Every state has different requirements for cosmetologists. Nearly all states require applicants to be of a certain age (generally, 16 or 18), have finished at least 10th grade in high school, and have completed a minimum number of hours in a professional training program.
Most programs – including cosmetology, esthetician, and nail technology – offer a certificate of completion. The curriculum typically will include a minimum number of hours in classroom instruction and hands-on practice, as well as time in an apprentice-type setting practicing skills on actual clients.
Students must become familiar with their state's requirements for licensure and ensure the program they select meets the requirements for licensure. Once a student completes a program and are eligible for licensure, they must take a state exam.
Requirements vary state-to-state. The California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, for example, requires cosmetology license applicants to have completed 1,600 hours of instruction, manicurists to have 400 hours, and estheticians to have 600 hours. The Nevada State Board of Cosmetology requires 1,800 hours in a cosmetology program, 500 in a nail program, and 600 for an esthetician.
Cosmetologists must also be aware of continuing education requirements in their state. The Florida Board of Cosmetology, for example, requires cosmetologists to complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years. Continuing education is vital in this field as technology and standards of safety and hygiene are always changing.
Links to state boards of cosmetology:
- Alabama Board of Cosmetology
- Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
- Arizona Board of Cosmetology
- Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology
- California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Colorado Office of Barbering and Cosmetologist Licensing
- Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians
- Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
- Florida Board of Cosmetology
- Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
- Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Idaho State Board of Cosmetology
- Iowa Board of Cosmetology Examiners
- Illinois Division of Professional Regulation
- Indiana State Board of Cosmetology
- Kansas Board of Cosmetology
- Maine Office of Licensing & Registration
- Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists
- Massachusetts Board of Registered Cosmetologists
- Michigan State Board of Cosmetology
- Minnesota Department of Commerce
- Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology
- Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Nebraska State Board of Cosmetology Examiners
- Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
- New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics
- New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
- New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
- New York State Licensing
- North Carolina Board of Cosmetology
- Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
- State of Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology
- Oregon Health Licensing Office
- Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
- South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
- Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing and Barbering
- Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology
- Texas Cosmetology Commission
- South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
- Utah Cosmetology Board
- Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
- Washington Department of Licensing
- West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing
