Beauty license unlimited

Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. Kimberly Kirchmeyer. California State Website Template Version 5. Welcome to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Board protects consumers by licensing and regulating the state's barbering and beauty industry. Our Mission To ensure the health and safety of California consumers by promoting ethical standards and by enforcing the laws of the barbering and beauty industry.

File a Complaint. License Search. Manage Your License. A comprehensive educational program in cosmetology prepares you to become a licensed cosmetologist which, for most states, allows you to practice all aspects of hairstyling, including cutting, coloring, and chemically straightening or curling, as well as skincare and nail care. A comprehensive program in barbering prepares you to become a licensed barber which, for most states, means that you can perform all aspects of hair styling and haircare, as well as skincare and facial hair care.

A few states offer dual-level licensing for some salon professionals, as well. For example, New Hampshire recognizes and licenses both barbers and master barbers, with master barbers licensed to perform chemical procedures. The majority of states require a program of barbering or cosmetology that consists of between 1, and 1, hours. For example, New York requires cosmetologists to complete a program of at least 1, hours, while Ohio requires the completion of a program of at least 1, hours.

A few states, like Nebraska at 2, hours, require the completion of a much longer program of cosmetology or barbering. Some states also allow for the completion of an apprenticeship in lieu of a formal educational program. For example, in Delaware, you may complete an approved program of at least 1, hours or an apprenticeship of at least 3, hours.

Cosmetology specialty licenses, such as esthetician or nail technician licenses, require significantly shorter educational programs for licensure, as these programs are focused on the specific beauty specialty.

For example, if you live in California and want to become an esthetician, you must complete an esthetician program of at least hours, while you must complete an esthetics program of at least 1, hours if you want to become an esthetician in Alabama.

In addition to the completion of an educational program or apprenticeship approved by your state board of cosmetology and barbering, you must also meet board examination requirements to earn licensure in the state where you practice. After completing the required education or training for licensure but before qualifying to take the state examinations for your beauty specialty, you must apply for licensure as to allow your state board of cosmetology to review your qualifications and determine if you are eligible to take the required examinations and earn licensure.

Although qualifications for a beautician license vary by state, generally you must possess a high school diploma or GED and be at least 16 years old, although some states, like Washington D. State licensing examinations usually consist of both a written and practical test, both of which are designed to assess your knowledge and skills of the beauty profession for which you are applying.

While some states have developed their own state examinations, many utilize the national examinations developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology NIC. Once you have successfully passed the required examinations for licensure, your state board of cosmetology and barbering will then issue you a beauty license to begin your salon profession.

License renewal for salon professionals usually occurs on a biennial or annual basis following the completion of a renewal application and payment of a renewal fee. Very few states require continuing education for salon professionals, although many beauticians nevertheless routinely pursue continuing education as to stay current in the industry, receive advanced training to explore specialty cosmetology practices, and learn more about business management, marketing, and salon ownership.