The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates a number of businesses and professions by issuing licenses and ensuring compliance with professional standards and laws.  The DOL regulates and issues licenses to qualified applicants to engage in the commercial practices of cosmetology, hair design, barbering, esthetics, or manicuring.  Cosmetology relates to the care of:  (1) hair on the scalp, face and neck; (2) nails on the hands and feet; and (3) the skin.  Barbering, manicuring, and esthetics concern a narrower range of functions within the practice of cosmetology.

Persons pursuing a cosmetology license must:

• be at least 17 years of age;
• either:  (1) graduate from a DOL-approved and licensed school with the minimum required state hours; or (2) complete a state-approved apprenticeship training program with the minimum required state hours; and
• pass the state-approved practical and written examinations.

After completing the required coursework, applicants seeking licensure may take their final examinations.

The director may permit an applicant for a cosmetology, hair designer, barber, manicurist, or esthetician license to register for or take their final examination before completing their instruction if within 100 hours of completion, but the applicant must complete their instruction hours before licensure.