- 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!
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.